The Baltimore Ravens have had many exceptional contributions from their 2020 rookie class this season. From linebacker Patrick Queen all the way to wide receiver James Proche, it seems that Baltimore has found plenty of talent for the present and for the future. However, rookie running back J.K. Dobbins has set a new high bar this season for the Ravens.
In Baltimore’s Week 17 matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals, Dobbins broke the franchise rookie touchdown record. His two rushing touchdowns put him at nine total scores on the year, breaking the previous record of seven touchdowns held in a tie by Marquise Brown, Marlon Brown, and Torrey Smith.
Shortly after setting the record in the third quarter with his eighth score of the season, Dobbins extended it after breaking free for a 72-yard touchdown run where he stiff-armed a defender on his way to the end zone.
RAN IT BACK‼️
Tune in on CBS! pic.twitter.com/OaWei4x1M0
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) January 3, 2021
Dobbins has been exceptional this season, earning every snap he’s played. It was a slow start to the year for Dobbins, as it seemed like he just couldn’t crack a deep running back rotation that also included Mark Ingram and Gus Edwards. However, after producing big play after big play, the coaching staff had no reason to keep Dobbins on the bench, and the team hasn’t looked back since.
When comparing Dobbins to past Baltimore rushers in their rookie seasons, Jamal Lewis comes to mind. If you remember, Lewis started his rookie season playing second fiddle to Priest Holmes before eventually taking the reins and helping the Ravens run to their first Super Bowl victory. While Lewis rushed for significantly more yards than dobbins (1,364 for Lewis, 805 for Dobbins), he did it on significantly more carries (309 for Lewis, 134 for Dobbins). Dobbins actually has a better yards-per-carry average (6.0) than Lewis did in his rookie year (4.4) or even when he went over 2,000 rushing yards in 2003 (5.3).
Dobbins has cemented himself as a key part of Baltimore’s running game for the future. His deceptive speed, elite balance, and knack for big plays have been a welcome addition to an already dangerous Ravens’ offense.
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