Coming into Training Camp, the Denver Broncos had many options at the running back position. But with all the focus on quarterback Russell Wilson’s improvement, the running game took a back seat. However, after two weeks of the preseason, the real game plan begins to take shape. The Denver Broncos secret weapons are their running backs, an entire stable of skilled ball carriers. The run game will make or break the Broncos this season, not Russell Wilson and the passing game. And it’s almost time for Denver to unleash its non-so-secret strategy.
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Running in Plain Sight: The Denver Broncos Secret Weapons
Secret Weapons Group 1: Javonte Williams & Samaje Perine
With two starters acting as 1A & 1B, the Broncos have a legitimate dominant pair of running backs to spearhead the running attack. After playing Week 2 of Preseason vs the San Francisco 49ers, Javonte Williams looks to be 100% back from this 2022 injury. With his ability to break tackles, Denver is in for long gains and tired defenses. And, when Williams needs a break, Samaje Perine steps right in without the offense losing any skill at the position. Head coach Sean Payton will be able to rely extremely heavily on his running backs this season, which is the most obvious of the Denver Broncos secret weapons.
Secret Weapons Group 2: Michael Burton & Jaleel McLaughlin
It isn’t surprising that the Broncos will be running the ball more often this year than last. But what may come as a shock is the extent of their stable of running backs to choose from. Williams & Perine will lead the way and have similar styles. But two other backs could show up big this season for Denver, at very different speeds. Fullback Michael Burton saw multiple carries in Week 2 of the preseason and showed that he could smash forward for the yardage needed. On the opposite end, rookie Jaleel McLaughlin shows speed every time he touches the ball, scoring two touchdowns versus the 49ers. Although he is currently fifth on the depth chart, the rookie should vault into playing time before NFL defenses are ready for him.
Secret Weapons Group 3: Russell Wilson & the Offensive Line
Perhaps the most important of the Denver Broncos secret weapons this season is quarterback Russell Wilson and his revamped offensive line. Defenses know that Wilson can run, but this year, he and Coach Payton seem willing to design more plays with running in mind. Also, the offensive line now knows that they can block to open lanes, not solely to keep a firm pocket from collapsing. This trust in the running ability of their starting quarterback leads to higher confidence and better protection. Wilson’s desire to run more often takes the pressure off of himself and those protecting him, leading to a team that now has another dangerous weapon.
The Denver Broncos Secret Weapons are Running in Plain Sight
The Broncos have historically been known as a running team, at least before the days of Peyton Manning. Their zone-blocking scheme was famous, and it worked, churning out running backs who could be plugged into the system and find immediate success. With a return to that run-first mentality, and with the skill players to fit the play calling, Denver will go back to its roots of running. Making no secret of its intentions, Denver’s offense will nonetheless surprise opponents with its willingness and ability to run right through defenses. Williams and Perine will carry the bulk of the load. Burton and McLaughlin will change the pace. And even Wilson and his linemen will play with the run game foremost on their minds. The Denver Broncos secret weapons are not only their runners but their runners’ determination to commit to an old style that will work in new ways.
Main Image: Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
