Denver Broncos: Rookie performance grades vs. Raiders

DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 16: Linebacker Bradley Chubb #55 of the Denver Broncos stands in a group of players before a game against the Oakland Raiders at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on September 16, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 16: Linebacker Bradley Chubb #55 of the Denver Broncos stands in a group of players before a game against the Oakland Raiders at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on September 16, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
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DENVER, CO – SEPTEMBER 16: Running back Royce Freeman #28 of the Denver Broncosis congratulated by teammates after scoring a third quarter touchdown against the Oakland Raiders at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on September 16, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – SEPTEMBER 16: Running back Royce Freeman #28 of the Denver Broncosis congratulated by teammates after scoring a third quarter touchdown against the Oakland Raiders at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on September 16, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)

Royce Freeman, RB

As I stated in my ‘players who need to improve‘ piece, I think we haven’t even scratched the surface of what Freeman is capable of doing for the Denver Broncos’ offense.

He was given just eight carries in this game, which isn’t entirely shocking considering the Broncos were playing from behind nearly the entire game. This week, he didn’t really have the opportunity to ‘close’ the game as he did against Seattle, but Freeman still had some nice plays.

He made the most of the chances he was given but averaged less than four yards per carry because of the team’s need for some short-yardage work.

Freeman picked up three first downs and a touchdown among his eight carries, the first touchdown of his NFL career (regular season).

Freeman will see games with 20 plus carries this season I’m guessing, and the fact that he was so efficient with his eight carries is encouraging moving forward.

Grade: B-

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