What Josh Dobbs starting says about the Titans and Malik Willis

As first speculated by Buck Reising of AtoZ Sports and first reported by Justin Melo of Broadway Sports Media, the Tennessee Titans are expected to start Josh Dobbs at quarterback tonight in place of rookie Malik Willis.

I think there's a real chance Josh Dobbs starts for the #Titans tonight https://t.co/m3igpYS0pp

— Buck Reising (@BuckReising) December 29, 2022

The #Titans are expected to start QB Josh Dobbs tonight, per source.

A former @Vol_Football legend, Dobbs replaces Malik Willis against the Cowboys tonight.

— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) December 29, 2022

Dobbs, a former Tennessee Volunteer, began his homecoming when he was signed by the Titans off of the Detroit Lions’ practice squad last week. He began the 2022 season with the Cleveland Browns, where he shined in his opportunities, but was waived upon Deshaun Watson‘s return.

In three 2022 preseason games, Dobbs was 35/53 for 338 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions, while adding 57 yards and one touchdown rushing.

They tried to take his jersey but @josh_dobbs1 said NOT TODAY.

????: #PHIvsCLE on @NFLNetwork (check local listings)????: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/GH49hZ3d4L pic.twitter.com/DZGr9nIAT7

— NFL (@NFL) August 21, 2022

So what does turning to Dobbs against Dallas say about the Titans and Malik Willis?

For starters, this does not mean the Titans are giving up on Willis or do not believe in him moving forward. If anything, I’d say this is more Tennessee’s way of protecting Willis while also getting and feel of what Dobbs can bring to the table.

With a laundry list of players expected to miss tonight’s game to recover from injury, an already depleted Titans roster is going to be even uglier. The Titans may not think it is possible to accurately assess Willis’ progress when he’s not surrounded by starting caliber talent. They also may not believe that these are truly formative reps that will help his development given the circumstances.

If things are beginning to look grim for Ryan Tannehill and Week 18, it would make sense that the Titans are not wanting to risk Willis getting injured before the big game. Taking snaps against this Cowboys pass rush with a banged up offensive line is a big risk.

As for Dobbs, giving him an opportunity to show what he can do in game action couldn’t hurt. As referenced earlier, Dobbs has shined on occasion during the preseason, but never been given much opportunity to play in regular season action. There are not many bigger stages to prove yourself than primetime against the Dallas Cowboys.

The Titans’ goal is clear. They are playing for Week 18 and playing for the AFC South title. Everything they do is to better their chances of winning in Jacksonville and going to the playoffs. If that means Dobbs is the best option for the offense next week, then so be it, but you have to see how he responds to in-game opportunity first.

Unless Mike Vrabel says otherwise, Titans fans shouldn’t read too much into this one. This is a team taking out another health insurance policy and starting a free trial on a new subscription service.

If Dobbs lights it up, then we’ll talk about who’s best for the team. Until then, Malik Willis is the guy and fans can enjoy the ride of a former Vol putting on the two-tone blue in primetime

Image via Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com-USA TODAY NETWORK