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Jeff Legwold
DENVER — Amidst the ongoing discussions regarding the Denver Broncos’ ambiguous offensive strategy, and the sometimes lukewarm commitment to establishing a ground game, head coach Sean Payton adjusted his tactics during Monday night’s matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Rather than alternating between the team’s primary running backs — J.K. Dobbins and rookie RJ Harvey — Payton opted to have each player remain on the field for an entire offensive sequence.
This alteration led to the first instance in over two years where a Broncos running back surpassed 100 rushing yards, contributing to a total of 186 rushing yards, 512 total offensive yards, and a decisive 28-3 victory at Empower Field at Mile High.
“One thing we approached differently [Monday] — there are pre-set calls that could involve either one — but we assigned them entire series, which proved beneficial for both,” Payton commented. “It allows for easier play-calling, and both players found a rhythm. … Both of them demonstrated strong running. I felt our blocking was effective; we created good push against the [Bengals defense].”
“It proved quite advantageous,” Dobbins noted. “We intend to continue improving. The coach will further assess my abilities. He will refine our collective approach.”
Dobbins concluded the game with 101 yards on 16 carries, a rotation he believes better suits the running back position. This marked the first occasion a Broncos running back exceeded 100 yards since Latavius Murray achieved 103 rushing yards in the 2022 season finale (Jan. 8, 2023) — a drought spanning 37 regular-season games, or 38 games when including last January’s playoff defeat against the Buffalo Bills.
Furthermore, it was the inaugural 100-yard rushing performance by a Denver running back since Payton assumed the head coaching role for the Broncos, shortly after Murray’s prior accomplishment.
“Personally, I thrive on rhythm; if I can secure consecutive carries, my performance improves,” Dobbins explained. “As the game unfolds, my effectiveness increases. I anticipate most running backs would concur. Consequently, that’s what transpired in the second half. Coach Payton is gaining a deeper understanding of my capabilities. … The series approach, receiving successive touches, demonstrates its impact.”
As the team’s offensive strategist, Payton had openly acknowledged, throughout the previous season and the initial three games of the current one, the Broncos’ difficulties in establishing a consistent ground attack. Dobbins had exhibited flashes of potential earlier this season, notably during a three-play, 66-yard touchdown drive in last week’s defeat against the Los Angeles Chargers. Dobbins carried the ball on all three plays of that drive, culminating in a 19-yard touchdown run.
However, the Broncos only attempted 10 rushing plays for the remainder of that game following Dobbins’ initial three-play surge. In the preceding back-to-back losses against the Indianapolis Colts and the Chargers, the Broncos’ running backs collectively totaled 20 and 13 carries, respectively, compared to 31 carries on Monday night.
“Sustained success in running the ball is undeniably beneficial,” Broncos quarterback Bo Nix stated. “Those players displayed resilience in their running, and our blocking was equally strong. … As we reach Week 4 of the season, we gain a clearer understanding of our team identity. Our performance on first and second downs improved significantly.”
The ground production — albeit against a struggling Bengals defense — undeniably bolstered the Broncos’ overall performance. Nix’s 326 passing yards represented his first 300-yard game of the season, surpassing his previous game high by 121 yards.
Additionally, the Broncos’ total of 512 offensive yards marked their highest output in a game under Payton’s leadership.
Coupled with a Broncos defense that restricted the Bengals to 159 total yards and prevented Cincinnati from executing a non-penalty offensive play on Denver’s side of the field during the Bengals’ final nine possessions — this victory served as a crucial morale boost for the Broncos following two narrow defeats decided on the final play.
“We’re witnessing the initial rewards of our diligent efforts,” Broncos guard Quinn Meinerz remarked. “This principle applies equally to running backs and the offensive line; consistent repetitions are essential.”
“I’ve invested significant effort in pursuing [the 100-yard game],” Dobbins shared. “Our offensive line executed exceptional blocks … it’s an immensely satisfying feeling. Hopefully, I can replicate this success in consecutive games.”
The Broncos’ upcoming challenge involves facing the reigning Super Bowl champions, the 4-0 Philadelphia Eagles, who have allowed three of their four opponents to average at least 4.7 yards per rushing attempt.
