Inside The Vikings

Watch: Josh Dobbs Scores Highlight-Reel TD in First Vikings Start

Dobbs had a truly incredible first half in his U.S. Bank Stadium debut against the Saints.

Will Ragatz

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That first half couldn't have gone much better for Josh Dobbs, who is making his U.S. Bank Stadium debut and his first start as the Vikings' quarterback.

Dobbs was nearly flawless in the opening 30 minutes against a top-ten defense in the NFL, throwing for 220 yards and a touchdown and rushing for 40 yards and another score. He helped lead the Vikings to 297 total yards, 17 first downs, and a 24-3 lead over the Saints in the first half. Kevin O'Connell was in his bag as a play-caller and Dobbs did the rest.

The Vikings' new starting quarterback made plays with both his legs and his arm all half long. He has remarkable pocket awareness, moving around to avoid pass rushers while keeping his eyes downfield. His ability to extend plays often leads to receivers coming open downfield for completions. But if no one is open, he also knows when to tuck it and run himself, using his speed and acceleration to pick up chunk gains on the ground.

One of several highly-impressive plays from Dobbs in the first half was his 7-yard rushing touchdown to extend the lead to 17-3. He looked downfield, surveyed his options, spun around, and evaded a would-be tackler for the score.

Later in the second quarter, Dobbs hit Hockenson for a 28-yard score to extend the lead even further. Hockenson already has 10 catches for 128 yards and a TD at halftime. Jordan Addison and Ty Chandler have also combined for 100 yards and a touchdown, the first of Chandler's career.

There's another half to play, but what a start for the Vikings. Follow along with live updates here.

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Will Ragatz
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