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Justin Forsett brings much-needed veteran presence to Broncos

By Sayre Bedinger

Oct 11, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Justin Forsett (29) runs during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 11, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Justin Forsett (29) runs during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Denver Broncos got a much needed boost to the running game and a veteran presence with the addition of running back Justin Forsett…

The Denver Broncos miss their own former 2014 Pro Bowl running back in C.J. Anderson, but his injury and the injury to Kapri Bibbs have paved the way for this team to make the addition of Justin Forsett, who has bounced around between Baltimore and Detroit this season.

Forsett’s insertion into the Broncos offense makes him the oldest player on that side of the ball, overtaking wide receiver/returner Jordan Norwood. In the Broncos’ backfield, the average age this season has been under 25. Forsett is 31.

After a very nice start to his career in a reserve/3rd down role, Forsett proved in 2014 with the Baltimore Ravens that he could carry a bigger load. He averaged over five yards per carry, and ran for over 1,000 yards for the first time in his NFL career. That type of success came when Denver Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak was his offensive coordinator.

The familiarity with the Broncos’ offense has given the Broncos comfortability with Forsett’s capability to perform right away, and they expect him to play a role on Sunday in Tennessee despite just getting to down this week.

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    • “Justin is a real pro,” Kubiak said. “He’s been doing this a long time. I had him in Houston for a period of time and I had him in Baltimore. He’s a three-down player. He understands protections. He understands exactly what we’re doing, so that’s nice to walk on the field today. We really didn’t have a new player in a lot of ways other than a new face. I think he can help us quickly. I think [RB Devontae] Booker can learn a great deal from him. We need somebody to step in and contribute. I think he gave us the best chance. We’re just very fortunate to have him.

    I expect him to play this week. How big is that? I don’t know. My expectations are for him to split time with ‘Book,’ just like Kapri would have. It’s not like he’s been sitting; he’s been playing. He’s been active all year, whether it was Baltimore or Detroit. I’m hoping he can help us really quick.”

    Forsett’s impact with this team should be a lot larger than many think. The Broncos are trying to bring along a young back they really like in Devontae Booker, who has struggled at times this season. Coach Kubiak said that it could be that Booker just has a lot on his plate, and perhaps Forsett can take some off.

    For the Broncos’ newest back, helping out the young guys is a priority.

    “That’s been my thing during my whole career. I want to be able to impact the guys; not only on the field, but off of the field. Taking the young guys under my wing and show them the things to do to be a good pro and play a long time in this league, that’s what I’m going to do.”

    That’s an exciting prospect for the Broncos, who have had to throw their young players into the lion’s den this season. At one point or another, they have had rookies starting at quarterback, running back, and fullback. Forsett might not be exactly the same player he was when he made the Pro Bowl two seasons ago, but he brings a lot to the table.

    It’ll be exciting to see him perform on Sunday in Broncos colors.

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