One of the bright spots for the offense through the first quarter of the season has been the success of the rookie running backs. Both Royce Freeman and Phillip Lindsay have been already been able to make a major impact in the running game and appear to be picking up steam as the year goes on.
The highest graded rookie running backs in the NFL this season. pic.twitter.com/AcTC9XciEt
— PFF (@PFF) October 4, 2018
According to Pro Football Focus, Royce Freeman (76.2) has been the best rookie running back in the NFL through the first four games. Freeman has 44 carries for 219 yards and three touchdowns so far.
According to Broncos head coach Vance Joseph, fans can expect to see more of Freeman in the lineup after rushing for a season-high 67 yards against the Chiefs.
“Royce, the last two weeks, has hit his stride,” Joseph told reporters Tuesday. “He is playing at a high level. And to watch him last night, obviously we blocked it up front, but a couple times, he turned nothing into something. That’s Royce. That’s what he was in college. So I’m looking forward to getting him more touches. I think he played about 16, 17 plays last night. He needs more opportunities, because he is playing good football.”
Along with Freeman, Lindsay has shouldered a large portion of the Broncos’ carries this season as well (45). Despite going undrafted last spring, Lindsay leads the team with 267 rushing yards and has a PFF ranking of 68.9. Only Saquon Barkley, Kerryon Johnson and Freeman are currently ranked higher. All three of those backs were drafted in the third round or higher.
The Broncos will face the Jets this Sunday at 11 a.m. MT. Following Monday’s disappointing loss to the Chiefs, the Broncos may rely on the rookie running backs to try and secure a crucial road win in Week 5.