Former Tennessee QB Joshua Dobbs leads Cardinals to win vs. Cowboys' top-ranked defense

Former Tennessee football quarterback Joshua Dobbs was acquired by the Arizona Cardinals via trade on Aug. 24. Thirty-two days later, he led his team over the previously undefeated Dallas Cowboys, who entered Sunday's game boasting the the NFL’s top defense.

Dobbs, serving as the replacement to injured franchise quarterback Kyler Murray, has been a more-than-capable signal caller in Murray’s absence. Entering the game, Dallas had allowed only 10 points on the season and boasted the second-most interceptions (five) and the fourth-most sacks (10) in the league. But the Dobbs-led Cardinals, a team picked by most to finish near the bottom of the NFL standings, scored a 28-16 victory over Dallas at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

The Cowboys managed to pull within five points of Arizona midway through the fourth quarter, but Dobbs responded to the pressure with a with a 2-yard touchdown pass to receiver Marquise Brown to extend Arizona’s lead to 12.

Here's what you need to know about the 28-year-old former Vol and how he played against Dallas:

More: See Josh Dobbs share touching moment with Cardinals cheerleader over Alopecia experiences

Joshua Dobbs stats vs. Cowboys

• Passing: 17 of 21 for 189 yards, one touchdown

• Rushing: Six rushes for 55 yards (9.2 yards per carry)

Dobbs was efficient as a a passer vs. the Cowboys defense, completing 17 of 21 passes (81 percent) for a modest 189 yards and a score. He also showcased his rushing ability, adding 55 rushing yards on just six carries. He averaged 9.2 yards per carry against the Micah Parson-led defense, while only taking two sacks for minus-11 yards on they day.

Joshua Dobbs highlights vs. Cowboys

It didn't take long for Dobbs to show off his play-making ability vs. the Cowboys. His second play from scrimmage was a 44-yard rush up the left sideline:

He also showcased his ability to perform under pressure, holding off a Cowboys comeback attempt by connecting with Marquise Brown for a 2-yard touchdown midway through the fourth quarter:

When did Joshua Dobbs join the Arizona Cardinals?

On Saturday, Dobbs posted a video to TikTok explaining how he was trying to buy his jersey for his family to wear. However, he’s still so new to the franchise that the team store didn’t have an option to buy his jersey. In fact, he wasn’t even listed on the roster to make a custom jersey.

"Your boy is nowhere to be found," Dobbs said in the video with a laugh. "You got all the numbers, and no number nine. Like, yo, I know I just got here but at least have the custom jersey ready for me."

What did Joshua Dobbs say after the game?

• "My first start was against the Cowboys, so a little full-circle moment," Dobbs said postgame on the Fox broadcast. "It's been a long time to get to right here, but I'm just proud of the team, the way we fight, the way we finished in the fourth quarter."

• "The last 12 months, how crazy it's all been," Dobbs told reporters postgame. "Just my NFL football career, like being in Cleveland, thinking you're there for the year, then having to better yourself to hope something happens where you get an opportunity to play. Then going to Tennessee, going and playing. Not getting the victories but playing solid enough to get another opportunity. It was a tremendous full-circle moment because it felt like yesterday, I was getting ready for my first career start on Thursday night against the Dallas Cowboys."

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Former Tennessee QB Joshua Dobbs leads Cardinals to win vs. Cowboys