The Denver Broncos are in the midst of a competitive battle for a playoff spot. The franchise is on the verge of achieving its first playoff berth since 2015. With just four games remaining, the margin for error is slim and every game is important. If they are going to have success in December improving their rushing attack is paramount.
Once a staple in team’s offensive endeavors, the Broncos have struggled to find their way to be consistent on the ground over the past several seasons. Believe it or not, the last time the Broncos had running back go for more than 100-yards in a game was Latavius Murray in 2022.
This year, they are 20th in the National Football League in total yards rushing with 1,445 through 13 games. That total accounts for Bo Nix who is third on the team with 304 rushing yards on the season. Additionally, they are in the bottom third of the league with just 10 rushing touchdowns in 2024.
Javonte Williams is their leading rusher with 446 yards on 124 attempts. That’s only good enough for a 3.6 yard per carry average. Even more concerning, Williams has amassed a yard or less total on the ground in three of the past four games. Quite simply, you can’t have that sort of disastrous production from your highest-ranked back on your depth chart.
Second-year player Jaleel McLaughlin has had success in limited opportunities. McLaughlin has rushed for 367 yards on 80 attempts and one touchdown this season. That’s good enough for a 4.6 yard per carry average. In the Broncos’ last game against the Cleveland Browns, he was impressed with 84 yards on 14 carries.
With that in mind, some have wondered whether or not he should get more volume in the final for games of the season. Head Coach Sean Payton believes he can.
“He can handle more. I think he’s doing more in the passing game,” stated Payton. “I think his role; he’s as focused a player and he’s hard working as anyone here. There are guys when the game ends, I’m like, ‘I have to get him more touches.’ That’s a challenge.”
On the season, McLaughlin has averaged about six rushing attempts a game and nearly four as a receiver. Combined together, that’s roughly 10 total looks a game. However, given the fact he has outproduced Williams in recent weeks, I sure would like to see him get more looks moving forward.
But it all comes down to a numbers game and what Payton chooses to do on game day. The Broncos also have rookie Audric Estime in the mix who has flashed on a few occasions this season and are also trying to find him the ball. Payton mentioned that it’s hard to truly evaluate a player’s impact or potential in just limited snaps.
While that may be true, I think it’s safe to say that based on what we’ve seen from Williams as the lead back to date, more opportunities should be given to McLaughlin or Estime. Let’s see what they can do against the Indianapolis Colts who have one of the worst run defenses in the league. What do the Broncos have to lose by doing so?
