Denver Broncos: Melvin Gordon disrespected by NFL Network?
NFL Network analyst and former Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew isn’t all that high on Denver Broncos running back Melvin Gordon for the 2021 season. While the Broncos haven’t exactly earned deserved recognition for high rankings, Gordon is near the bottom of this particular list.
To be exact, Jones-Drew placed Gordon at the 24th spot out of 32 (projected) starting running backs in the league.
Said Jones-Drew of this placement for Gordon:
"2020 stats: 15 games | 215 att | 986 rush yds | 4.6 ypc | 9 rush TDs | 32 rec | 158 rec yds | 1 rec TDEven with Phillip Lindsay’s offseason departure, the Broncos have a deep backfield with Melvin Gordon, Royce Freeman, Mike Boone and second-round pick Javonte Williams all vying for snaps. Gordon will likely emerge as the starter come Week 1, but he’ll need to run well to keep the job. He’s improved as the game has slowed down for him over the last few years."
In 2020, Gordon out-snapped former Colorado kid and undrafted free agent of the 2018 class Phillip Lindsay by 97 and rushed for 484 more yards and nine touchdowns compared to Lindsay’s single score.
Lindsay just wasn’t a good fit in offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur’s scheme, so instead of re-signing with the Denver Broncos, he bolted for the Houston Texans.
While Gordon is expected to start the season as the Broncos’ starting running back, second-round pick Javonte Williams out of North Carolina is highly expected to see plenty of carries during his rookie year. Whether it’s by week four or week 12, talk of Williams is expected to pick up and that’s very exciting.
Gordon nearly reached 1,000 rushing yards in his first season with the Denver Broncos. The problem? He put the ball on the ground four times during the year, including the week 6 clobbering from the Kansas City Chiefs when he fumbled the football twice.
When the Broncos start winning more, Gordon (if he is still on the team) and Williams should be a big part of the team’s success moving forward. For now, there is some unfortunate disrespect for Gordon.