Denver Broncos: Subpar running game is stalling the offense

The Denver Broncos’ subpar running game is stalling the offense.

After falling short against the Falcons on Sunday, the Broncos ended the day with Drew Lock as their leading rusher. Yes, quarterback Drew Lock led the team in rushing yards in an offense with the talents of both Phillip Lindsay and Melvin Gordon.

It is alarming, to say the least.

Perhaps even more alarming, Pat Shurmur still has not found a way to utilize his backs correctly.

Coming into the season, the Broncos’ backfield was regarded as one of the best in the league. Now at the halfway mark of the season, the Broncos continue to struggle in balancing their Thunder and Lightning.

Earlier in the season, Shurmur didn’t seem to struggle, as he had a clear-cut starting back in Melvin Gordon with Lindsay injured and off the field.

But Lindsay’s return brought about some tough decisions along with it. In his first three weeks back, Lindsay blew the top off opposing defenses. He rushed for 263 yards and a touchdown on only 38 attempts, averaging 6.9 yards per carry.

However, even as the most efficient and explosive player on this offense, there are still some things Lindsay cannot do, that Gordon can.

At 6’1’’ and 215 pounds, Gordon is a power back that can be used in short downs and goal-line situations. But Gordon’s skillset stretches far beyond those of a typical powerhouse back.

His pass protection and ability to be a receiving threat out of the backfield are big components to Shurmur’s offense. Just look at how well Gordon played during the game-winning drive against the Chargers.

Moving the ball efficiently on the ground will work wonders for Pat Shurmur’s offense moving forward. Not only will it open up the playbook for his offense, but also shake some weight off his young quarterback.

Here are a few ways Shurmur can get his offense back to pounding the ball:

1. Stop being Predictable

After looking at what both backs have to offer, it could very easily be Shurmur’s play-calling causing the downfall of his young offense, including the lack of production from the backfield.

Despite running a West Coast-style offense, often dubbed as a complex system to operate, the creativity in Shurmur’s play-calling seems to be lacking at times. Opposing defenses get a good idea of what is coming their way by simply looking at the offensive formation and which of Denver’s backs are out on the field.

The bottom line is, Shurmur has two great backs that can attack a defense in several different ways. If he really has that much trouble deciding, he can always throw them both out onto the field. Very few defenses have the talent to defend them both.

2. Get the screen game going

We have seen Shurmur throw out less than a handful of screens to his tight ends this season, while halfback and wide receiver screens seem to be virtually non-existent at this point.

Based on his pattern of play calls in previous weeks, a wideout screen to Jeudy on a fake draw play wouldn’t be a bad idea. Lindsay has run effectively from the gun formation, so the offense can expect defenses to bite. Lock can then simply sling it out to Jeudy, who has been phenomenal after the catch and let the offense run its course.

In return, Shurmur can get Lock going early while keeping the defense on their heels, creating more opportunities for designed run plays.

3. Feed Phillip Lindsay, the heart of the Denver Broncos

It didn’t take long before Lindsay began riding Gordon’s heels for the starting job this season. Week after week, he continues to prove he is a big play waiting to happen.

Despite his success, Shurmur has still limited his touches. He insists a big reason for that is to ensure Lindsay stays fresh and healthy.

But for three weeks straight, Lindsay has come short of getting at least 10 carries a game despite his production on the ground. Shurmur needs to get creative and find ways to get Lindsay involved in his offense more often.

This Sunday the Broncos head to Las Vegas for a division matchup against the Raiders. Shurmur will have to mix up this week’s play-calling if he wants to give his offense any chance at getting a much-needed fast start.