RB JK Dobbins the Ravens' X-Factor for 2023
The Baltimore Ravens are hopeful for the upcoming season. After two strong preseason games, and a third and final exhibition tilt against the Buccaneers on Saturday, the roster must be cut to 53 by the Aug. 29 deadline.
That means players who make the roster must step up to make sure the Ravens are better than a season ago. That shouldn't be difficult with the improvements to the wide receiver room and some big pieces on defense that returned from last year.
But there's always an x-factor for a team that shows success, and Bleacher Report offered its guess for each team ahead of the 2023 season.
For the Ravens, B/R believes the x-factor will be running back J.K. Dobbins.
"Injuries have been a major issue for Dobbins. He missed the entire 2021 season with a torn ACL, and he suffered another knee injury in late October last year. When healthy, though, he has been fantastic.
"Over his final four games last season, Dobbins tallied 397 rushing yards and averaged just under seven yards per carry. If he can sustain that sort of rate, Baltimore's offense will be both balanced and difficult to corral."
For the Ravens to be successful this year through the air, they have to have a viable run game - and one that isn't dependent upon quarterback Lamar Jackson's legs. And that starts with Dobbins.
Dobbins has recently been removed from the PUP (physically unable to perform) list. Although he's missed most of the offseason, he still has time to catch up. But in order for him to be a factor, he needs to do more than catch up, he needs to be the Dobbins from before injuries plagued his career. And we'll find out how close he can be on Sept 10 against the Texans at M&T Bank Stadium.
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