Unlike the prior six seasons, the Denver Broncos head into the season without a question mark at the most important position in sports.
Since the decline of Peyton Manning, along with the Denver Broncos offense, the defense carried the burden for this organization. This season is expected to be different.
With the acquisition of future Hall of Fame quarterback Russell Wilson, the Denver Broncos offense is expected to take a monumental leap from what has been at times, a hapless group.
While the weapons were never in question, the player who had a major hand in how those weapons were utilized always was.
As a unit, the Denver Broncos’ offense now looks complete, at least on paper. With multiple capable running backs, depth across the offensive line, and depth at the wide receiver position, this team’s floor has been lifted while the ceiling jumped with it.
However, no position group is perfect, nor is any roster perfect and that includes the hyped-up Denver Broncos of 2022. Each position group for the Denver Broncos has at least one player that I would say I am confident in, offensive and defensively.
Ranking the position groups solely from the offensive side of the ball, depth and talent included, I would have to start with the group that had two productive and strong players last season, who both returned this season.
Ranking the position groups solely from the offensive side of the ball, depth and talent included, I would have to start with the group that had two productive and strong players last season, who both returned this season.
Denver Broncos position group no. 1: Running backs
With the signing of Melvin Gordon, and the return of Mike Boone and Javonte Williams, the Denver Broncos rushing attack looks to improve on what was a solid 2021 season. One extra beneficiary that this group will have in 2022 is that opposing defenses will have to honestly play the pass, and respect it.
Although Melvin Gordon played the 1a role last year, I expect that to switch with Javonte Williams. Javonte Williams ran like a man on a mission last season, a continuation of what he did throughout his collegiate career.
Mike Boone is an incredibly talented third running back to have on a depth chart.
Both Gordon and Williams toted the rock just north of 200 times last season and both just surpassed 900 yards. Gordon doubles Williams’ touchdown count with eight, but Williams did have 15 more receptions with three receiving touchdowns and four rushing.
From a totality standpoint, both eclipsed 1,000 total yards last season, and I expect the same sort of production in 2022. Between Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon, I expect the duo to push for a combined 3,000 all-purpose yards even with the Broncos having an elite quarterback.
Russell Wilson does use his running backs in the passing game.
Play-action passes should be more effective in the upcoming season as well. Both backs have the ability to rush for 1,000 yards and I think they do just that.
In a pinch, Mike Boone is a capable back who did show he had elite burst when called upon. In 2021, his touches were limited but effective. Against Kansas City, he looked like he could be featured in an offense, especially in this type of scheme where an elite burst may be the most important asset for a back to have.
If the Denver Broncos have to turn to Mike Boone at some point in 2022, it shouldn’t make Broncos Country fret. Boone is a great third option at the running back position.