Cardinals QB Josh Dobbs Ready to Shine in New Opportunity

TEMPE -- Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Dobbs is sure glad to be here.

Outside of the opportunity to start for the team in Week 1, he's a fan of the sunshine.

"Glad to be here - good to be in the sun," Dobbs joked with reporters. "It was nice and hot at practice which was fun getting acclimated and getting out here for the first time practicing with the guys. I've really enjoyed being out here in Arizona and enjoy playing the game."

The Dobbs-Arizona connection goes way back to when he was in high school, where he initially committed to Arizona State but flipped to Tennessee the day before National Signing Day.

Dobbs joked that it all comes full circle and said that both schools have tremendous aerospace engineering programs, which is what Dobbs majored in during his time in college.

Things nearly came full circle this past offseason when Dobbs was a free agent. The Cardinals themselves recently admitted they expressed interest but were unable to land Dobbs, who ultimately chose the Cleveland Browns on a one-year, $2 million deal.

Last week, Arizona cut ties with veteran quarterback Colt McCoy and traded a fifth-round pick for Dobbs, who is now competing for the starting role in Arizona with rookie Clayton Tune until Kyler Murray returns from rehabbing his torn ACL.

"I definitely was [close]. It was between Cleveland and here really, and having the familiarity in Cleveland may have tipped the scale a little bit in that decision but I was still really excited about the opportunity to come to Arizona," said Dobbs on nearly joining the Cardinals.

Familiarity is a big reason why the Cardinals brought the 28-year-old quarterback in, and also a big reason why he is a favorite to win the starting job. Dobbs has prior experience with both offensive coordinator Drew Petzing and quarterbacks coach Israel Woolfork thanks to their time together with the Browns.

"There's similar schemes to Cleveland knowing Drew and Izzy came from there but every coach has their own nuances and spins that they like to put on the playbook as well as combining stuff that has been here and stuff that the players here have done well for a long time," Dobbs said.

"So even though it might be similar terminology, every playbook has its own different spin to it. Especially coming in at the QB position, whenever you're out there you have to run the show, right? In and out of the huddle, at the line of scrimmage, communication with all the guys and so that looks different when different guys are in there. Just getting up to speed as quickly as possible, that's what I've been diving into not only on the field but in my free time, and I'm enjoying it.

"It gives me a running start from what I shared, that there are a lot of similarities and crossover in the offense. I will say there's a ton of differences as well. But I will say the familiarity with the coach, I spent a lot of time with Drew last year as he was my QB coach in Cleveland. Coming into the offense, learning that offense from him and now coming here and getting his own spin and variation is very unique, especially with the relationship that we had.

"So it's good to have that relationship. Especially quarterback to play-caller, right? Understanding why he's calling plays. Why he's installing plays, what variation he's put on the offensive and why he's doing that. It makes it as smooth of a transition as it can be, but there always are different bumps in the road that you have to manage and navigate."

While trying to win a quarterback battle and catching himself up to speed on everything football related, Dobbs also has to juggle other tasks ranging from getting his belongings moved from Cleveland to simple questions such as what he'll have for dinner tonight.

But the new quarterback has done a great job in his short time in the desert. Jonathan Gannon said he felt Dobbs was very prepared when speaking with reporters, and Dobbs himself says one of his top priorities is to get to know names and faces as quickly as possible.

Yet the clock stops for nobody, and the Cardinals traded for Dobbs because they believe he can help win football games here in the desert. There's outside expectations that when Arizona trots on the field for their season opener, Dobbs will be the guy.

He says those expectations already exist within himself.

"I will say for myself, every time I step in the building I put starting expectations on myself. I know the QB situation is gonna play out however the coaches see fit. But for me I come in ready to compete every single day. I push myself but also approach the room in that way and so I'm excited to be a part of it and be a part of the team," Dobbs said.

"So It's been a journey and I've learned a lot about myself. I learned a ton of football. But I also learned the ultimate level of patience and everything I've been harping on. You really just have to buy into embracing the journey and taking it one day at a time. You never know how quickly your opportunities might change. You never know when that opportunity you've been preparing so hard for might come. But you'd be remiss if you weren't ready for it.

"I think so many times people will look ahead to those opportunities and forget to focus on the process and the journey and the work that it takes to prepare for those opportunities. And that's what I've learned to do. So if that is the case, I've put in a ton of work. I have a ton of sweat equity. I'm extremely prepared for the opportunity. But that doesn't mean I'm ever complacent. Using every hour, every minute of the day to always turn over the next stone to continue to prepare for that opportunity and whatever opportunities come after it."