Denver’s run game, supposedly the foundation of the offense, has flashed through three weeks.
Running back Samaje Perine had 78 total yards in the season opener. Last week against the Dolphins, Javonte Williams turned a short pass from Russell Wilson into a 17-yard gain and later powered up the middle for a 16-yard run.
But flashes are temporary. The Broncos hope to turn those small sample sizes into a consistent effort on Sunday against the Bears and for the rest of the season.
“We still have a little ways to go, but we are getting there,” Perine told The Post.
Through three games, the Broncos have averaged 95 rushing yards per game. Their 122-yard performance against the Commanders in Week 2 was the only time they eclipsed 100 rushing yards. And the Broncos have yet to record a single rushing touchdown in the second half on 33 attempts.
Williams, who perhaps is moving better than expected after returning from a torn ACL, has 138 rushing yards but is averaging fewer than four yards per attempt. Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi believes getting him on track is critical to unlocking the Broncos’ run game.
“He gets yards when he gets the football,” Lombardi said. “Hopefully, we can establish that consistently and later into the game.”
Perine’s production has dipped since a strong Week 1. He has combined to rush for 13 yards on just four carries in the last two games after rushing for 41 yards on eight attempts against the Raiders.
Meanwhile, undrafted rookie Jaleel McLaughlin, who has 20 rushing yards on six carries, has scored Denver’s only rushing touchdown this season.
Perine believes facing second-half deficits in the last two games has made it hard for the Broncos to establish the run.
“Itap very difficult,” Perine said. “I mean, passing downs (on) every play, and the defense knows that, so they (have) a good grasp on what we’re doing. (And) when trying to come from behind, you don’t run the ball that much.”
Perine said understanding head coach Sean Payton’s offense has been a “learning experience.” Since training camp, he feels like the offense has come a long way in understanding the terminology and what Payton wants to do.
“We’re taking steps in the right direction, and I think in the next couple of weeks, we (will) start to get into our stride,” Perine said.
Payton said the 70-20 loss to the Dolphins, in which the Broncos rushed for 69 yards on 20 attempts, was an “anomaly.” He thought the DNA of Denver’s run game was better displayed against the Raiders.
Perine and Williams, who rushed for 52 yards on 13 carries, each played 29 offensive snaps in the 17-16 defeat. Denver also did a better job of utilizing Perine in the passing game, as he had four catches for 37 yards, including a 20-yard reception in the third quarter.
Payton’s offenses back in New Orleans emphasized using multiple running backs. Thatap why Denver signed Perine to a two-year contract and revamped the offensive line by adding right tackle Mike McGlinchey and left guard Ben Powers.
“Hopefully in six, seven weeks (or) eight weeks from now, I’ve answered (the) question,” Payton said. “I think thatap important, and thatap how we saw this offensive line and what we need to do.”
Overall, Denver’s offense has made strides from last season, but it still looks like a group learning to operate with a new coach and system. The Broncos match-up against the Bears, who’ve allowed 121.7 yards per game on the ground this season, is an opportunity to take the next step.
The Bears have also ruled out cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson (hamstring), Eddie Jackson (foot) and Josh Blackwell (hamstring), meaning there’s a chance the Broncos will try to exploit Chicago’s weakened secondary through the passing game.
“I think the good teams are able to run the ball well,” Payton said. “This is another week where (there’s) a different defensive structure. We covered that run list pretty thoroughly.”
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