Mile High Sports
This week against the Falcons, Audric Estime could take the reins of the Denver Broncos running back position.
The Broncos running game has struggled all year long to gain traction. Javonte Williams’ play has been up-and-down, Estime has provided some burst in limited carries, while even Marvin Mims ran multiple times last week.
After his best game yet, the Broncos rookie running back could enjoy a true breakout game against Atlanta.
The Denver Broncos offense this year has slowly but surely improved.
And despite their low score (14 points), it was arguably their best showing of the year against the Chiefs last Sunday.
That’s because Kansas City’s defense is stout. They’re currently fourth in yards allowed and fifth in points allowed per game. And yet, Bo Nix showed off some pinpoint accuracy, the run game had some spark, and the offense put the team in position to win.
That was until Denver’s special teams made three mistakes on the game-deciding field goal.
Also of note, the offense didn’t turn the ball over for only the second time all year.
But what stood out the most in that contest was Estime and the run game.
Yes, Denver only gained 78 yards on the ground, but Sean Payton’s playcalling was more unique and creative than we’ve seen all season.
Estime, who’s shown great explosiveness at times, finally was featured. In fact, he ran the ball a career-high 14 times for 53 yards, while Javonte Williams carried the rock only once. Even the rarely utilized receiver Mims carried the ball four times (17 yards) in the loss.
So, does that mean Estime is now the starting running back?
Payton didn’t go that far, but he did say this week, “I was encouraged. He’ll continue to get more reps.”
What’s made Estime special is his downhill running style, hitting the line without hesitation. That helps him power through contact and break tackles. In fact, he has 3.07 yards after contact this season.
At 5’11” and 227 pounds, Estime brings a load with him every time he busts through the line. And now he’ll likely see a majority of the carries going forward.
Keep in mind Williams leads the team with 338 rushing yards and has 2 TDs. Bo Nix is second in yards (290) with 4 rushing scores. Estime currently has 148 yards on the ground.
The fact that Audric Estime could take the reins and become the Broncos starting running back is only part of the equation this week.
Yes, Estime may enjoy a true breakout game against Atlanta. They give up 129.4 rushing yards per game, which is 20th in the league. Plus, the Falcons aren’t stout on key 3rd downs. They are 28th in 3rd down percentage (45.4%) and Denver will likely lean on Estime in 3rd and short situations.
Don’t expect the Broncos to...
