The Fallout of 2024
Sean Payton's Denver Broncos showed real promise as a future contender with rookie quarterback Bo Nix making a seamless transition to the National Football League.
But the franchise's run game fell short of supplementing their new star, with former Broncos running back, Javonte Williams, leading the side with only 513 yards, making it an area in dire need of reinforcements following Williams' eventual departure to the Dallas Cowboys.
How Denver Looks to Move Forward With Dobbins & Co.
But, before Dobbins' addition to the roster, Sean Payton and his staff turned to the draft in a bid to acquire long-term quality at the position - RJ Harvey got the call in the second round. An elusive and bullish half-back who posted an impressive 1,577 yards and 22 touchdowns in his senior year at the University of Central Florida.
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And with an extra roster spot left to be filled, the free agency market became an attractive option to lead the trio of Harvey, Audric Estime and Jaleel McLaughlin - 24, 21, and 24, respectively.
Now that's not to say Dobbins is walking into a starting job; he will have to compete for his share of the reps, but his experience and skillset as a robust and powerful runner will offer Payton a proven enzone threat.
Last year, Dobbins punched in nine touchdowns and ranked tenth for yards per carry amongst starting half-backs with 4.6. The 26-year-old was having a very promising year in LA, but his season ended in week 14 following an MCL Sprain he sustained in their 30-23 loss to the Baltimore Ravens back in week 12.
For Dobbins, setbacks haven't been out of the ordinary throughout his career. Pre-2024, he featured in just nine games from the 2021 to the 2023 seasons - notably suffering from an ACL tear in 2021 and an Achilles tear in 2023. His workload will need to be managed wisely by Payton if he wants to squeeze the best out of his new weapon.
If Dobbins can be deployed 8-12 times a game in short-yardage and end-zone situations, and let the younger, more durable halfbacks share the rest of the reps, Denver's floor as an offence will be raised, and they'll become a far more dynamic unit to win more football games.