LANDOVER, Md. Baltimore Ravens win their 20th consecutive preseason game on Saturday night. However, running back J.K. Dobbins' knee injury loomed large over any unofficial NFL record.
Dobbins, who sustained a left knee injury during the first drive of the Ravens' 37-3 win over Washington, was out of the remainder of the Ravens' 37-3 victory over Washington.
Dobbins was lying on his back clutching his left knee, having been tackled on the ninth play. Dobbins was caught between two Washington cornerbacks on the play. His left knee received a direct hit from Jimmy Moreland's shoulder.
Dobbins required assistance to reach the sideline. He had to have his arms wrapped around the shoulders of trainers, as he couldn’t lift any weight off his left leg. Soon he was taken to the locker room.
J.K. Dobbins was injured when he was tackled during a screen pass on Saturday's Ravens' first drive. Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sport
Dobbins, a second-round selection from last year, was Baltimore's featured back entering his first season. Dobbins played a pivotal role in the Ravens' late season push to make the playoffs. He gained 425 yards, which was eighth most in the NFL, and scored six touchdowns in the last five regular-season games.
According to ESPN Stats & Information research, Dobbins ran an average of 6.0 yards per run last year. This was the second-highest average for a rookie runner over the past 20 years. As a rookie, only Alvin Kamara (6.1) had a higher average.
Gus Edwards, a Baltimore running back, is one of the best in the NFL. After being the only player in NFL history to average at least 5-plus yards per carry and produce at least 700 yards of rushing in his first three seasons, Edwards was signed to a $10 million, two-year extension. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, he was also one of the two who produced at least 5+ yards per carry. Nick Chubb, a two-time Pro Bowler for the Cleveland Browns, is the other.
The Ravens won their sixth consecutive perfect preseason after Dobbins' injury. Baltimore beat Vince Lombardi's Green Bay Packers who won 19 consecutive preseason games from 1959 to 1962.
The official record for the Ravens' preseason win streak of 20 games is not known, but Elias Sports Bureau has confirmed that it is the longest since 1995.
The Ravens lost their last preseason game on Sept. 3, 2015.
