By Jordan Long
One of the battles to watch during Broncos’ training camp is the running backs. The projected starter is Phillip Lindsay. Behind him is Melvin Gordon who the Broncos picked up in free agency, agreeing to a 2-year $16 million contract. Denver is expected to split carries between the two in the regular season.
Lindsay has been with the Broncos for the last 2 years. He was undrafted out of the University of Colorado. In those seasons Lindsay totaled 2,048 yards, 16 touchdowns on the ground with an impressive yards per rush of 4.9 yards. He has yet to fumble. When it comes to pass catching he has 437 yards receiving and 1 touchdown. Lindsay was the first offensive undrafted rookie to be voted into the Pro Bowl.
Lindsay is in the last year of his current deal. His stats show he should earn a new contract extension. This year is for him to prove to Denver the previous two seasons weren’t flukes. Denver though, decided in the offseason they needed to add a veteran to the backfield and signed Gordon.
Lindsay knows he can’t worry about Gordon. According to ESPN, Lindsay said, “I don’t need another man to fuel my fire. I know what I want for my family and that’s what fuels me. For me, honestly, nothing changes. I go out there and I produce when my number is called. I make big plays like I always have, and I go from there.”
The Broncos know training camp will decide who earns the #1 running back spot since preseason games have been eliminated this year. New offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur understands running the football is important, but the backs also need to be able to make plays in the passing game. Lindsay and Gordon both can do that. Gordon has done it more because he has played more seasons in the NFL. In his 5 seasons with the Chargers, Gordon caught 224 footballs for 1,873 yards and 11 touchdowns. Both of them should be able to catch the football to move the chains in this offense.
The Broncos know whoever will be number 1 on the depth chart will need the #2 running back to be ready. Denver is expected to use both of them in the offense. Lindsay is the favorite to be the starter once again, but he has to show he can handle the duties in the Shurmur offense. That will go a long way for Phillip and it might earn him a new agreement with Denver at the end of the season.
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