It wasn't long ago that one of the hottest conversations around the NFL was about how running backs were no longer being paid.
That changed this offseason when teams rushed to ink free agent running backs, and their investments have paid off handsomely.
The NFL's three leading rushers all changed teams in free agency this offseason: the Ravens' Derrick Henry, Eagles' Saquon Barkley, and Packers' Josh Jacobs. Former Raven turned Charger J.K. Dobbins isn't too far behind the leaders.
When Henry and Dobbins square off Monday night in Los Angeles, it will not only be a testament to the worth of running backs, but evidence that sometimes a change of scenery can be good for all parties involved.
"They're franchise players; they're showing that, [and] they're proving that week after week," Henry said. "Those guys work hard to let it showcase during the season, and I'm glad that they're able to showcase their talents and [are] having a great year. And hopefully, they'll open doors for the future and other running backs that are coming up [in] free agency to get an opportunity to get paid, as well."
Because of injuries, Dobbins never got a chance to show his full potential in Baltimore. There was always a part of him who believed he didn't get enough carries as a rookie, when he led the league in yards per carry. And there was always part of him who resented that his first major knee injury occurred in a preseason game.
With that said, Dobbins loved Baltimore. Last August, as Dobbins entered a contract year and was back healthy again, he said he wanted to be a Raven for life. Just 18 days later, he suffered an Achilles tear in the Ravens' season opener.
The Ravens turned the page, inking Henry to a two-year deal instead after the initial free-agency frenzy for younger running backs had subsided. About a month later, Dobbins signed a one-year, $1.6 million deal – essentially a prove-it deal – with the Chargers.
Henry has been a home run in Baltimore, leading the league with 1,185 yards and scoring a touchdown in every game he's played. Dobbins has been a workhorse in Los Angeles, rushing for 726 yards and eight touchdowns.
"I'm always going to be happy for any running back. J.K. had a short time of injuries, but he's bounced back and is showing his hard work and his heart to get back into it," Henry said.
"He's having a great year, he's doing a great job for them. Hats off to him and the year he's having. I'm glad to see him back out [there], making plays and doing big things for his team."
Ravens Will Go With Committee if Roquan Smith Doesn't Play
Roquan Smith (hamstring) hasn't practiced this week, and while Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr said he's "holding out hope," the Ravens are also bracing for the possibility that their defensive leader can't play Monday night.
Orr said it would be a "committee" approach to filling Smith's void.
"Not one guy is going to replace him," Orr said.
Malik Harrison stepped in for Smith last Sunday in Pittsburgh and Chris Board also saw a season-high seven defensive snaps. The only other inside linebacker on the roster is Kristian Welch, who is on the practice squad, but he has already been elevated three times this season, meaning he would need join the active roster to play.
Todd Monken Talks About Failed Two-Point Conversion
The Ravens' failed two-point conversion against Pittsburgh has been dissected all week, and Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken said he was of course disappointed with the result.
"Obviously, we didn't execute it at a high level, and obviously, [I] have to call it better," Monken said.
"I thought Lamar [Jackson] did a great job of trying to at least make a play. It's just disappointing at a critical point like that. What you're paid to do is to execute at a high level, starting with me and then our players."
Asked specifically about the pre-snap communication between wide receiver Nelson Agholor and tight end Isaiah Likely that looked like confusion, Monken said he thinks they were just communicating.
Winner in L.A. May Come Down to Red Zone
The Ravens have the league's No. 1-ranked red zone offense this season, scoring touchdowns on 77.8% of their opportunities. The Chargers have the league's No. 2 red-zone defense, giving up touchdowns just 40.9% of the time.
Something has to break Monday night, and it may determine who wins the game.
Monken said the Chargers' ability to play well with light boxes – something they do at a high rate – and not get gashed in the running game is a big factor in the strength of their red-zone defense.
"We're really good in the red zone because we're able to run the football, and then when we're not, we have the equalizer in Lamar [Jackson], and for us, we're lucky that way," Monken said.
"And for them, it's like, 'OK, why are you good in the red zone?' Because you stop people from running the ball, and it just becomes more and more difficult to throw it. We have our work cut out for us; they're really good."
Cleaning up the "drag" is Monken's focus this week, both with penalties and turnovers. The Chargers have the sixth-best turnover differential in the league, including 13 takeaways.
"At the end of the day, we didn't play clean enough on the road, didn't start fast enough, and that's what happens," Monken said. "We did give ourselves a chance, but didn't play good enough."
