Alexander Mattison Fumble Called Out by Fans as Josh Dobbs, Vikings Lose to Broncos | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors
Jackson Reed
Published Mar 23, 2026
The honeymoon phase between Josh Dobbs and the Minnesota Vikings appears to be over.
Dobbs suffered his first loss since joining the organization in a 21-20 effort against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on Sunday night. He didn't play poorly but it certainly wasn't the cleanest game from the signal caller—who has been the story of this season.
The Vikings were crushed in the turnover battle, coughing the ball up three times—including a fumble and interception by Dobbs. He had three fumbles on the night, though he only lost one.
However, the biggest turnover of the game came courtesy of Minnesota running back Alexander Mattison in the third quarter when the Vikings had a chance to go up two scores.
Up 17-9 with just under three minutes remaining in the third period and within field goal range, Mattison fumbled. The turnover ultimately led to Denver cutting the deficit to five points with a field goal.
It was a momentum-changing play as the Vikings looked to put the game away. Mattison's second fumble of the season couldn't have come at a worse time.
And Minnesota fans were quick to call out the fifth-year running back.
NFL @NFLFumble! Broncos come up with another takeaway <br><br>📺: <a href="">#MINvsDEN</a> on NBC<br>📱: Stream on <a href="">#NFLPlus</a> <a href=""> <a href="">
Jason @_jason_777Mattison fumble swung the game. Really bad play calling by KOC.
Dominique Clare @DomClareI never want to see Mattison start again. That fumble gifted the Broncos the game. <br><br>The Vikings would have put the game away on that drive.
Kevin Seifert @SeifertESPNVikings were moving in for what could have been a decisive score, given how their defense is playing. Instead, Alexander Mattison's lost fumble is the team's second of the night. <br><br>Vikings 17, Broncos 9. 2:48 Q3.
Peter Schoenke @PeterSchoenkeStill can't believe the Vikes lost that one. Mattison fumble really just changed everything.
Edge @AddisonEra2Watching Mattison take the field on first down the next drive <a href="">
Shelby "Tweetin" @shelbytwetenThe fact we kept giving Mattison the ball after the fumble…we gave the game away smh
Logan Koster @logan_1313Vikings offense to any defense asking for turnovers <a href="">
Producer Allie @ProducerAllieCDMinnesota had a chance to extend their lead, but no. We get a turnover and Denver chips away at the <a href="">#Vikings</a> lead. Buckle up, another nail biter. <a href="">
Dane Mizutani @DaneMizutaniThe pass falls harmless to the turf and the Vikings are going to lose. Turnovers. The story of the game.
Alec Lewis @alec_lewisIt has felt like the way the Vikings lose this game is turnovers. And there's one from Alexander Mattison amid a great drive. Just cannot happen.
Kung Fu Kenny @kennysipesThe optimist in me says we lost by one on the road with three turnovers. It's correctable. We corrected it for five weeks. We will again. <a href="">#Vikings</a>
Will Ragatz @WillRagatzThree turnovers, zero takeaways. Had to settle for a couple short field goals. That's a recipe for a loss in a game where the Vikings generally played well on both sides of the ball.
Alec Lewis @alec_lewisThe Vikings lost to the Broncos, 21-20.<br><br>Turnovers crushed them. Defense held up in red zone until the end. Coudn't win on the margins of field position and such. Youth showed a bit. Tough loss.<br><br>The record is 6-5.
Vikings Nation @vikingsnationmnCostly turnovers and conservative second half play calling by KOC (again) ruined the momentum. <a href="">
Next up for the Vikings is a divisional matchup against the lowly Chicago Bears, who are coming off a heartbreaking loss against the Detroit Lions on Sunday.
The game between Minnesota and Chicago is set for Nov. 27 and will be crucial to Minnesota's playoff hopes.