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Denver Broncos: Rookie grades in loss vs. Baltimore Ravens

By Sayre Bedinger

BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 23: Royce Freeman #28 of the Denver Broncos runs the ball while defended by Marlon Humphrey #29 of the Baltimore Ravens in the first quarter of the game at M&T Bank Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 23: Royce Freeman #28 of the Denver Broncos runs the ball while defended by Marlon Humphrey #29 of the Baltimore Ravens in the first quarter of the game at M&T Bank Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 23: Royce Freeman #28 of the Denver Broncos scores a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 23: Royce Freeman #28 of the Denver Broncos scores a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

Royce Freeman, RB

Royce Freeman is a really good player, and as the season progresses, I think we’ll see the Broncos really ramp up his usage in the offense.

He led all running backs in snaps in this game with 29 and carried the ball 13 times for 53 yards and a touchdown on the first drive of the game. He continues to impress with the efficiency of his touches, which leads me to believe Bill Musgrave is not using him enough.

On 13 carries, Freeman had 49/53 yards after initial contact and managed three plays of 10 or more yards, as well as five first downs and a touchdown.

That’s incredible efficiency but Denver gets into situations where they are playing catch-up, and Freeman can’t be utilized the way they want throughout the entirety of a game at this point.

This speaks to the Broncos’ need to get off to hot starts and stay disciplined throughout the game because Freeman is a weapon who hasn’t been utilized to his fullest potential yet.

Freeman also made a tough catch on his only target of the game as a receiver, a five-yard first down play.

Grade: A

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