Dobbs puts on show, but it’s likely to be his final one as a Steelers QB
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
If that was Josh Dobbs’ final game with the Steelers, it was certainly a grand exit.
In most instances, the way Dobbs performed in a 39-24 victory Thursday night against the Carolina Panthers would secure a player’s position on the team. It also would give rise to the possibility, given his progress in the preseason, he could be a solid backup in the NFL.
But, in this instance, it would appear Dobbs’ showing for most of the first half against the Panthers was a farewell performance.
“I just let it all shape out,” Dobbs said. “God has a plan. I’m not too concerned, I’m not too worried. I don’t lose too much sleep at night because I know every time I wake up I go 100 percent, I leave it all out there. I think it shows in my play.”
It certainly did against the Panthers. Dobbs completed 8 of 12 passes for 151 yards and one touchdown and ran 3 yards for another before exiting with just over four minutes remaining in the second quarter. He had completions of 36 yards to tight end Bucky Hodges and 46 yards to Justin Hunter to set up each of the first two touchdowns. His passer rating was 137.5.
What’s more, he showed no fear when he stayed in the pocket, taking hard hits as he released the ball on at least two occasions. And he said he will not fear the next 24 hours that will decide his fate.
“I don’t really get too nervous, I don’t play that
game,” Dobbs said. “I know it’s a stressful time. I’ll just let it play out. I feel like I played well. I played strong. I made plays since I’ve been out there. It will all work itself out. Hopefully, I’m still wearing black and gold as well.”
Granted, it is possible the Steelers could decide to keep four quarterbacks on their 53-man roster. But that’s about as likely as them keeping two punters.
Coach Mike Tomlin noted the other day that more NFL teams keep two quarterbacks than four. The Steelers, safe to say, always keep more than two but no more than three.
And that might be too bad for Dobbs, a fourth-round pick in 2017.
“I love Pittsburgh,” he said. “This is the place you got drafted. It’s very sentimental. I love the year I had here. I call it home. When I go back to Atlanta, I’m like, hey, I just want to go back to my apartment in Pittsburgh.”
The Steelers will go into the regular season with Landry Jones as the top backup to Ben Roethlisberger. And rookie Mason Rudolph, their third-round pick, will be the third quarterback. Rudolph passed for 102 yards and two more touchdowns against the Panthers.
It’s possible the Steelers could try to put Dobbs on the practice squad, but sneaking him through waivers would be like trying to slide a soup bone past a pit bull. Not after the way he performed in the preseason, completing 29 of 43 passes (67.4 percent) for 434 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions. His passer rating was 111.96.
Not only that, the Steelers don’t keep four throwing arms around in the regular season because they just don’t need an extra arm in practice, unless there is an injury.
“It’s night and day from this season to last season, just total command and understanding of the offense and being able to go out and make plays,” Dobbs said. “I felt throughout the preseason I was able to make plays when given that opportunity and show that command. I think it shows in the play and how the offense was able to move up and down the field.”
If the Steelers found a way to keep Dobbs, it would benefit them in the long run.
Jones is a free agent after the season, and it is a good possibility he will pursue an offer with another team where he would be the No. 2 quarterback. Rudolph, in all likelihood, will assume that role with the Steelers in 2019.
That way, Dobbs could be the No. 3 quarterback and the Steelers wouldn’t need to draft another quarterback or sign one in free agency.
The best-case scenario is the Steelers try to work a trade for Dobbs, maybe get a low-round draft choice in return. Based on his performance against the Panthers, the Steelers might find a taker or two.
“I think so, but that will all play itself out,” Dobbs said. “I don’t know what the future holds. That’s how it is, that’s the business we’re in. You can’t worry about those types of things. You can’t control them. You have to block them out of your mind and focus on the task at hand.”