There are numerous takeaways from the first two weeks for the Denver Broncos, but one thing is clear: Phillip Lindsay is the heartbeat of the offense.
In recent history, the Denver Broncos have been searching for an elusive featured running back.
Even more than that, the team needed a home-run threat, someone who could score every time the ball touched his hands.
Back in 2012, the Broncos drafted Ronnie Hillman to be that back; however, inconsistencies remained throughout Hillman’s tenure.
Let’s rewind back to Darren Sproles’ years in the AFC West. The San Diego Chargers (at that time) had their Bronco killer with Sproles. Sproles was the do-it-all running back for the team.
Now fast forward to Phillip Lindsay’s current time with the Denver Broncos. The coaches are praising Lindsay’s work ethic and desire to answer the call when the moment asks for it. Every new wrinkle thrown at Lindsay is an opportunity to show the world he is the heartbeat of the Broncos’ offense.
When the offense is failing to get anything going, they turn to Lindsay to hit the accelerator.
On Sunday, Lindsay continued to show off his underrated ability to run between the tackles. Do not let his size fool you. Lindsay churns his legs to push piles despite his size. He has exceptional balance and his ability to change direction is lightning quick.
Not only is he making quick decisions, he’s making the right ones. For example, the 53-yard scamper by Lindsay is a prime example of how his vision is so special. Lindsay’s jump cut to avoid a defender all in one motion seemed effortless.
It doesn’t stop there. The first touchdown by Lindsay in week one against the Seahawks is an example of where he really does damage. The lightning-quick reflexes of Lindsay make him near impossible to cover in the NFL.
We have only entered week three of the regular season, but the Denver Broncos must discover an identity on the offensive side of the ball. There appears to be one thing that’s abundantly clear early this year: Phillip Lindsay is the heartbeat of the offense.
Coaches will reward hard work by playing players in key spots. One reason Lindsay is the heartbeat of the offense is simply when the team needs the spark, he can provide it. He understands this already.
Phillip Lindsay: "I am here to be our spark player. I am here to make sure that I get my teammates going, whether it is on a punt, if it is on a kickoff or kickoff return, anything. I am going to do what I have to to get our team moving."
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) September 17, 2018
The Denver Broncos see a multi-faceted running back that also can clean up the dirty work on special teams. Here’s where Lindsay is rewarded with more on his plate. He is the first person down the field on kickoffs and the first person to arrive on punt returns.
It’s the little things that continue to impress the coaching staff. Head coach Vance Joseph sees a special player.
After 111 offensive yards today, Vance Joseph said Phillip Lindsay’s “been really impressive.”
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) September 17, 2018
“He is a good football player… He is a total package as a football player.”
Lindsay’s the 1st UDFA in NFL history to have at least 100 scrimmage yards in his first 2 career games.
Lindsay is the total package as a back and is proving every rep he gets that he is the heartbeat of the Denver Broncos offense. Even second-year head coach Vance Joseph sees it that way. Do you?