One of the best stories of the young 2024 season is the resurgence of Chargers running back JK Dobbins.
He leads the league in rushing with 266 yards on just 27 attempts. That’s an average of 9.9 yards per attempt.
This is not a new development. As a rookie with the Ravens in 2020, he averaged six yards per carry and gained 805 yards on 134 attempts. Were it not for his injuries – most recently a torn Achilles sustained in Week 1 of the 2023 season – Dobbins would be considered one of the best running backs in football. He is currently on track to earn that distinction.
The biggest test yet is on Sunday against the Steelers. But Dobbins has already passed it three times.
In 2020, he rushed for 113 yards on just 15 attempts against the Steelers. In 2022, his first game back after missing six games, he went to Pittsburgh and rushed for 120 yards on 15 attempts. Three weeks later, he rushed for 93 yards on 17 attempts against the Steelers.
That’s 326 rushing yards in three career games against the Steelers, on 47 carries. An average of 6.93 yards.
It’s no surprise that the Ravens wanted him back after his injury last year, and ultimately the decision fell on the two Harbaugh brothers.
“Baltimore wanted me to come back, but I just prayed about it, you know?” Dobbins told PFT by phone after Sunday’s win over the Panthers. “There was a time when I thought, ‘You know, maybe I should come back to Baltimore.’ But no, God told me this is the place for me and I need to play with Coach Jim.”
How are John and Jim similar?
“They’re pretty similar, but Coach Jim is different,” Dobbins said. “He’s one of a kind, man. He’s one of a kind and I love his personality.”
Coach Jim is thrilled with Dobbins’ performance so far. With quarterback Justin Herbert sidelined by a high ankle sprain, Dobbins could be the key to making it 3-0 in one of the best games of Week 3.
Despite all of that, Dobbins is only making $1.61 million this year. If he keeps this up, he’ll be a hot commodity come March – and possibly finally get the contract he’s been denied because of those injuries.
