During a 28-3 win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday, Denver Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins became the first Bronco to rush for 100 yards in a single game since Latavius Murray in 2022. It had been a whopping 38 games since Denver accomplished that feat, which was the longest active drought in the NFL going into Monday’s game.
“That means a lot to me,” Dobbins said after of snapping the drought after the win. “I’ve been working really hard to get that, especially for Coach [Sean] Payton. I know that means a lot to him as well. My offensive line is blocking incredibly. I can’t do it without those guys. It’s a great feeling, and maybe I can go back-to-back now.”
Dobbins also accomplished a franchise feat that hadn’t been seen since 2006. Dobbins is the first Bronco since Tatum Bell to rush for at least 50 yards in each of the first four games of a season. Dobbins’ big night came after Payton made a subtle — but important — change to the running back rotation.
Instead of frequently switching running backs based on a particular play call like earlier this season, Denver gave Dobbins and rookie RJ Harvey full drives.
“One thing we did different tonight — there were certain tags that put either one in — but we gave them (Dobbins and Harvey) series,” Payton said. “I think that helped both of them. Certainly, it is easier to call plays. Both of them got in good rhythms and earned hard-fought yardage. Those guys both ran hard. … it is good to have a 100-yard rusher.”
Dobbins said after the game that the new rotation plan was “very helpful.”
“I’m one of those guys where if I get in a rhythm, if I get consecutive carries, I can get better,” Dobbins said. “As the game goes on, I get better. I’m sure that’s probably every running back. They’ll probably tell you that. So tonight, in the second half, that’s what you saw. I think Coach Payton is starting to figure me out, and RJ out, and the offensive line out and just the whole offense.
“He’s figuring it out, and he’s doing a great job of putting us in the right position. The series, getting consecutive touches, you see what happens. In 38 games, we never had a 100-yard rusher. That happened tonight because Coach Payton put us in that position.”
Denver finished the game with 186 yards on the ground and Dobbins now ranks third in the NFL with 323 rushing yards, and he’s tied for sixth with three scores on the ground. Up next for Dobbins and the Broncos is a tough road game against the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles in Week 5. Philly’s run defense ranks 21st in the NFL, allowing 126 rushing yards per game through four weeks.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: NFL news: Broncos tweaked RB rotation to unlock J.K. Dobbins
