This time of year, though relatively dull in the NFL, is when we see position battles come to life. The Denver Broncos will need to choose starting running back between 2 good options.
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Melvin Gordon, the former Charger, is currently favorite to start at RB for Denver in week 1. He led the Broncos in rushing last season, both yards and TDs, and has a year left on his contract.
With Philip Lindsay off to Houston, Gordon would be the clear and obvious choice. However, the Broncos selected Javonte Williams, a promising tailback out of UNC, in the second round of the draft.
The 2 will definitely be in completion for the job. At the moment, as an outsider looking in, it seems like Gordon will be the starter heading into the season given his experience.
That being said, if Javonte impresses it wouldn’t be surprising to see him usurp Gordon. Head coach Vic Fangio has also said he would be comfortable to use a combination of his RBs.
“I don’t see any limits with (Javonte) — we could work him and Melvin, just spelling each other as we go, and one could go in and predominately do third-down stuff,” he said.
“(The rotation) will work itself out and we think (Javonte’s) capable in all downs and distances and all situations for us. And I also believe that him and Melvin will be a good combination back there, along with Boone.”
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Who Will Be the Denver Broncos Starting Running Back in 2021?
Despite the new competition, Gordon is “very confident” he’ll be able to earn the starting role. “I’m going to go out there, do my job and compete, and wherever the cards fall, they fall,” Gordon said.
“I can’t worry about [the positional battle] too much, even I know that’s kind of the talk right now. The media is making it Javonte versus Mel, who’s going to start, this and that.
“But it’s not really about that. It’s about us winning football games and finding ways to compete. I’m trying to put the Broncos [back] on the map and keep us on the map.”
With his confidence comes a sense of team spirit. He said he wants Denver to have the best RB core in the league, and praised his teammates Williams and Mike Boone.
“(Williams and Boone) both got really good feet, good hands, and I think we can all be special,” he predicted. “We’re definitely going to come out here and compete and I can’t wait for training camp, with guys flying around. It’s just tough right now, because with the linemen, some looks aren’t as realistic.”
