Luther Burden III will have his breakout game against Minnesota
A few weeks ago, I called my shot and said that Kyle Monangai would have his breakout game against the Bengals. I'd say that one went pretty well. I'm predicting a similar result for Luther Burden III against the Vikings on Sunday.
I've seen more than enough from Olamide Zaccheaus. At the same time, on a much different, much more exciting note, I've also seen more than enough from Luther Burden III. He's
Burden hasn't had a ton of opportunities to shine this season. He's received only 18 targets in a crowded receiver room. However, there's no denying that he's made the most of them, catching 16 passes for 222 yards thus far. The numbers become even more impressive when broken down further.
Caleb Williams has a 136.6 passer rating when throwing Burden's way. That is ridiculous. Do you know what else is ridiculous? The 21-year-old has caught all 16 of the catchable passes thrown his way. He's also
Burden's numbers obviously jump off the screen, but he's arguably been even more impressive when it comes to the eye test. He's made plays whenever he's been on the field, and even shows up when the ball isn't in his hands. He's clearly bought into the "no block, no rock" mindset.
The Bears landed a steal in the second-round selection. I can't wait for them to unleash him to his full potential. Ben Johnson recently hinted at the potential of showcasing the University of Missouri product more.
“It's the trust level between the quarterback and a receiver," said Johnson. "He’s been very productive when we’ve been able to get the ball in his hands, and there’s a strong argument that we should get it to him more.”
We saw him play a season-high 49% of the snaps last week against New York. That felt like a ramp-up game. It also seemed significant that he was the only player who caught a pass on the team's game-winning drive (Williams only attempted one pass, but the fact remains).
He has yet to have a game with more snaps played than Zachheaus this season, but I think a changing of the guard is coming in that regard. He's undeniably the better player, and the Bears have their most difficult stretch of the season coming up. They need to get their best players on the field and playing as much as possible.
Burden's breakout game is right around the corner. In fact, I think it'll be this Sunday. I think he'll be a major factor against Minnesota.
Broncos Draw Attention Over J.K. Dobbins Before Chiefs Game
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J.K. Dobbins #27 of the Denver Broncos reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers.
The Denver Broncos listed running back J.K. Dobbins as a non-participant in the first practice session of Week 11 as he navigates a foot injury. Broncos head coach Sean Payton’s comments about Dobbins drew even more attention ahead of a pivotal Week 11.
Dobbins was injured in Week 10 on “Thursday Night Football” on a tackle by Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson. Dobbins downplayed it, but Denver is considering injured reserve.
For now, Dobbins and the Broncos remain in a noteworthy state of limbo.
Broncos’ Sean Payton Raises Eyebrows With J.K. Dobbins Comments
GettyJ.K. Dobbins #27 of the Denver Broncos greets teammates before facing the Las Vegas Raiders.
Payton met with the media to begin Week 11, and he noted that the Broncos have not yet decided whether or not to place Dobbins on injured reserve. They already drew attention for not placing him on IR to begin the week amid a flurry of roster decisions.
“Nothing’s been decided yet,” Payton told reporters on November 12. “At some point, there’ll be more clarity with him and some of these other players.”
Dobbin, 26, has rushed for 772 yards and 4 touchdowns on 153 carries this season.
In addition to Dobbins, the Broncos are without star cornerback and reigning Defensive Player of the Year Pat Surtain II and starting right guard Ben Powers. While Payton was not definitive, other comments made during his media availability suggested Dobbins would miss time.
Sean Payton Touts Broncos’ RBs Amid J.K. Dobbins Injury
GettyRJ Harvey #12 of the Denver Broncos scores a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Payton suggested rookie second-round pick RJ Harvey could receive a larger workload in Week 11, when the Broncos will face the Kansas City Chiefs. That may hold, even if Dobbins manages to play.
However, Payton also named-dropped former coaching staff darling Jaleel McLaughlin, who has played in one game this season, Week 6 against the New York Jets.
Rookie wideout Pat Bryant, the Broncos’ third-round pick, also received kudos.
“When we drafted him, it was his running skill set and, man, he had a lot of touches,” Payton told media members. “Then, you have experience in a guy like Jaleel, who’s explosive and has been chomping at the bit.
“I think sometimes players are not held back. But when you’re watching Pat Bryant grow right in front of our eyes, and you’re starting to see that with RJ – and, obviously, he’ll have more opportunities here um in this game. So, yeah. He’s built. When you see his frame, he’s built to last, and that’s important.”
RJ Harvey Built to Withstand Large Workload
Payton’s recent comments closely align with what the veteran head coach said about Harvey’s size before the season. Durability is even more important for Harvey, a former who tore his ACL in college, with Dobbins injured.
“I know the question is, ‘Is he a three-down back?’ Well, he’s going to play on third down,” Payton told reporters in May. “If you watch his stature … he’s put together pretty well. So, there’s a difference between a small runner and a short runner. We’re not interested in the small runners, but we’re okay with the short runners.”
Harvey has 214 yards and 2 TDs on 50 carries, adding another 175 yards and 4 scores on 25 receptions.
How the Broncos balance Harvey’s workload if Dobbins sits is the key against the Chiefs.
