Vikings quarterback Josh Dobbs maintains that he shouldn’t have fumbled against the Broncos in Sunday night’s game in Denver. He routinely refers to the ball as the dreams, hopes and aspirations of the organization. And because of that, he understands the importance of limiting turnovers.

That said, Dobbs had some thoughts when asked about Broncos safety Kareem Jackson getting suspended four games for an illegal tackle that went uncalled in real time.

“Obviously the NFL deemed it a hit to suspend the guy for several games,” Dobbs said. “I would have liked to see the flag thrown on the play if it was that type of hit.”

The sequence happened early in the primetime game. After the Vikings opted for some trickery, with tight end T.J. Hockenson taking a snap under center and pitching to Dobbs in the backfield, Jackson raced in and lowered his head as he braced for contact with Dobbs.

It’s pretty clear looking at the replay that Dobbs fumbled at least partially because Jackson hit him directly in the helmet. Not that Dobbs was making any excuses for the result of the play itself.

“I can’t live in a world where I’m trying to get bailed out for fumbling the ball,” Dobbs said. “As I look back on it, it’s, ‘Get the first down and protect the football.’ ”

Asked for his thoughts on the play, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell deferred to the NFL, which ultimately determined that the illegal tackle on Dobbs merited a suspension.

“I have a ton of respect for Kareem as a player,” O’Connell said. “He has been a really good player in this league for a long time. The league decided to do what they did. There’s absolutely nothing against the player personally or anything like that. We are moving forward, and I am sure he is, too.”

As the Vikings prepare for a game against the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football, the biggest thing Dobbs has carried with him from last weekend is taking care of the ball regardless of circumstance.

“That’s my mindset behind it,” Dobbs said. “We’ve got to handle our play on the field.”

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