J.K. Dobbins was frustrated in the locker room following the Bengals’ playoff defeat on Sunday night, believing he should have had more opportunities after gaining 62 yards on 13 attempts. Following the defeat that ended Baltimore’s season, emotions ran high, and Dobbins was particularly unhappy. Dobbins was engaged in the passing game as well as the rushing game, with four catches for 43 yards and a score.
Dobbins has always been an emotional player and made it clear he was disappointed not having a bigger role. “I should be the guy,” Dobbins said. “I’m tired of holding that back. It’s the playoffs. Let’s go win the game. I’m tired of it. My teammates feed off me when I’m on the field. I should be out there all the time. That’s just not the case how it goes here.”
Dobbins only saw the ball 13 times in the Bengals’ defeat. He gained 62 yards on the ground, which was enough to lead all rushers on either team. However, quarterback Tyler Huntley received nine carries, and running back Gus Edwards received twelve.
Dobbins has made it clear that he wants the ball in his hands. However, the Ravens running back only had two games this season with more than 15 carries, including Sunday’s playoff game. “I’m a guy who feels like if I’m on the field all the time, I can help this team win, and I wasn’t. It’s the playoffs. Why am I not out there? It’s the playoffs,” Dobbins said on Sunday.
More Dobbins: “I’m a guy who feels like if I’m on the field all the time, I can help this team win, and I wasn’t. It’s the playoffs. Why am I not out there? Twelve carries? It's the playoffs.”
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) January 16, 2023
Dobbins had season-ending knee surgery and rehab before the 2021 season, then underwent microscopic knee surgery midway through this season to clear up some scar tissue. Dobbins returned to the field with increased speed and agility, gaining more than 100 yards twice in the second half of the season. He stated that he will train hard throughout the offseason to return stronger than ever.
