Steelers quarterback, Joshua Dobbs, has shown that he is capable of many things. Here’s why fans shouldn’t sleep on the backup quarterback.
With Ben Roethlisberger’s recent contract extension this offseason and buzz surrounding Mason Rudolph, it’s easy to see why Steelers quarterback, Josh Dobbs, can get lost in the shuffle. But should he?
If Dobbs has shown us one thing, it’s that he is capable of many things.
It’s no secret at this point that Josh Dobbs has a degree in aerospace engineering. However, to complete this challenging major while being a starting quarterback in the SEC is something we only see in movies.
While his combination of off-field smarts and on-field gifts are extremely rare, what fans really care about is whether or not he can play football.
As a senior at Tennessee, Dobbs finished the college football season with 40 total touchdowns and 12 interceptions en route to a 9-4 record. The Southeastern Conference is known for having one of the best football programs in the nation, and Dobbs competed week in and week out.
Besides a talented arm in the passing game, Dobbs displayed an impressive set of wheels. He finished his college career with over 2,000 rushing yards and 32 touchdowns on 4.9 yards per carry.
These traits stayed with him in his transition to the NFL. Though he struggled in preseason action as a rookie, Dobbs made major strides last year. In his second preseason, Josh Dobbs was impressive. His 112.0 passer rating was the 6th best among quarterbacks with at least 20 throws.
Dobbs finished the preseason in a big way by averaging 12.6 yards per pass attempt and punching in 2 total touchdowns. His 137.5 passer rating in a 39-24 win over the Panthers was the best he had seen in in first two preseasons, as he began to turn heads.
In the regular season, Josh Dobbs was forced to step in for a play against the Ravens. Backed into his own endzone, he threw a 22-yard strike for a first down.
While Dobbs admittedly struggled against the Raiders when Ben went down last season, he has shown more than enough reason for hope. It’s not uncommon to see writers talking up second-year quarterback, Mason Rudolph, but it is important to remember the monumental growth we have seen in Joshua Dobbs.
In my conversations with him, I will say this: you will never meet a more likable player than Josh Dobbs. He has an exuberant personality, and a genuine care for people that is evident for all to see.
Josh Dobbs has shown the world that he is capable of many great things. NFL competition is simply another challenge that he is excited to face. With everything he has shown he can do, how could we sleep on Steelers quarterback, Josh Dobbs?