3 underrated positives from Ravens win over Texans

2. J.K. Dobbins looks impressive:

J.K. Dobbins isn’t the story of this game. He didn’t get much work in the second game of his NFL career. Let’s put this into context though. Dobbins is in a group of four at the running back position, five if you include Pat Ricard, who has gotten the rock in both games of the 2020 season. Dobbins is a rookie, so we really just want to see encouraging signs out of him every week. This week we got it in three plays. Dobbins first impact was on a play that shouldn’t have picked up a first down. He was sure to go down, but somehow kept his balance and picked up a chunk of yards. Dobbins had a garbage time run where he picked up the bulk of his 48 rushing yards.

Dobbins isn’t the story, but he is something you can’t ignore. The legend of Dobbins starts here. He looks very comparable, at least in terms of level of play to a rookie Ray Rice. Rice, if you recall wasn’t the superstar in his rookie season. Rice got better and better with each touch of the football and he showed nothing but positive signs as in the 2008 season. Dobbins is in a good spot. He doesn’t have to learn pass protection just yet. He doesn’t have to be a number one back. All Dobbins has to do is show positive signs. He has to keep getting us excited. He has to pick up confidence. Dobbins has the talent of a superstar, and he has the convenience of not needing to be one. This is a good situation for the young running back and he’s making the most out of each touch. That’s what counts.