Ryan Fitzpatrick, Tony Gonzalez lobby Joshua Dobbs as Tennessee Titans starter vs. Jaguars

Tennessee Titans quarterback Joshua Dobbs was encouraging in his first career NFL start in Thursday's 27-13 loss to the Dallas Cowboys at Nissan Stadium.

Dobbs threw for 232 yards on 20-of-39 passing on Thursday with a touchdown and an interception. And while Dobbs had some shaky decisions, he also showed an ability to lead the Titans offense with his arm and a trust from the team's coaching staff.

That was a trust not necessarily shared with rookie Malik Willis, who attempted 49 total passes in his three starts and has not surpassed 100 passing yards in a game this season.

Willis also had his three starts alongside Derrick Henry and a healthier Titans offensive line. Dobbs played Thursday behind three reserves, starting left guard Aaron Brewer and left tackle Dennis Daley on the offensive line while also without the inactive Henry.

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On Amazon Prime's "TNF Postgame Show" after the game, former Titans QB Ryan Fitzpatrick and Hall of Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez both pushed for Dobbs to continue starting at quarterback for the Titans in the Week 18, winner-take-all matchup in Jacksonville.

"I think Tennessee can be a little bit more excited about that matchup next week because they get Derrick Henry back and rested. And Josh Dobbs just showed that he's capable," Fitzpatrick said on the 'TNF Postgame Show.' "He's capable of leading drives. He's capable of running this offense, and I'm really proud of the kid. He's stuck around. He's been here, what, less than two weeks? He's had a long journey, waiting for a chance to get a start in an NFL game. And he showed up today."

"Tennessee, you found yourself a quarterback to go out there and play against Jacksonville," Gonzalez said. "I still don't like your chances, but at least you found somebody who was an upgrade from Malik Willis, who has shown you that he's just not quite ready yet."

Another difference between Dobbs and Willis were the increased numbers by the Titans' top two receivers, Treylon Burks and Robert Woods. Burks missed Willis' first two starts because of injury and was held catchless last week against Houston, then caught four passes for 66 yards against Dallas. Woods had five catches for 39 yards and a TD after totaling six receptions in Willis' three starts.

The numbers are clear. The Week 18 decision lies with Titans coach Mike Vrabel.

"It was a great opportunity to evaluate Josh," Vrabel said. "And then we'll make a decision going forward."

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Ryan Fitzpatrick: Joshua Dobbs should be Tennessee Titans QB at Jaguars