Running Backs with Real Versatility

The Denver Broncos have a good group of running backs. The pairing of Phillip Lindsay and Melvin Gordon should be a strong duo. Lindsay has back to back 1,000 yard rushing seasons to boast of and a career average of 4.9 yards per carry. That’s not too shabby, in fact it’s really good.

For a while, Gordon looked like one of the elite running backs in football. He’s still a powerful runner and an underrated weapon as a receiver out of the backfield. When you add Royce Freeman to the mix, the amount of talent the Broncos have in the backfield is impressive.

Lock has versatile weapons in his three running backs. Gordon is good for 40-55 receptions a season. Lindsay has caught 35 passes in both seasons with the Broncos. Last season Freeman had 43 receptions. The fact that all three of the Broncos running backs can catch passes is huge. Imagine how good this could be.

Lindsay could give you 1,000 yards on the ground with Gordon chipping in 500-700. In a running back by committee situation, you also get 100 receptions? That’s a dream scenario. Lock will always have a safety valve in the passing game and those easy completions will lead to some big plays. Add in some quality pass protection here and it’s a very hopeful situation in the backfield.

The Broncos have enough power on the offensive line and enough talent in terms of ball carriers to get the job done on the ground. They should get more than just rushing yards out of their running backs though, and that’s a key detail.

If you’re keeping score at home, this is two young receivers (one that’s already a star, one that promises to be) and three rock solid running backs. This isn’t exactly a one man show, with Lock having to put the weight of the entire team on his throwing arm. This offense shouldn’t be bad, and this isn’t even the full argument.