The Denver Broncos are 8-2 following their “Thursday Night Football” win over the Las Vegas Raiders, and they can thank running back J.K. Dobbins for keeping them in control afloat. But they almost had to go with their alternative plan.
Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson tackled Dobbins on a short run in the third quarter. The Broncos star came up limping, making his way to the sideline.
Dobbins ultimately returned to the game without much ado, but spoke his piece after the game.
Tyree Wilson Could Face Discipline Over Hip-Drop Tackle on Broncos J.K. Dobbins in Broncos-Raiders
GettyTyree Wilson #9 of the Las Vegas Raiders looks on against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Dobbins made it clear that he was “good” following the tackle, which came on the Broncos’ third possession of the second half.
However, he also made it clear that Wilson should have been penalized during the game.
“I just got hip-dropped. I’m good,” Dobbins told reporters in the locker room after the game. “I had a little limp there, but it wasn’t bad. I’m all good. The hip drop should have been called, though. But I’m all good.”
The NFL defines an illegal hip drop tackle as when a defender “grabs the runner with one or both hands or wraps the runner with both arms” and then “unweights himself by swiveling and dropping his hips and/or lower body, landing on and/or trapping the runner’s leg(s) at or below the knee.”
Dobbins did not so much as enter the blue medical tent, getting spotted on the sideline sitting alongside the Broncos’ other backs on the bench after the drive.
He finished the game with 77 yards on 18 carries, adding another 7 yards on one reception.
NFL Precedent Set for Potential Tyree Wilson Fine
GettyTyree Wilson #9 of the Las Vegas Raiders looks on during mandatory minicamp
Wilson could still hear from the league amid multiple instances of fines being levied, despite no in-game penalty. The NFL fined Washington Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu $46,372 for his hip drop tackle on Kansas City Chiefs tight end Noah Gray in Week 8. No flag was thrown.
Luvu later received a one-game suspension for another hip drop tackle, this time on Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba in Week 9.
However, Luvue appealed and got the penalty reduced to a $100,000 fine.
Luvu is a repeat offender, though, receiving a third fine earlier this season and having drawn two more in 2024. Wilson would be a first-timer, which could impact the final amount the NFL decides to penalize him, if it does at all.
For the Broncos, the most important thing is that Dobbins was able to finish the contest and that they got the win.
Dobbins has been one of the few bright spots for the Broncos’ offense.
“J.K. Dobbins… sealed it with his late first-down run,” The Athletic’s Nick Kosmider posted on X on November 6. “He has rushed for at least 61 yards in every game this season. For an offense that doesn’t hang its hat on much right now, Dobbins has been a constant.”
J.K. Dobbins Sides With Fans
GettyJ.K. Dobbins #27 of the Denver Broncos celebrates with fans after defeating the Las Vegas Raiders.
Dobbins lamented the Broncos’ offense’s struggles, as they mustered a season-low 220 net total yards against the Raiders. He said the Broncos’ defense has kept them afloat, saying he felt “bad” because the offense has not done their “brothers” any “justice.”
He also expressed understanding of their boos during the game, but he vowed they would fix it.
“It just sucks, because they’re out there so many plays, playing their butts off,” Dobbins said. “We can’t keep doing that to them. And we’ll figure it out as offense. We will.”
Dobbins said he has not been in a losing situation since high school. He added that this Broncos team is the best he has ever been on. He said they “owe it to the fanbase” and themselves to play better offensively.
Dobbins and the Broncos offense rank 17th in scoring and 15th overall. The Broncos are third and second, respectively, defensively
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Broncos RB J.K. Dobbins Calls Out Illegal Play in Raiders Game appeared first on Heavy Sports.