Can the Denver Broncos’ rushing attack find sustainability in 2024?
The Denver Broncos’ offense in 2023 under Sean Payton’s leadership fell short of the high expectations, particularly concerning their rushing game, raising concerns about the running back situation going into the offseason.
Last season, the Broncos’ offense struggled with inconsistency, largely due to an imbalance between their running and passing games. There were instances where they had to abandon the run due to deficits in crucial moments of games.
Overall, the team managed only 1,810 combined rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns. Javonte Williams led with 774 yards and three touchdowns, while quarterback Russell Wilson contributed 341 yards and three touchdowns on the ground.
The lack of rushing touchdowns became a significant issue as opposing teams focused on stopping the run, forcing Denver to heavily rely on passing. Despite criticisms, Wilson performed admirably, accounting for 26 passing touchdowns and tying for the team lead in rushing touchdowns.
While blame has been directed at Wilson and Payton, the team’s inconsistent offense was a collective issue, with the absence of a solid running game being a major factor that needs addressing in the offseason.
The question arises whether Javonte Williams will bounce back in 2024. Despite a challenging season marked by a low yards-per-carry average of 3.6, Williams led the team in broken tackles and deserves understanding considering his return from a major injury.
Looking ahead, Williams has the offseason to recover and strengthen, with Coach Payton expressing confidence in his abilities.
Regarding the roles of Samaje Perine and Jaleel McLaughlin in 2024, the RB2 position saw shifts throughout the season, contributing to inconsistency. McLaughlin showed promise early on but faced challenges due to his size, while Perine emerged as a reliable option, particularly in passing situations.
It remains uncertain whether the team will retain all three backs or make additions, but it’s evident that improving the running game, which produced only eight touchdowns in 17 games, is crucial for Denver’s offensive competitiveness moving forward
