The Denver Broncos’ run game took off this past week against the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football, with J.K. Dobbins snapping the Broncos’ 37-game regular-season streak of not having a 100-yard rusher. Not only was Dobbins’ production exciting, but the usage of RJ Harvey was also productive.
As the Broncos prepare for Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles, head coach Sean Payton might have just found his formula for keeping the run game going.
It would be nice to have 80 offensive snaps every game, but it doesn’t always work out that way, especially against a stingy Vic Fangio-led defense.
In Denver’s 80 snap sample size against the Bengals, Dobbins had 36 offensive snaps, and Harvey had 33.
“I think both of those guys we’re super excited about,” Payton said. “I think you can – I’ve said this a million times – I think you can feed two and feature two. I think both were exceptional the other night.” When asked if he plans on implementing more of a two-back system, Payton responded, “I’d like to do more of that.”
Dobbins has incorporated new life into the Broncos’ rushing attack, and now that he and Harvey have some rhythm established coming into Sunday’s game against the Eagles, there’s hope they can break things open against an aggressive front that is allowing 113 yards on the ground per game and an average of 4.3 yards per rushing attempt.
Between Dobbins’ effectiveness on the ground and Harvey’s hybrid role as a rusher and pass catcher, the Broncos offense has a big opportunity to go on the road to try and steal a big-time game.
Denver Broncos matchup against Eagles a measuring stick game?
The word surrounding Sunday’s game this week has been measuring stick. While most of the country will get to see Sunday’s game live, the world will evaluate the Broncos and how they play against teams with a winning record and teams that are contenders.
The Eagles are the biggest test yet, but Broncos pass rusher Nik Bonitto doesn’t think it’s a measuring stick game.
“Nah, it isn’t a measuring stick,” Bonitto said. “We’re trying to go win the game. We know we are a good team and can go into an opponent’s house and win a football game. I don’t think it’s a measuring stick. We know who we are.”
Broncos players I’ve spoken to have echoed that sentiment — they believe that they have a team that’s capable of going far, and they understand that they have to win these big games. It was a struggle for them last season, but players are confident that the team can learn from those games.
“I don’t know if I’m worried about measuring ourselves up to anything other than this next game,” Mike McGlinchey said. “It certainly has a little added weight when they’re the defending champs, they’re undefeated this year, they have talent all across the board. It’s an opportunity for us to play a really great football team and get a huge win for our program, and that’s what we’re going to try to do.”
Sunday’s matchup against the Eagles will be their biggest test yet.