Latest news with #Dobbins
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
The Baltimore Ravens already boast one of the most dangerous rushing attacks in the NFL led by a dominant piece in Derrick Henry, but the happenings of free agency leave the AFC North champs with an opportunity for a reunion and upgrade to their backfield reservoir.
The Baltimore Ravens already boast one of the most dangerous rushing attacks in the NFL led by a dominant piece in Derrick Henry, but the happenings of free agency leave the AFC North champs with an opportunity for a reunion and upgrade to their backfield reservoir. originally appeared on Athlon Sports. No team ran the ball better week to week than the Baltimore Ravens did last season. A staggering 187.6 yards per game represented a brutalizing ground presence that bullied opposing defenses and made them a tough out in the postseason. Advertisement The hope is that they again maintain that reputation while taking things further into the winter months. Baltimore boasts the resources to get the job done with the duo of Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry set to lead the way again. Focusing on Henry, his brilliance produced 1,921 yards and 16 touchdowns on 5.9 yards per carry last season. At the level which he performs, Henry does not appear to be one that needs help handling his share of the load. But could the Ravens seek it out anyway? All talent acquisition periods of the offseason are long gone, but former Baltimore running back J.K. Dobbins remains a free agent. SportsCasting's Gia Nguyen offered up a potential Ravens reunion with Dobbins who spent his first three seasons with the team. Advertisement "Another interesting destination would be a second stint in Baltimore with the Ravens, where he started his NFL career. Dobbins could provide some insurance for an aging Derrick Henry, while giving the Ravens a formidable 1-2 punch in the backfield." Henry and Justice Hill have essentially formed that "1-2 punch" since Dobbins' departure. Henry has done an admirable job of producing on the reps given to him, but there is an argument for lessening the burden on an aging veteran. Dobbins posted 905 yards and nine touchdowns for the Los Angeles Chargers last season, so there is recent enough evidence to argue in favor of a reunion. The Ravens could add some backfield muscle and Henry insurance at a very low cost. As of now, there is no traction on the Ravens making any changes to the structure of their backfield, but it would not be much of a surprise for Baltimore to install a "just in case" piece sometime this summer. Advertisement Related: Ravens Land Two Tight Ends in NFL Top 10 Related: 'Remarkably Consistent' Ravens Dubbed Second-Most Complete Team This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
Time of India
a day ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Could J.K. Dobbins be Sean Payton's next move? Broncos set to meet free agent running back on Thursday
Broncos to meet J.K. Dobbins Thursday (Getty Images) The Denver Broncos are signaling a serious move in reshaping their backfield by hosting veteran running back J.K. Dobbins for a dinner and facility visit this week. As reported by NFL insider Tom Pelissero, the former Chargers star is set to meet with the Broncos' coaching staff Thursday night — a move that could mark a significant addition to Denver's evolving offensive unit. "Former Chargers starting RB J.K. Dobbins is headed to Denver tonight to have dinner with coaches and visit the facility Thursday, per source," Pelissero wrote on X. "The dynamic Dobbins, who had 1,084 yards from scrimmage and 9 TDs in 2024, now could land with an AFC West contender." Dobbins, who showed flashes of brilliance last season with 905 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, is being viewed as a potential veteran counterpart to rookie RJ Harvey. Denver drafted the explosive UCF running back with the 60th overall pick in April, but there's a growing sense that the Broncos want to balance youthful energy with proven experience. Denver Broncos might land J.K. Dobbins as veteran back explores fit with Sean Payton's offense The backfield situation in Denver has been in flux ever since Javonte Williams left for Dallas in free agency. After a lackluster 2024 season from its ground game, the Broncos knew something had to change. While Harvey brings upside, the NFL grind often demands a reliable veteran presence — someone who's seen the trenches and can produce under pressure. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trading CFD dengan Teknologi dan Kecepatan Lebih Baik IC Markets Mendaftar Undo That's where Dobbins fits in. Broncos' Biggest Catalysts in 2025 | Broncos For Breakfast What makes the potential signing even more interesting is Dobbins' track record when healthy. Through four seasons, he's averaged a remarkable 5.2 yards per carry — a stat that instantly puts him among the league's more efficient runners. While not a significant threat in the passing game, his 153 receiving yards on 32 catches last year suggest he's more than just a ground-pounder. Still, there's a caveat. Injuries have dogged Dobbins' career since tearing his ACL in 2021, followed by more time on the sideline in 2022 and a full season missed in 2023. A mid-season MCL sprain last year also limited his availability. But despite the setbacks, his return to form in 2024 impressed observers, and Denver seems ready to bet on his upside. Another layer to this potential deal involves the NFL's compensatory draft formula. According to ESPN, if Dobbins signs with another team before July 22, the Chargers would qualify for a compensatory pick in the 2026 draft. However, if he waits, Los Angeles would regain exclusive negotiation rights. That gives Denver a clear window to act — but also a reason to weigh the long-term cost. Per Over The Cap's Nick Korte, "JK Dobbins currently has a qualifying offer that affects the compensatory formula." So, Denver's pursuit must also factor in potential impacts on future draft capital. For a franchise that just broke a decade-long playoff drought, this offseason marks a chance to build on that momentum. Adding a player like Dobbins — if his health holds — could solidify a backfield that desperately needs consistency and leadership. If dinner goes well, Broncos fans might soon see a familiar AFC face donning orange and blue this fall. Also Read: Dillon Gabriel signs rookie deal with Browns as Shedeur Sanders buzz continues to heat up in Cleveland
USA Today
25-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Rating the Chargers offensive positional units as better or worse than 2024
Rating the Chargers offensive positional units as better or worse than 2024 The Chargers open training camp in July ahead of their Hall of Fame Game appearance against the Lions on July 31, but the roster heading into the preseason is already set after free agency, the draft, and undrafted free agency this spring. With a number of new additions and changes to the depth chart, how does the roster stack up compared to what Los Angeles put on the field for Jim Harbaugh's first season at the helm? Quarterback: Same The only change the Chargers made to the quarterback position this offseason was swapping third-stringer Easton Stick for former first-round pick Trey Lance as the man behind Justin Herbert and Taylor Heinicke. LA will hope to see less of Heinicke this season, despite his limited snap count numbers in 2024, they all came because of injuries to Herbert throughout the earlier portions of the season. Running back: Better J.K. Dobbins was great when healthy last year, but missed four games with a knee injury and thus missed his opportunity to become the Chargers' first 1,000-yard rusher since Melvin Gordon in 2017. Fellow former Raven Gus Edwards was largely ineffective after an offseason ankle procedure. Los Angeles replaced them with Najee Harris and No. 22 overall draft pick Omarion Hampton this offseason. While Harris is not as explosive as a runner as Dobbins showed to be at times last season, he's never missed an NFL game and has cleared 1,000 yards in all four seasons as a pro. Hampton has a bit more juice and is expected to be a major contributor alongside Harris immediately. Wide Receiver: Better It's hard for the wide receiver group to look worse than last year's. While Ladd McConkey broke out as a rookie and Quentin Johnston improved, the unit was still among the worst in the league for most of the season. Free agent signing DJ Chark only had five receptions all season and is no longer on the roster. Joshua Palmer left for Buffalo, while special-teams ace Simi Fehoko packed his bags for Arizona. Mike Williams is back to mentor second-round draft pick Tre Harris at the X spot. That allows Johnston to play more of a pure Z role, where rookie KeAndre Lambert-Smith may also factor into the equation. It's a more natural distribution of roles that doesn't rely as heavily on Johnston developing or a free agent rental (Chark or Williams) staying healthy and making a big difference. Tight End: Better Hayden Hurst and Stone Smartt are out, with Tyler Conklin and Oronde Gadsden II substituting as replacements. Those two join Will Dissly in the position room, with Conklin and Dissly expected to take a more equal split of the snaps than Dissly and Hurst did last season due to injuries. Gadsden will play a similar role at TE3 as Smartt did - a pass-catching threat with lesser blocking upside - but also has more room to grow as a younger player without as much pressure to perform right away. Offensive Line: Better There are still a lot of questions about the Chargers' offensive line, namely, who the starters at left guard and center will be in 2025. But even the singular addition of Mekhi Becton, who will start at right guard, is an improvement over Los Angeles' unit from last season, which started Trey Pipkins in that spot and had Zion Johnson and Bradley Bozeman in the other two interior spots. Pipkins, Johnson, Bozeman, and former Raiders center Andre James are competing for those final two starting spots, and that much adversity through training camp should bring out the best in all four men. Johnson has been specifically working at the center in OTAs and has been mentioned by Harbaugh and general manager Joe Hortiz as a player they're still confident in.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
ESPN Urges Commanders to Sign JK Dobbins
The Washington Commanders offense, fresh off an NFC championship game berth with breakout star quarterback Jayden Daniels, has already added even more firepower this offseason. Daniels, who won Offensive Rookie of the Year honors, could take another step in Year 2 after Washington added blindside protector Laremy Tunsil and versatile receiver Deebo Samuel. Advertisement They also bring back running back Brian Robinson Jr. who, along with Daniels' out-of-the-pocket ability, powered the Commanders to the third-highest rushing yards per game mark in 2024. That rushing attack could get another boost if Washington is in the market for running back depth in free agency, too. J.K Dobbins of the Los Angeles Chargers is still available. While he has a reputation of being injury prone, the veteran ball carrier could be a great addition to a Washington team on the brink of a breakthrough in the NFC. "In Kliff Kingsbury's offense in Washington, I could see Dobbins providing competition for Brian Robinson Jr. as the early-down runner," ESPN's Matt Bowen says in their picks of the best fits for the remaining free agents. Advertisement "Dobbins can run between the tackles and has the juice to create big plays on the ground. He took 27 carries for 10 or more yards last season." Although Dobbins missed four games with an MCL sprain last year, he still put together his most productive season to date with a career high 905 yards and tied-career best nine touchdowns. Dobbins could be looked at as a low-risk, high-reward prospect. Last year he played on a contract that costed just barely $1 million. That veteran minimum value will be picked up by somebody ... why not give it a shot? Even better, last season showed that Dobbins could produce at a "No. 1 option" level when he's on the field. Understandably, the injury history is a concern, but the financial commitment is hardly anything to stress over if things don't work out. Advertisement With Robinson as the feature back anyway, Dobbins would also have less of a workload, potentially leading to his prolonged health and longevity. JK Dobbins And The CommandersBy Tony Fisher On a fairly young roster that is missing just a few key pieces, a veteran influence in the locker room and impactful offensive weapon like J.K. Dobbins could be the Commanders' final piece that makes them a more serious contender than they already are. Related: No More Surprise Attacks By Commanders In 2025 Related: Commanders Reveal Reason For Primetime Appearances
New York Times
20-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Red Sox bats get to Kodai Senga early; bullpen comes up big in key win over Mets
BOSTON — As the New York Mets arrived at Fenway Park tied for the second-most wins in the majors with their best starter in Kodai Senga on the mound, it appeared to be a tall task for a scuffling Boston Red Sox club. Instead, the Red Sox showed the tantalizing potential they possess when firing on all cylinders as they held down the Mets 3-1, tagging Senga for the most runs he's allowed in a start this season. Advertisement 'I feel like we've had a lot of intense games this year,' said Jarren Duran, who continues to heat up at the plate, posting a 2-for-4 night. 'It was just good for us to be able to compete and win a game like this, especially against a really good team like the Mets who are rolling right now.' Even though the Mets' defeat marked the first time they lost three games in a row this season, they're about as good a team the Red Sox have played this year, and Senga, with a 1.02 ERA entering Monday, is no exception. The right-hander had not allowed more than two earned runs in each of his eight starts entering Monday, but the Red Sox lineup was unfazed by the task. 'I thought we had a pretty good approach against him today, and to be able to execute it early is always a good thing,' Duran said. 'Jump on him early, put a little pressure on.' Senga looked disjointed early as Duran led off the game with a double and Rafael Devers walked before an Alex Bregman groundout scored Duran and a Trevor Story single plated Devers. LET THE LIZARD COOK 🦎 — Red Sox (@RedSox) May 19, 2025 The next inning, Carlos Narvaez walked and scored on a Duran triple to right, making it 3-0. The Red Sox offense wasn't able to muster more, but Boston didn't need to as Hunter Dobbins and a quartet of relievers kept a dangerous Mets lineup in check. The rookie Dobbins navigated the New York lineup without his best stuff but benefited from strong defense. In the first, Pete Alonso hit a ball off the wall in left, cut down by the whipping wind with two outs. Duran fielded it deftly off the wall, firing to second to get Alonso out trying to advance. 'I didn't execute, and he made a good swing,' Dobbins said. 'Love the Monster for that one. Duran made a great play, and I settled in after that.' Dobbins allowed a leadoff double and an RBI single in the third with one out before walking leadoff hitter Francisco Lindor. But the Red Sox infield turned a clutch double play on a Juan Soto grounder to help Dobbins. After a 10-pitch fourth, Dobbins allowed back-to-back singles in the fifth and recorded two outs before an aggressive turn to the bullpen. Advertisement Manager Alex Cora missed Monday's game for his daughter's graduation from Boston College, and bench coach Ramon Vazquez was at the helm. With Lindor due up with two on, Vazquez turned to lefty Justin Wilson despite Dobbins having thrown just 66 pitches. Dobbins previously had run into trouble the third time through the order. Though he'd posted a 1.20 ERA through the first three innings of his starts this season, he'd been roughed up for a 6.40 ERA in innings four through six. Wilson battled Lindor through a 10-pitch at-bat before finally getting the leadoff hitter swinging to strike out. In 19 outings, the lefty has a 2.35 ERA with 15 strikeouts in 15 1/3 innings. 'He was fouling everything off, luckily he got the swing-and-miss pitch at the end,' Wilson said. 'Fairly competitive at-bat on both ends. Threw a lot of sliders and got him to swing over the last one.' After allowing a leadoff single and a walk in the sixth, Wilson got Boston's second major double play of the night before Vazquez once again turned to the bullpen with two outs. Greg Weissert entered and dispatched Mark Vientos with a flyout. Weissert then got two outs in the seventh before issuing a walk and allowing a single. With Lindor again coming to the plate, for the third time on the night, Vazquez turned to the bullpen with two outs. This time, it was Justin Slaten, who needed one pitch to get Lindor to ground out to escape the jam. Slaten sent down the Mets quickly in the eighth, and Aroldis Chapman worked around a single in the ninth, getting the team's third double play to end it and seal his seventh save. That's a dub. — Red Sox (@RedSox) May 20, 2025 'It was a lot of steps — more than I wanted. But you know what, hell of a job by the guys,' Vazquez said of his bullpen management. 'It was a whole team effort. … A few good double plays. Just a good ballgame all around. Scoring early, I think it was huge, very important for the team and for Hunter going out there. So, a well-played game. Well-played game all around.' Advertisement The win marked Vazquez's first as a manager, albeit a temporary manager, but the team celebrated him nonetheless with a postgame beer shower. 'Ramon and (Cora), they're really close,' Duran said. 'So it just felt like the same thing. And we just fought for both of them hard. 'It's always fun to have a little moment like that, especially, since we're kind of fighting, we're grinding right now,' Duran added of the celebration for Vazquez. 'So to be able to have something like that get a mind off everything is pretty awesome.' (Photo of Jarren Duran: Winslow Townson / Getty Images)
