The Denver Broncos face a pivotal moment regarding their stagnant running attack, with new additions J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey offering a promising pathway to revitalization. For nearly a decade, the Broncos have struggled to establish a consistent ground game, a deficiency that has consistently hindered their aspirations for NFL playoff contention. This season presents a critical opportunity to re-establish a physical identity on the field.
Under coach Sean Payton, the team has notably shied away from a dedicated commitment to running the football, a strategy that has drawn considerable scrutiny. In his 35 games coaching the Denver Broncos, no player has managed to eclipse the 100-yard rushing mark, a stark statistic highlighting the offensive imbalance and the coach’s prior distrust in his running back stable. This historical aversion has stifled the team’s ability to inflict physical will on opponents.
The acquisition of J.K. Dobbins in free agency signals a significant shift in philosophy. Described by tight end Adam Troutman as bringing a certain “thump” and being a “hell of a player,” Dobbins is envisioned as the primary back. His no-nonsense, quick-cut running style aligns with the hard-nosed physicality that former Broncos coach Mike Shanahan famously championed, aiming to make tacklers wince long after the final whistle.
Complementing Dobbins’ power is the intriguing potential of rookie RJ Harvey, drafted for his agile “wiggle” and reliable hands in the passing game. While still early, the combination of Dobbins’ bruising runs and Harvey’s elusive playmaking could finally provide the Denver Broncos with the multi-faceted ground threat they have sorely lacked. Coach Payton’s early observations suggest a growing confidence in these new options.
Payton himself has indicated that the truth about the starting running back will become evident through exhibition games and practice scrimmages, allowing “Broncos Country” to witness the development alongside him. The emphasis remains on performance and who truly earns the lead role, signaling a genuine competition rather than a pre-ordained decision. This transparent approach could foster greater trust within the offensive unit.
Beyond the presumptive starters, the speed of Jaleel McLaughlin makes him an undeniable asset, ensuring his place on the roster. Additionally, Audric Estime is striving to prove his worth, hoping to avoid an early exit from his Denver Broncos career. The collective talent in the running back room appears significantly upgraded, offering Payton diverse options for the upcoming season.
The core tenet of football emphasizes physical imposition, and as Troutman articulated, “When you can run the ball, you can physically impose your will on the people. It’s probably the best feeling of all time, when you block and you see the ball rip right past you.” This sentiment underscores the profound impact a successful running game can have, not just on offense, but on the entire team’s mentality and control of the game flow.
Ultimately, the hope is that Sean Payton will place his trust in Dobbins and Harvey to fulfill their primary purpose: consistently moving the chains and dictating the pace of play, rather than solely relying on their pass protection capabilities. While trailing often forces teams to abandon the run, the Denver Broncos averaged a mere 22 rush attempts in their eight losses last season, illustrating a clear area for strategic improvement to reach the NFL playoffs.
