Is Phillip Lindsay the Broncos’ best running back?
Among all the rookies in the Broncos’ ballyhooed 2018 class, the player who made the biggest impact during the 2724 victory over Seattle in seasonopener was … Phillip Lindsay. Am I wrong? After watching Lindsay rush for 71 yards and catch a 29yard touchdown pass, teammate Chris Harris said it could not be a better story. Or could it? Might Lindsay become the envy of all those fantasyleague owners who drafted Royce Freeman? O’Halloran: I literally have about four nonfamily friends, but about three dozen people came out of hiding to ask me about Freeman’s fantasy potential when Vance Joseph made him the starter last week. I should have suggested drafting Lindsay instead because of his bigplay potential. Lindsay is the great story, but Freeman carrying the run game is more ideal for the Broncos because it allows them to use Lindsay in creative ways.
From the instant Denver signed Lindsay as an undrafted free agent, I shouted he would make the team. But I didn’t see this coming. If Freeman is the No. 1 running back on the roster, then Lindsay is No. 1A. The three interceptions thrown by Case Keenum against Seattle provided a reminder that if the Broncos ask their new quarterback to do too much, it’s going to be trouble. The beauty of Lindsay? He gives Denver a home run threat on safe play calls. O’Halloran: Exhibit A — On Lindsay’s touchdown catch, he caught it behind the line of scrimmage. A lowrisk throw by Keenum that produces the ultimate reward. I thought Lindsay would get more touches than Booker against Seattle, but not by a 174 advantage. Against Oakland, I would get Booker more involved in the run game and keep Lindsay a part of the pass game because, as Kiz said, he can turn safe into spectacular.
Was this a wonderful comingout party or an trend? Can Lindsay bear the load of doubledigit touches per game? I saw him as Danny Woodhead 2.0, and figured 300 yards rushing and 300 more receiving would qualify as a big rookie year for Lindsay. You predicted a 1,000yard rushing season for Freeman. Is it too early to adjust our expectations? I’m ready to believe Lindsay’s contributions as a runner and receiver might produce a total of 1,000 yards from scrimmage.
I’ll stick with Freeman getting at least 1,000 yards, because if Sunday’s game is a trend, the Broncos will have plenty of fourthquarter carries to distribute. I looked up Woodhead’s statistics. He had two years of 1,000plus allpurpose yards. I would bet the “under” on Lindsay because of the Broncos’ receiver/tight end depth. The Broncos would be smart not to overtax Lindsay (10 touches? Yes; 17 touches? Not every week).