The Denver Broncos are entering the 2025 season with fresh optimism as they welcome J.K. Dobbins and rookie RJ Harvey to their backfield. Dobbins, who rushed for 905 yards with the Chargers last year and scored nine touchdowns, offers a major upgrade to a Broncos running game that totaled just seven rushing touchdowns in 2024. The powerful combination of Dobbins’ experience and Harvey’s youthful energy is expected to bring a new level of explosiveness to the Broncos’ offense.
The Partnership Between Dobbins and Harvey
This emerging duo blends Dobbins’ proven ability with Harvey’s untapped potential, creating strong expectations for their collaborative impact. Though the exact roles each will play are still developing, Dobbins has already expressed confidence in Harvey’s talent.
“He’s going to be really good. I see a special player in him,”
Dobbins stated, emphasizing the mutual benefits of their partnership.
“He’s going to help me out, and I’m going to help him out.”
Sean Payton’s Confidence and Dobbins’ Determination
Head Coach Sean Payton values Dobbins for his balance, sharp instincts, and ability to consistently gain yards, as reflected in Dobbins’ 5.2 yards per carry career average. Despite past injuries, Dobbins maintains an aggressive running style often compared to a bowling ball that deflects defenders. Harvey complements this with his own explosiveness and versatility, proving to be capable of catching passes out of the backfield, which adds a new dimension to Denver’s offensive strategy.
Depth and Versatility in the Backfield
While Dobbins and Harvey are anticipated to be the primary threats on the ground, Audric Estime and Jaleel McLaughlin are expected to secure roster spots under Payton’s running back committee system. This approach ensures a balanced workload among multiple backs, enriching the Broncos’ ground attack with various skill sets and keeping the offense unpredictable.
Dobbins’ Motivation and the Broncos’ Attractiveness
Dobbins’ choice to join Denver was influenced by the team’s strong defensive unit and overall talent level. He praised the Broncos’ roster, especially the quarterback and offensive line, as well as the camaraderie within the running back room.
“I felt like it was the best fit for me,”
Dobbins said.
“The defense is really good—like super good. The quarterback is amazing. I like the [running back] room. [The offensive] line is amazing as well.”
Anticipating the Impact of Denver’s New Backfield Focus
As J.K. Dobbins integrates into his new environment alongside RJ Harvey, the Broncos’ fanbase eagerly awaits the transformation of their rushing attack. With an experienced coaching staff led by Sean Payton and a committed supporting roster, this powerful running duo has the potential to spark a highly productive season. Their blend of resilience and enthusiasm mirrors the spirit that defines the Denver Broncos organization moving forward.