Davis continues to be impressed by Lindsay

Twentythree years ago, Broncos running back Terrell Davis emerged from obscurity as a sixthround pick to rush for 1,117 yards as a rookie.

This year, Phillip Lindsay has risen from being an undrafted free agent to enter Sunday’s game against Houston with 531 rushing yards (ninthbest in the NFL), putting him on pace for 1,062.

The old No. 30 is impressed with the new No. 30.

“He’s playing well,” Davis said Thursday after giving the keynote speech at the Broncos Business Huddle. “(What) I saw in training camp, he’s as advertised. He’s explosive, he’s strong for a guy his size (5foot8, 190 pounds) and he brings excitement to the game.

“He’s a valuable weapon out of the backfield and has a lot of tools he can work with. I like where he’s going. I wish (the Broncos) would be playing a little better now, but they have a back they can count on for a very long time.”

Lindsay wore No. 2 during the offseason program and preseason but once he made the team, he asked Davis if he could wear No. 30. Davis, a Pro Football Hall of Famer, happily approved. Lindsay has rushed for at least 60 yards in six of the Broncos’ eight games and also has 18 catches.

Asked if watching another Broncos No. 30 running back flourish was special, Davis said: “It is because going to back to our conversation (after the preseason), I got the sense he’s a confident young man. He’s an underdog and I can identify with what he went through. He has a hunger. I said, ‘That’s what No. 30 is about.’ I think it’s perfect to have a guy who wasn’t drafted wearing No. 30.”

Lindsay has been a bright spot during an otherwise disappointing first half of the season (35 record).

“This team is just inconsistent, has some holes in certain areas and, obviously, the quarterback play (by Case Keenum) hasn’t been what they expected,” Davis said. “Defensively, they haven’t been the defense we expected them to be. A few games I’ve watched and tried to say, ‘All right, maybe they’ve turned the page.’ And (then) you don’t see it the next game.”

Davis followed his rookie year with seasons of 1,538, 1,750 and 2,008 yards before injuries limited him from 19992001 and he retired. Davis said several members of his family, including his mother, live in the Denver area so he returns often.

Chubb honored.

Broncos linebacker Bradley Chubb was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month for October after totaling 16 tackles and 5 1/2 sacks in five games.

Chubb is only the third Broncos player to win the award, joining inside linebacker D.J. Williams (December 2004) and teammate Von Miller (November 2011).

“Every week he improves in something, whether it’s coverage or (pass) rush or just playing the run,” coach Vance Joseph said.

Chubb is one of just seven rookies since 1982 to have at least 5 1/2 sacks during a threegame span and the first since San Francisco’s Aldon Smith in 2011.

The Rams’ Aaron Donald (eight sacks), Kansas City’s Dee Ford (six), Chubb and Washington’s Ryan Kerrigan (4 1/2) led the league in October.

Indianapolis guard Quenton Nelson was named Offensive Rookie of the Month.

Footnotes.

Miller on receiver Demaryius Thomas — his teammate from 2011 until Tuesday — being traded to Houston: “(Tuesday) was an extremely sad day. (Wednesday) was super weird. The thing that everybody says is, ‘That’s just the business.’ I love him to death but Sunday we’re going to have to get him. I’m happy for him going to a place where they need a receiver like him.” … The Broncos added fullback Andy Janovich (thigh) to the injury report and he was limited on Thursday. Right tackle Jared Veldheer (knee) was again limited and is “hopeful” to return after missing four consecutive games. … Ten Texans players were limited, including outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney, who has a groin injury.