ALLEN PARK, Mich. – Detroit Lions quarterback Joshua Dobbs is looking forward to his first preseason start with the team, saying Saturday’s game will be another opportunity to get comfortable in a new offense and compete for a roster spot.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell said Dobbs will start against Washington, with rookie Luke Altmyer also expected to receive an equal number of snaps.
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Jared Goff is not expected to play.
“Anytime you get an opportunity to start, and play is always a dream and a joy,” Dobbs said. “So, I’m excited to go out there, compete.”
Dobbs joined the Lions less than two weeks ago and said he has enjoyed the process of getting to know his new teammates and learning offensive coordinator Drew Petzing’s system.
“It’s been good getting a chance to get to know everyone, learn the offense, get up to speed,” Dobbs said.
Dobbs played in the Lions’ first preseason game, getting two opportunities on offense that resulted in scoring drives.
With more preparation time before Saturday’s game, he said he feels more comfortable.
The first preseason game came after only a couple of days with the team. This time, Dobbs has had roughly nine days to prepare.
“I definitely feel more comfortable,” Dobbs said. “But still getting up to speed.”
The Passtronaut
Known as “The Passtronaut,” Dobbs has become one of the league’s most recognizable quarterbacks, in part because of his aerospace engineering background and his ability to learn new offenses quickly.
The nickname has followed Dobbs through a career that has included stops with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Tennessee Titans, Arizona Cardinals, Minnesota Vikings, San Francisco 49ers, and New England Patriots.
Now, as he competes for a roster spot with the Lions, Dobbs is once again being asked to absorb a new system on short notice.
Dobbs focused on execution
Dobbs said he does not have a specific statistical benchmark for Saturday’s game.
Instead, he wants to operate the offense cleanly, execute plays and take advantage of each opportunity.
“Guys are competing for jobs, guys are competing for opportunities, guys are competing for bigger roles,” Dobbs said. “Every time you step on the field is to go out and execute and play at a high level.”
Dobbs has spent much of his career competing for opportunities and said his approach remains the same regardless of whether he is playing in a preseason game or practicing.
“My goal is to be myself,” Dobbs said. “Go out, execute the offense, get out of the huddle and perform at a high level.”
The veteran quarterback acknowledged that he is also competing for a roster spot, but said he is focused on controlling what he can.
“Any opportunity to play football is a joy and a blessing,” Dobbs said. “I’m going to enjoy it, but make the most of it at the same time.”
Dobbs enjoying Lions quarterback room
Dobbs said the Lions have a quarterback room with considerable experience, including Goff and others.
He also said he has enjoyed working alongside Goff, whom he has known since they were in the same high school class.
“This is the first time me and JG were in the same high school class,” Dobbs said. “So, we’ve known each other for a while.”
Dobbs said the experience in the quarterback room has helped him learn the offense, while rookie Altmyer has impressed him with his ability to absorb information.
“He’s been good, man,” Dobbs said of Altmyer. “I’ve been impressed.”
Dobbs said Altmyer has responded well to adversity, made plays when opportunities have been available, and done a good job getting in and out of the huddle.
For his part, Dobbs said he tries to be a resource for the rookie while acknowledging that he is still learning the offense himself.
“I’m no expert in this offense,” Dobbs said. “I know I’ve played football, but I’m not an expert here yet.”
Familiarity with Drew Petzing’s offense
Dobbs has previous experience in an offense coordinated by Petzing, but he cautioned that his time with the Lions has been limited.
“I would say a few weeks is probably a stretch at this point,” Dobbs said. “It’s been nine days.”
Still, Dobbs said the Lions’ offense has similarities to systems he has previously worked in, while noting the personnel and scheme are different.
Petzing has adjusted the offense to fit the players on the Lions’ roster, Dobbs said.
“The team’s built differently,” Dobbs said. “So, you’re going to build your offense around these guys and their skill set.”
Dobbs said he has enjoyed watching Detroit’s offensive weapons and seeing how Petzing uses them to maximize their abilities.
“We obviously have some great weapons, like the best players in the league,” Dobbs said.
Taking the preseason day by day
With the regular season approaching, Dobbs said he is not looking too far ahead.
Instead, he plans to focus on the playbook, what he can control, and making the most of every practice repetition.
“Take it day by day,” Dobbs said. “Don’t look ahead. Just take it day by day and focus on the playbook, what you can control, and maximizing every rep.”