During the previous season, there were moments when Russell Wilson seemed hopeless.
Even though he was only 35 years old, it appeared as though his days as a top quarterback were coming to an end. It was acceptable to question whether Wilson was still an NFL starting quarterback in some games. Wilson’s contract extension and the Denver Broncos’ trade for him appeared to be a disastrous move.
Now, no one is making fun of Wilson. Although he may not be in the same physical shape as when he was nearly always selected to the Pro Bowl when playing for the Seattle Seahawks, he is experiencing an incredible comeback under Sean Payton’s tutelage.
With little over a minute remaining, Wilson led a decisive drive over the Minnesota Vikings and connected with Courtland Sutton for the game-winning 15-yard touchdown throw. After that, the Broncos won 21–20, their fourth straight victory. During that run, they have defeated elite teams like the Buffalo Bills, Vikings, and Kansas City Chiefs. At 5-5, they are back to.500 and in the running for the postseason.
Wilson has returned. Before Sunday night, he was enjoying a strong season—especially in comparison to many of the struggling quarterbacks in the NFL. The Broncos believed they would get precisely what they were getting with Wilson, and that was Sunday night’s two-minute drive.
For much of the match, the Vikings led.
The primary factor in the Vikings’ lead after three quarters was Joshua Dobbs.
He made a great play in the second quarter, dodging a sack close to the sideline, staying on his feet, and reaching Josh Oliver for a 3-yard score.
In the third quarter, Dobbs had another significant third-down play. Dobbs tucked it and took off on third-and-eight as he had no passers available to him. The Vikings led 17–9 after he scored a touchdown that was 10 yards long. Additionally, that moved Dobbs one step closer to writing some history.
Since 1930, only two players have led multiple teams in rushing TD in the same season:
— NFL Research (@NFLResearch) November 20, 2023
• Joshua Dobbs with the Cardinals and Vikings in 2023 (through Week 11)
• Herschel Walker with the Cowboys and Vikings in 1989 #Skol @Vikings @nfl @OptaSTATS
It was a close game with solid defense work from both sides. Through three quarters, Dobbs’s two well-timed big plays were the difference. The Arizona Cards and Cleveland Browns had previously traded Dobbs to them in the previous three months, but the Vikings appear to have found a capable substitute for Kirk Cousins, who is sidelined for the season due to an Achilles tear. Considering how many NFL teams are having quarterback struggles this season, that is quite the coup.
Dobbs was ultimately unable to outduel Wilson, though.
Broncos manage to win
During the fourth quarter, Dobbs made a critical error. Ja’Quan McMillian intercepted the fluttering pass and returned it to the Vikings’ 9-yard line after he was hit as he attempted to throw. The Broncos missed a wonderful chance to grab the lead as they trailed, 17–12. However, the Viking defense held once more. A unusual offensive face mask penalty on receiver Marvin Mims Jr. as he attempted to gain additional yards aided. The Vikings were still ahead by two when the Broncos scored another field goal.
And then Minnesota’s special teams produced a tremendous play. Ty Chandler rushed for 31 yards as the Vikings faked a punt at the perfect moment.
By continuing to use time off the clock on a fourth-down quarterback sneak, the Vikings were able to sustain that drive. With 3:17 remaining, the 7:20 drive culminated with a field goal.
Wilson, who has excelled in the fourth quarter of games throughout his career, had enough time. When the game was on the line, the Broncos ventured deep into Vikings territory. Wilson connected with Samaje Perine on a crucial third-down and Sutton on a crucial fourth-down ball. Wilson reached Sutton in the end zones with 1:03 remaining to set up a spectacular leaping touchdown. Broncos had a 21–20 lead. A pass intended for Javonte Williams on a two-point conversion was intercepted, denying the Vikings a field goal opportunity to win.
Dobbs got a moment to respond. On a third-down run, he was just short of the sticks, but on a quarterback sneak, he gained the first down. The Broncos’ pass attack took over after that. Denver gained another victory as they forced a turnover on downs.
Wilson’s detractors have been numerous. After the last few games, they’ve become almost silent.