Predominantly Orange
FanSided

Denver Broncos players who need to step up in 2019

By Sayre Bedinger

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 07: Courtland Sutton #14 of the Denver Broncos celebrates with his teammates after scoring an 8 yard touchdown against the New York Jets during the first quarter in the game at MetLife Stadium on October 07, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 07: Courtland Sutton #14 of the Denver Broncos celebrates with his teammates after scoring an 8 yard touchdown against the New York Jets during the first quarter in the game at MetLife Stadium on October 07, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 10
Next
DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 25: Royce Freeman #28 of the Denver Broncos attempts to elude Anthony Chickillo #56 of the Pittsburgh Steelers at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on November 25, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 25: Royce Freeman #28 of the Denver Broncos attempts to elude Anthony Chickillo #56 of the Pittsburgh Steelers at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on November 25, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

Running back: Royce Freeman

Royce Freeman looked like he was going to average a touchdown per game last season, the way he was running in training camp and preseason play.

Freeman carried his fantastic offseason into the regular season, where he secured the Broncos’ starting running back job.

The success of Phillip Lindsay last year coupled with Freeman’s ankle injury has sort of caused everyone to forget who the no. 1 running back was heading into the 2018 regular season.

Lindsay will still get his touches, deservedly so, but don’t forget about Freeman and his importance to the offense. Freeman was drafted to be the ‘bell cow’ back for the Broncos and he remains the guy best suited for that role going forward.

Lindsay has proven himself to be much more than just a gimmick or gadget player — he’s a legit starting running back in the NFL. But Freeman has what it takes to be an every-down player in this league as well. He makes guys miss in different ways than Lindsay, but he’s still effective gaining yards after contact and his deceptive quickness and speed allow him to pick up chunk plays more often than anyone knows.

Home/Broncos News