In free agency two years ago, the Denver Broncos brought in veteran running back J.K. Dobbins. Dobbins was brought in to be the replacement for Javonte Williams, but injuries and new arrivals have left Dobbins disgruntled, and it seems that this will be his last year in a Broncos uniform.
Evidence It Is Time to Move on From J.K. Dobbins
Dobbins Has Lost a Step
Dobbins got off to a solid start to his Broncos tenure. He totaled 523 yards and four touchdowns, averaging four yards per carry through seven games, but he suffered a season-ending torn ligament injury in week 10, which required surgery.
This year the sixth-year running back has only managed 293 yards and three touchdowns through seven games played. Injuries are tough for any position, but as a running back it’s even more of a grind.
Last Week Was the Dagger
In the Broncos’ 30-16 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, Dobbins only carried the ball six times for 23 yards and a short touchdown. Denver’s two other young backs RJ Harvey and Jonah Coleman really stepped up when called upon, especially in the second half.
The second-year back, Harvey, had 60 all-purpose yards which included a 52-yard reception touchdown off a screen pass. The rookie Coleman rushed nine times, for 54 yards, averaging six yards per attempt. In addition to the Broncos other running backs stepping up, the Broncos may also try to acquire a superstar running back like Jonathan Taylor.
Dobbins is not producing and head coach Sean Payton expressed how impressed he was with Coleman’s play this year at the Monday Morning media availability.
“He played well. The touches he had were explosive… Like anything else, I think it’s something you earn.” Payton said. “He’s done a good job of that.”
Payton also expressed getting the youngster more opportunities after the Broncos win over the Cardinals last week.
“Juice, (Coleman) he looked really good. Payton said “Got to get him more touches, definitely.”
The Broncos will definitely game plan for both Coleman and Harvey to produce, meaning Dobbins will likely get fewer touches.
Recent Drama With the Media
This week Broncos media finally got to talk to Dobbins after practice on Thursday. After the game on Sunday, Dobbins declined to speak to reporters stating “I’m unavailable.” according to 9News Mike Kils. Kils has since deleted his original tweet. During Thursday’s media scrum, Dobbins was very quick to justify his poor performance.
“I just played six great defenses all in a row; the Seahawks coach, I was with him in Baltimore so he knows me well.” Dobbins said. “The Chargers know me well. Jacksonville Jaguars, they wanted me in the offseason; you think they’re just gonna let me run it up their tails? No, and they have really good defenses.” ( via Zac Stevens)
However, despite frustrations Dobbins expressed that he will help out the younger running backs on the team.
“The coaches have a plan, this organization has a plan for me and I’m always there to coach my young guys. I’ve said this from the beginning: RJ is my rookie,” Dobbins said. “And then, we got another rookie in Jonah. I’m coaching them to make their plays, because I want to see them succeed, right?” ( via Rachel Virgil)
What’s Next for Dobbins?
Dobbins is in his last year of a two-year deal with Denver and if he’s not shipped out before the trade deadline the Broncos will most likely not re-sign him. Dobbins is only making 8 million a year, so it wasn’t a totally bad signing from General Manager George Paton.
Denver fans are hopeful that the Broncos will be active before the trade deadline and acquire a piece to help them raise the Lombardi trophy come February.
Main Image: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
