Broncos running back checked in at almost 240 pounds in training camp.
He plans on using every ounce to his advantage this season.
A hypothetical example: Denver’s offense faces third-and-long with a pass play upcoming. The defense sniffs it out and, suddenly, a linebacker blitzes through the A-gap on a warpath to quarterback .
When Royce Freeman plugs the hole in pass protection? You feel it.
“If he makes contact, he’s solid and has his feet set, I don’t think you’re getting by him,” fullback said. “He’s a big, physical guy who is smart, too. He can process everything thatap going on, pick it up and see whatap coming. He’s great at it.”
That’s old news for many who witnessed Freeman’s rise from Oregon star to third-round NFL draft pick. It’s a new development, though, in Broncos offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello’s quest to orchestrate a well-balanced attack. Freeman is Denver’s most physically intimidating presence in the backfield, and whether blocking or rushing, the mechanics stay the same.
“Being a bigger back, you’ve got to put your foot in the ground and make sure you’re vertical, go north and south,” Freeman said. “Itap about making sure to get your steam ahead of you and your body weight moving forward.”
Those talents were sparingly on display in 2018. Freeman exploded out of the gate with six rushes of 12 or more yards through his first five games. But a sprained ankle in Week 7 limited Freeman’s production to finish the year, while fellow rookie earned a selection. Freeman’s final rookie stat line: 130 carries for 521 yards and five touchdowns.
Scangarello gushed over Freeman’s talents Sunday, calling him “physical, smart and instinctive.” The Broncos’ offensive coordinator also drew parallels between Lindsay-Freeman and another prominent running back duo from recent memory: Atlanta’s and . In 2017, that pair combined for 2,109 yards rushing/receiving and 16 total touchdowns.
Scangarello needs Freeman’s yin to Lindsay’s yang to keep opponents off tilt. Freeman will often be asked to play the role of backfield enforcer.
“Royce is big and physical in pass protection,” Scangarello said. “Thatap a big deal in the NFL. That durability that comes with it.”
Freeman described versatility among running backs as the unit’s greatest strength. He’s ready and willing to do whatever is required of him in 2019. Blitzing linebackers, beware.
“I know expectations at this level,” Freeman said. “Itap about going out here and competing, knowing my abilities and executing. Every day, I’m trying to take my talent to the next level.”
