Josh Dobbs took the snap for the Vikings last Sunday night and worked his way toward the sideline on a designed rollout. He was looking for running back Alexander Mattison leaking out of the backfield only to realize he was going to be covered. In that moment, Dobbs got creative, shaking off a tackle in the open field, resetting his feet near the boundary, and delivering a pass to tight end Josh Oliver for a touchdown.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Joshua Dobbs (15) smiles as he is congratulated by New Orleans players after a NFL game at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on on Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023. (John Autey / Pioneer Press)

Not long after that, Dobbs found himself back in the red zone, knowing the Vikings were going to need touchdowns rather than field goals to beat the Denver Broncos. He took a snap out of the shotgun this time, quickly recognized man coverage, and plowed his way into the end zone for a touchdown.

“Those are huge plays in the game,” Dobbs said. “It goes from kicking field goals, which is three points, to obviously scoring touchdowns, which is seven points.”

That ability to extend plays is something Dobbs has prided himself on throughout his career. He feels very comfortable working off schedule if he goes through his progression and doesn’t see anything open. That has brought a different element to the offense since the Vikings acquired him from the Arizona Cardinals at the trade deadline.

“He’s kind of been a magician back there,” offensive coordinator Wes Phillips said. “He’s avoided some tough looks and really pulled out of some things where it looks like most guys would’ve got their legs clipped. He’s got enough acceleration and speed to avoid some of that stuff. There’s been several where I thought he might get caught.”

There’s a balance act that comes with scrambling, however, and Dobbs understands the importance of not relying on his legs before he lets the play develop. He also knows he can get himself into trouble if he tries to do too much when he breaks contain. Sometimes it’s better to take a sack than risk turning the ball over.

“It’s a give and take,” Dobbs said. “It’s all about knowing the situation.”

As the Vikings prepare to play the Chicago Bears in a primetime game on Monday night, they know they have to let Dobbs play with freedom in and out of the pocket.

“His athleticism showed up early on some critical downs,” head coach Kevin O’Connell said. “Just continuing to find that balance of when to exhaust a progression and when to try to go make a play. We’re not in a position right now to overcoach by any stretch. We don’t want to take any of that out of his game because I think it’s a critical factor for him.”

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