Coach questions for the Vikings A blow from Kareem Jackson to Josh Dobbs
Josh Dobbs, the quarterback for the Vikings, lost a fumble in the first quarter on a dubious hit by Denver Broncos defender Kareem Jackson on Sunday night. This play was a crucial turning point in Minnesota’s eventual 21-20 loss.
As Jackson played in his first game back after serving a two-game suspension for similar hits, Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell, who was watching in real time from the sidelines, expressed his belief that Jackson should have been given a penalty after lowering his head and slamming the top of his helmet into Dobbs’ chest and face mask.
After noticing the impact, one of the NFL’s health and safety spotters sent Dobbs for a concussion evaluation, which he passed. However, the fumble was recovered by the Broncos at the Vikings’ 30-yard line, and Wil Lutz eventually converted it into a 31-yard field goal.
When asked if he believed Jackson deserved to have been flagged, O’Connell responded, “It felt like that on the pitch.” I’ll need to examine it again later. Although things tend to move quickly in the field, the manner in which he came from the second level made it appear like a very straightforward helmet-to-helmet hit at the time. On the play, though, I’m sure [officials] perceived it differently. There, they are officiating a quick play.”
In reality, Dobbs was running back on the play; to try to convert a third-and-one, Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson lined up under centre and threw the ball to Dobbs. In other words, Dobbs did not deserve the pocket protection given to quarterbacks.
However, NFL players are also not allowed to stoop down and make violent contact with their opponents with their helmets; this is a regulation that is sometimes overlooked since it is hard for referees to observe. However, warning letters, penalties, and occasionally suspensions are the usual outcomes of such strikes.
Following his hit on Green Bay Packers tight end Luke Musgrave in Week 7, while he was without a defence, Jackson received a three-game suspension, which was later reduced to two on appeal.
Jackson has been suspended in addition to receiving four fines and two game-day ejections this season.
After the collision, Dobbs said he “felt OK,” which is why he passed the concussion test. He then referred questions about Jackson’s punishment to O’Connell.
Dobbs remarked, “I haven’t gotten a chance to see it.” “I’ll give that some thought. I have to tend to the football. On a third-and-1, I’m attempting to move the sticks, create a play, get the first down, and keep the ball in the end zone. When it comes to officiating, I’ll let the coaches and everyone else work things out. But in the end, I have to handle the football in that circumstance, especially to get the game underway.”
Running back Alexander Mattison’s fumble and Dobbs’ interception were two of the three turnovers made by the Vikings. These errors cost the Broncos nine points, or over half of their total for the game.
