Rookie Running Backs shine in victory over Seahawks
During the preseason, it was obvious that the Broncos’ running backs would be a highlight of the team’s overall success. Rookies Royce Freeman and Phillip Lindsay proved that to be true.
It looked as if Lindsay, who was undrafted out of CU, got most of the carries out of the backfield for the Broncos. However, Lindsay and Freeman both had the exact same number of carries (15). They also had the exact same number of yards on the ground (71).
The difference was Lindsay’s two receptions for 31 yards and a touchdown. The Broncos drafted Freeman in the third round of the 2018 draft. In my opinion, Lindsay has proven that he very well should have been selected in the draft.
As a team, the Broncos rushed 32 times for 146 yards for an average of 4.6 yards/carry. Denver has shown that they don’t need to have a bell cow at running back. Instead, they chose to ride the hot hand (Lindsay), while not forgetting about their third-round pick in Royce Freeman.
A big part of the running back success was the Broncos’ offensive line. The men upfront blocked very well against Seattle.
The only issue with the offensive line was their one sack that they allowed. Other than that, it’s obvious that the Broncos have improved from last season at that part of the offense.
I fully expect the Broncos running backs to be a top tandem in the league this year.
It looks like the Broncos will turn to the hot hand from now on. I think Freeman and Lindsay will continue to dominate over the course of the year.