Bo Nix Explains the 'Edge' J.K. Dobbins Has Brought to Broncos
When the Denver Broncos signed veteran running back J.K. Dobbins, head coach Sean Payton thought he was getting a starting-caliber ball-carrier for his offense. Payton was definitely right about that, as halfway through the season, Dobbins ranks third in the NFL in rushing, but the sixth-year back has also been a tremendous leader and tone-setter for the Broncos.
Ask Bo Nix, who's been around since before Dobbins' arrival. There's an edge present on this offense that perhaps wasn't there last year.
“Just an edge. We’re going to be a top offense. We’re going to do the right things at practice. We’re going to play over again if we haven’t done it right," Nix said on Wednesday when asked what Dobbins brings to the table. "He just has those guys playing hard for him, and he’s running the ball really well."
Dobbins is averaging north of five yards per carry, and he's already rushed for 634 yards and four touchdowns. He's on pace to obliterate his previous career-high rushing marks.
More Than a Ball-Carrier
Beyond what Dobbins does when the ball is in his hands, his leadership and mentoring of the younger players in the Broncos' running back room have been indispensable, including rookie second-rounder RJ Harvey. These are the intangible traits the Broncos didn't realize they were getting when they signed him to a
He’s doing a good job. He’s out there helping RJ with different things. He’s being a great leader, and he’s just putting his head down and he goes to work," Nix said of Dobbins.
The other aspects of Dobbins' game, including his pass protection and pass-catching acumen, come as a welcome on-field bonus to Nix, who's only been sacked eight times this season.
"He plays really hard. I know I mentioned after the [Cowboys] game, but he protects well. He protects for the pocket, he runs routes, and catches the football out of the backfield," Nix said of Dobbins. "He runs the ball hard when he gets his chance. We always knew he was a complete back, but he’s really showing that off right now.”
Dobbins is putting together an All-Pro-caliber campaign. It would help Dobbins' outlook for end-of-season accolades if Payton would scheme him up a few touchdowns inside the 5-yard line, but Dobbins was probably happy to see Harvey score three times last week vs. the Dallas Cowboys, which earned him NFL
Dobbins Wants to Retire a Bronco
Dobbins is at the midway point of his one-year deal, and he already knows that he wants to return to Denver. Heck, the 26-year-old wants to finish his NFL career with the Broncos.
Although Dobbins wants an extension for those reasons, he's not allowing himself to dwell on it right now. If he can stay healthy throughout the season, the Broncos could start thinking seriously about an extension in December sometime.
"As far as [an] extension, and stuff like that, that doesn't cross my mind. But me just wanting to be here in Denver? Yes. I hope to end my career here and be here for the rest of my time in the NFL,"
Dobbins' next matchup is a doozy vs. the Houston Texans' fifth-ranked rushing defense. However, if he can eclipse the century mark again, he'll become the first Bronco since Melvin Gordon in 2021 to post three 100-yard games in a season.
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Chicago Cubs predicted to replace Kyle Tucker with projected $182 million Boston Red Sox superstar
The Chicago Cubs are coming off a 92-70 season that saw them finish second place in the National League Central Division behind the Milwaukee Brewers, who were 97-65. After defeating the San Diego Padres in the Wild Card round, Chicago fell to the Brewers 3-2 in their five-game NLDS series, ending their season.
Now that the World Series is over, the club and its fans has their eyes completely set on preparing for the 2026 MLB season in hopes that they can improve their roster, make it back to the postseason, and win another title themselves.
In order to do that, some tough decisions will need to be made and some serious money will need to be spent.
The Chicago Cubs are predicted to replace Kyle Tucker with Alex Bregman
Sep 30, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; Boston Red Sox third base Alex Bregman (2) hits a single during the first inning against the New York Yankees during game one of the Wildcard round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Recently, Jim Bowden of The Athletic listed Cubs right fielder Kyle Tucker has his number one MLB free agent of the offseason. Per Bowden, it is expected that, despite his injuries in 2025, Tucker will command a contract worth over $400 million.
In other words, Chicago, who is not likely to hand out that kind of contract, will need to find a way to replace a player who hit .266/.377/.464 with 22 home runs, 73 RBI, and 25 stolen bases.
Jordan Campbell of Cubbies Crib suggests that they do so by signing third baseman Alex Bregman, who Bowden suggests will command a $182 million contract over six years:
“The guess here is that the Cubs make a strong push for Alex Bregman. The Cubs identified Bregman as the piece last offseason that could transition them from being a good team into a great team. They weren’t wrong, but the problem was that the Cubs made a pursuit of Bregman a priority far too late in the offseason. The Boston Red Sox likely will make a strong push to bring Bregman back, but the Cubs being involved shouldn’t be that surprising.”
Playing for the Boston Red Sox last season, Bregman hit .273/.360/.462 with 18 home runs and 62 RBI. He, like Tucker, also dealt with injuries last season that limited his production.
The thought of replacing Tucker, an outfielder, with Bregman, a third baseman, make sense since the Cubs already have Ian Happ, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Seiya Suzuki as their starting outfielders.
The problem, though, is that Bregman will be highly sought after in free agency, and the Cubs may get into a bidding war for his services.
