INDIANAPOLIS — One of the Broncos’ most heated position battles of training camp was on display at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday.
The quarterback competition may garner the biggest headlines, but the running backs have locked into a fierce struggle for playing time — and that came through loud and clear in the Broncos’ 34-30 victory over the Colts in their preseason opener.
Second-year running back Jaleel McLaughlin’s investment in a JUGS machine proved beneficial when he caught a 22-yard pass from rookie quarterback Bo Nix on a wheel route. Five plays later, rookie running back Audric Estime showcased his power when he steamrolled into the end zone for a touchdown to give Denver a 20-10 advantage in the third quarter.
In head coach Sean Payton’s offense, the run game is essential. He is high on having a backfield filled with versatile players. On Sunday, nearly each running back impacted the game in a multitude of ways, as Denver outrushed Indianapolis, 131-64.
“They all had a spark,” Payton said.
However, their performance emphasized the tough decision looming over the organization of how many running backs it keeps on the initial 53-man roster and who.
Javonte Williams started the game, rushing for 15 yards on four carries in the opening quarter. Then the young guys went to work. McLaughlin had 56 total yards (30 rushing and 26 receiving) on nine touches. He averaged 4.3 yards on seven carries.
Estime had 10 carries for 31 yards while undrafted rookie Blake Watson was active down the stretch. In the fourth quarter, Watson showed why Denver signed him when he caught a short pass from Wilson before bursting down the sideline for a 33-yard gain. Watson finished with 10 touches for 59 yards, including 26 on the ground, and a touchdown.
Tyler Badie had his moment in the spotlight when he ran 11 yards for a touchdown to extend Denver’s lead to 27-17 with 2:18 to go in the third. Denver’s offense finished with three rushing touchdowns.
“We have a bunch of guys who can do it all,” Estime said. “We have smaller guys (and) bigger backs but no matter who you are, you gotta be able to (play) all three downs. I feel like it’s a great group of guys.”
While Denver’s backfield had its moments, veteran Samaje Perine offered a lowlight. In the first quarter, Perine couldn’t control a short pass from quarterback Jarrett Stidham. The ball juggled out of his hands and was picked off by Colts cornerback Kenny Moore. The failed reception was his only target, and he didn’t have a single rushing attempt the rest of the game.
As a whole, Payton wasn’t pleased with Denver’s ball security from the running backs, as they had two turnovers. In the third, Estime fumbled at the Broncos’ 47-yard line before cornerback Micah Abraham recovered the ball and scored to cut the deficit to 20-17 with 6:58 remaining. Later in the fourth, Watson fumbled a handoff from quarterback Zach Wilson that was recovered by the offense.
“Those are the things that you gotta make sure you clean up (and) those guys will learn from that,” Payton said.
During training camp, Williams, Estime and McLaughlin have stood out at running back. If Sunday was a reflection of what’s to come, that trio could be taking snaps this fall.
The Broncos had already anticipated McLaughlin to take another step in Year 2, while Williams was encouraged by Payton to lose 11 pounds, hoping to return to the player he was in college and as a rookie. Meanwhile, Payton thought Estime had the potential to be an early-down running back when the team took him in the fifth round in April.
If the Broncos decide to keep four running backs, Watson and Perine would be fighting for the final spot. Even though Perine was a reliable check-down option last season, Watson provides similar traits as a receiver and is quicker.
Sunday was a reflection of how tough the competition has been. And it has the potential to heat up even more as training camp progresses.
“We compete and push each other every day,” Estime said.
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Originally Published: August 11, 2024 at 6:15 p.m.
