Denver Broncos 2021 schedule: Predicting where rookies break out
By Brett Chaves
Javonte Williams – Week 14 vs. Detroit Lions
The Lions are set to be one of the NFL’s worst teams this season. After trading away star quarterback Matthew Stafford, along with losing receivers Marvin Jones and Kenny Golladay, the Lions offense is going to be in a heap of trouble. Their defense also struggled mightily last season with a lack of leadership and disappointing results from Jeffrey Okudah and company.
New Head Coach Dan Campbell is going to try and change the culture in Detroit, but it’s likely there is going to be little progress in his first season. This is why many teams in the NFL are going to try and take advantage of the struggling Lions in 2021.
Denver is no stranger to Detroit. 2021 will be the third time in the past six seasons the two teams square off, with Denver taking the win in the previous two contests. In their matchup in 2019, third-year quarterback Drew Lock threw for a touchdown in one of the stronger performances of his rookie campaign.
Javonte Williams is set to be the number two option at running back for the Broncos in 2021. While Melvin Gordon prepares to be the three-down back, Williams will most likely be used for situations within five yards. His violence while running and ability to break tackles make him untouchable up the middle.
Detroit has not been great at defending the run recently. In 2020, they allowed a total of 134.9 rushing yards per game (28th in the NFL). To put that into perspective, the Lions gave up nearly a field-and-a-half of rushing to opposing teams.
If history repeats itself, Offensive Coordinator Pat Shurmur could give Williams more touches in this contest. His skill set should give him the edge against a weak defensive line. Denver’s up-and-coming offensive line should also have no issue giving Williams the chance to bust loose up the middle.