Most every offensive football player at any level knows that feeling — thatbig hitfeeling — being on the wrong end of an opposing freight train. None are quite so earth-shattering as in the NFL. Phillip Lindsay learned the hard way.
Itap amazing, really, that it took nine weeks of regular season play before Denver’s sensational rookie running back and his 5-foot-8, 190-pound frame got truly crunched. Lindsay has so far silenced the doubters who said size would limit his NFL role with a rookie-leading 591 yards rushing entering Week 11.
But Texans’ safety Kareem Jackson? He made Lindsay pay.
Lindsay lined up to the left of quarterback Case Keenum in the shotgun on a first-down play and ran into the far flat. The throw took its time to reach Lindsay, and just as he about hauled in the reception, Jackson flew in like a man possessed, connected just underneath Lindsay’s shoulder pads and sent him and the football flying to the turf.
“The best thing for me is not getting hit like that all the time,” Lindsay said. “The defensive player was ready. I just need my head on a swivel and to position my body to where I can’t take those and continue to play. You’re gonna get hit. Itap football.”
Count coach Vance Joseph impressed with Lindsay’s durability.
“Itap been two months and (Lindsay) has been healthy. He’s a shifty runner, so he has not taken direct contact, except for Kareem Jackson last week in the flat,” Joseph said. “That was his first bighithe’s taken. He’s a durable guy. He’s got great flexibility, doesn’t take direct contact, he runs behind his pads and he’s a really good inside runner. Itap been two months. Itap not a fluke. It is what it is — he’s a pretty good football player.”
— , The Denver Post
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Whatap on tap?
Week 11: At Los Angeles Chargers,2 p.m. Sunday, KCNC-4; 850 AM, 94.1 FM
TV/RADIO: Here’s what sports are airing today
Must-Read
Broncos Mailbag: Questions about the future continue to dominate the present
Q: Is this the worst coaching job since Lou Saban was at Denver? I’m sure many Broncos fans will see your Lou Saban and raise you Josh McDaniels … and go all in in saying McDaniels should get the vote. Read more…
Coach Vance Joseph’s current mantra for Broncos: Starting faster
The Broncos have outscored opponents by 23 points in the first quarter this year, the sixth-best plus differential in the NFL. Read more…
Broncos Briefs: “Whatever-it-takes time,” with seven games left, Case Keenum says
“Itap whatever-it-takes time,” Keenum said. “Itap hold-nothing-back time. Itap fire-all-the-bullets-in-the-chamber (time) – whatever cliché you want to use.” Read more…
Quick Hits
+Broncos’ current struggles conjure up the dark days of “Half-a-Loaf” Lou Saban
+Broncos tracker: Chargers’ quarterback Philip Rivers impressed by Miller/Chubb pass rush duo
+DeMarcus Walker hopes on-field “statement” equals more playing time
+Broncos safety Su’a Cravens eager for increased role after injury
+Broncos Journal: 17 thoughts as the bye week ends, including why re-signing Paradis should be a priority
+Four of Denver’s final seven games are on the road, starting Sunday at the Chargers
+Chargers Scouting Report: Veteran (Philip Rivers), rookie (Derwin James) pace winning streak
+Want to chat about the Broncos?
By The Numbers
39.5
Denver Broncos vs. Alabama Crimson Tide? Vegas bookmaker sets a point spread for this fictional matchup.
The Broncos would be a 39.5-point favorite if the game was played at a neutral site with NFL rules. Read more…
Parting Shot
WATCH: Broncos’ Phillip Lindsay showcases taekwondo skills in Players’ Tribune video
One secret to Phillip Lindsay’s sensational NFL rookie success? Taekwondo. Read more…
Get in Touch
If you see something thatap cause for question or have a comment, thought or suggestion,email me at dboniface@denverpost.comortweet me .
