J.K. Dobbins was putting together a great year for the Denver Broncos, but the team's rushing attack hasn't been the same since he was lost for the year with an injury two games ago.
The Denver Broncos escaped Sunday Night Football with a wild 27-26 overtime win against the Washington Commanders to move to 10-2 on the year.
That record has them in the driver's seat in the AFC West, and also tied with the New England Patriots for the No. 1 seed in the AFC. The Broncos have won nine straight games entering their bye, but it hasn't been in dominating fashion.
The Broncos have outscored their opponents by 66 points. The Kansas City Chiefs, who are 6-6 in the AFC West, have a +73 point differential on the year.
Denver is winning games because of the league's best defense, and an offensive attack that does just enough. Early in the year, running back J.K. Dobbins was giving the team a balanced rushing attack. However, he is now out for the year with an injury, and the Broncos rushing attack hasn't been the same since.
It has been two games since his injury, and the difference has been huge. On the season, the Broncos are averaging 119.3 yards per game on 4.6 yards per carry. However, in the last two games against the Chiefs and the Commanders, they have averaged only 73 yards per game on 3.01 yards per carry.
The Chiefs have one of the better rush defenses in the NFL, but the Commanders are ranked 27th in the league as they allow 133.3 yards per game.
Rookie RJ Harvey has shown potential this season, but he isn't a guy who is going to help control a game by running it up the middle. He has eight touchdowns in his rookie campaign, with four of those being in the passing game. That is where he is at his best, as he has nearly as many receiving yards (222) as he does rushing yards (279).
Bo Nix has made big plays all season long for the Broncos, but he is at his best when he has a consistent rushing attack to play through. He does a great job in the play-action game, where he can use his athleticism to make plays on the perimeter.
The Broncos have a defense that is truly Super Bowl worthy. From the defensive line to the secondary, there are superstar caliber players on all three levels. While Nix has made the plays when his team has needed this year, the playoffs are a different level.
As the team enters the bye, the biggest thing for Sean Payton and his staff is to figure out how they can get more in the rushing attack.