Payton Stays Confident in Broncos’ Ground Game Amid Dobbins’ Injury
The Denver Broncos are facing a pivotal moment in their rushing game following the potential season-ending foot injury to J.K. Dobbins, who was the NFL’s fifth-leading rusher at the time of his injury. However, Broncos head coach Sean Payton remains unfazed by the situation.
Evaluating the Ground Attack
In the wake of Sunday’s overtime victory against the Commanders, Payton addressed concerns regarding his team’s running game. “It’s nothing to do with the run,” he asserted, emphasizing that the evaluation process will focus on their blocking schemes and how they adapted to the defensive looks presented.
Payton stressed the importance of assessing the game tape, indicating that the performance of the runners is not the issue. “Trust me, it was just some looks where the evaluation will be on how we blocked it and then the scheme relative to what we were seeing defensively. The runners were good,” he explained, reinforcing his belief in the capabilities of his backfield.
Dobbins’ Impact on the Rushing Game
Before his injury, Dobbins had established himself as a formidable presence in the league, even surpassing notable names like Saquon Barkley in rushing yards this season. His absence, starting from Week 10, has raised eyebrows about the Broncos’ ability to maintain their offensive momentum.
Despite this challenge, Payton’s confidence suggests a focus on adaptability and resilience. The Broncos will need to rally and refine their strategies as they move forward, but with their head coach’s reassurances, there’s a sense of determination to keep the ground game thriving even in the face of adversity.

