Sean Payton’s track record with running backs is full of contradictions.
Over his 17-year coaching career, only three of his running backs have surpassed 1,000 rushing yards in a season. In Denver, none have even hit 100 yards in a single game under his watch. Yet, he’s still regarded as an offensive mastermind due to how he incorporates running backs into his schemes.
“Running backs matter, and Sean knows that,” said Phillip Lindsay, former NFL running back and current radio host on 104.3 The Fan. “You’ve got Bo Nix, you’ve got a solid tight end (Evan Engram). Now it’s time to get a running back—no excuses.”
It’s almost inevitable that the Broncos will select a running back in this year’s draft, with prospects like Omarion Hampton, Quinshon Judkins, and TreVeyon Henderson frequently linked to the team. The key is picking the right one—someone who can break tackles and turn check-downs into first downs.
The stakes are high. If the Broncos want to compete in the AFC West, their first two picks—No. 20 and No. 51—are crucial. Payton made his move last year by drafting Nix as his franchise quarterback. Now, it’s time to support him.
Take the playoff game as an example. Denver didn’t lose because Nix was vastly inferior to Josh Allen. The real difference was Buffalo’s James Cook versus Denver’s struggling backfield.
If the Broncos want to end Kansas City’s nine-year division dominance, they need an explosive offense. Last season, Denver’s attack was the most productive it had been in a decade, but it was also predictable due to a lackluster running game.
Lindsay understands this firsthand. He revitalized Denver’s ground game early in his career, but as his role diminished, his presence became an obvious signal that a run was coming. Surprisingly, despite the Broncos’ history of great backs like Terrell Davis and Mike Anderson, Lindsay remains the team’s last 1,000-yard rusher, achieving the feat in 2018 and 2019.
This offseason, he’s closely watching how Denver addresses the position.
“Did the running backs perform well last year? No,” Lindsay said. “But it’s tough to find rhythm with just eight carries a game. I also don’t think Sean schemed the run game well—there weren’t enough pulling guards, counters, or creative plays. But we’ve seen what he can do with guys like Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram in New Orleans. He needs to get back to that.”
Everything starts with finding a back Payton trusts. Denver’s run game was ineffective in multiple ways last season. Despite ESPN ranking its offensive line first in run-blocking win rate, the Broncos lacked efficiency. Nix led the team in rushing six times and tied Javonte Williams for the most rushing touchdowns (four).
“You need a guy Payton will rely on in key moments—second-and-4, third-and-1,” Lindsay emphasized. “Someone who takes pressure off Nix.”
The Broncos ranked 29th in yards after contact last season, with Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin, and Audric Estime all finishing outside the top 35 in that category. That’s unacceptable. A lead back should be able to stiff-arm defenders, break tackles, and make people miss.
Additionally, this player must have versatility. Payton leans heavily on running backs in the passing game—no coach calls more early-down passes to backs. Williams saw a career-high 70 targets last season, catching 52 passes for 346 yards but failing to score. McLaughlin led the group with just two receiving touchdowns.
That’s not going to cut it.
To elevate this offense, Denver needs a Kamara-type weapon. Under Payton, Kamara averaged four receiving touchdowns and 30 first downs per season.
Lindsay has a few names in mind.
“Hampton has a frame similar to Joe Mixon—he could be a 1,000-yard rusher as a rookie,” he said. “I also like a couple of later-round options. Kansas’ Devin Neal is a downhill runner who grinds out tough yards, and Kansas State’s DJ Giddens has big-play ability and the right mentality.”
Neal and Giddens both averaged 25 receptions per season over their last two college years, suggesting they could develop into reliable three-down backs.
Finding a starting-caliber back is a must, and pairing a rookie with a veteran like J.K. Dobbins could further solidify the position.
The Broncos’ offense revolves around the running back position. Get the right guy, and Nix’s ceiling is sky-high. Stick with an uninspiring rotation, and his development could stall.
Payton has already solved the quarterback dilemma. Now, he just needs the final piece. If he finds it, the Broncos might finally be able to surpass the Chiefs.
Be the first to comment