Question: Is the Broncos’ best running back or ?
Kiz: Among all the rookies in the Broncos’ ballyhooed 2018 class, the player that made the biggest impact during the 27-24 victory over Seattle in season-opener was … Phillip Lindsay. Am I wrong? After watching Lindsay rush for 71 yards and catch a 29-yard touchdown pass, teammate Chris Harris Jr. said it could not be a better story. Or could it? Might Lindsay become the envy of all those fantasy-league owners that drafted Royce Freeman?
O’Halloran: I literally have about four non-family friends, but about three dozen people came out of hiding to ask me about Freeman’s fantasy potential when made him the starter last week. I should have suggested drafting Lindsay instead because of his big-play 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 against Seattle was 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 low-risk throw by Keenum that produces the ultimate reward. I thought Lindsay would get more touches than Booker against Seattle, but not by a 17-4 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.
Kiz: Was this a wonderful coming-out party, or an trend? Can Lindsay bear the load of double-digit touches per game? I saw him as 2.0, and figured 300 yards rushing and 300 more receiving would qualify as a big rookie year for Lindsay. You predicted a 1,000-yard 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.
O’Halloran: 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 fourth-quarter carries to distribute. I looked up Woodhead’s statistics. He had two years of 1,000-plus all-purpose 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).
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