Denver Broncos should bring back Phillip Lindsay in 2022
The Denver Broncos should consider bringing back their former Pro Bowl running back Phillip Lindsay for the 2022 season to play behind Javonte Williams.
As a potential addition that could fly under the radar, the Denver Broncos signing Phillip Lindsay in free agency would be a logical reunion for both sides.
Lindsay burst onto the scene in 2018, averaging over five yards per carry and earning a Pro Bowl nod. He was a bit less effective in 2019, but still averaged 4.5 yards per carry en route to another 1,000-yard rushing season.
He battled injuries with the Denver Broncos in 2020, and an apparent unstable relationship with Melvin Gordon, or the running back situation as a whole.
In 2021, Lindsay was on both the Dolphins and Texans, rushing for 249 yards between both clubs and failing to catch on with either.
Now a free agent, Lindsay’s value isn’t what it was. However, he saw the most success with the Denver Broncos and the team should consider bringing him back.
Lindsay thrived in the outside zone blocking scheme that Denver ran back during his tenure with the team.
His tools as a running back fit perfectly into the system, and it showed on the field.
An outside zone blocking scheme, for those who might be unaware, is a scheme where the offensive linemen are required to focus their blocks on zones, rather than individual players. Running backs who excel in this scheme are able to find an open lane, put their foot on the gas, and zoom upfield.
It’s perfect for Lindsay, who, as we saw in Denver, has excellent speed, agility, and acceleration.
Certain running backs play better in certain schemes, so Lindsay isn’t necessarily a bad player because he excels in one particular scheme.
Well, Denver hiring Nathaniel Hackett brings back that outside zone idea to the Mile High City.
We’ll see this scheme in action now than he’s in town, and it should net a stronger offense overall.
Another reason why Denver should bring back Phillip Lindsay is that there isn’t really anyone on the roster as of now who could serve as a viable RB2.
Javonte Williams is the unquestioned starter, but who is going to be able to take some of the load off of him? It’s unrealistic to give Williams every carry per game, even though he could probably handle it.
Lindsay would also be a nice change of pace from Williams, who is more of a bruiser.
Williams also doesn’t have that breakaway speed that Lindsay possesses.
I think signing Lindsay would then give the Broncos a complete running back room, and would allow them to look at other positions with their draft picks.
Yes, it is important to have a quality RB2, but I don’t think the team needs to take someone in the draft to fill that role.
I would much rather the team look at another position like edge rusher, linebacker, or cornerback instead of running back.
A Phillip Lindsay return to the Denver Broncos makes a lot of sense, and not just for sentimental reasons.