Sean Payton’s quest to solve Denver’s run-game struggles elicits numerous questions.
And after Sunday’s 13-6 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers at Empower Field, the Broncos head coach didn’t have direct answers for any of them.
“There are probably a number of answers to that question (of how to fix the run game). It does not turn around overnight,” Payton said after his team was limited to 64 yards rushing by a talented Steelers defense.
“It has to be something that we are all committed to even before the players come in and get the plan. In other words, ‘What scheme fits our players and what scheme fits our quarterback?’ I think that is going to be important.”
Payton’s remarks postgame were a call for patience. However, the Broncos’ inability to establish a consistent run game has plagued the offense since the former Saints coach arrived in Denver last season. The Broncos have rushed for less than 100 yards in five of their last six games dating back to 2023.
After the Broncos were held to 99 yards and four yards per carry in the loss to Seattle in Week 1, starting right guard Quinn Meinerz said there was an emphasis on rushing the ball due to the strength of Pittsburgh’s defense. But once again, Denver fell short of its expectations.
The Broncos averaged 3.4 yards per attempt against Pittsburgh and had only seven carries for 38 yards in the first half.
Meinerz said there’s been poor execution in the run game. Trailing 10-0 with 10:51 to go in the third quarter, Steelers safety DeShon Elliott was untouched as he sprinted into the backfield to tackle starting running back Javonte Williams for a 4-yard loss on third-and-1 to force the Broncos to punt.
“I see it on tape whether it’s someone missing one block or some type of movement that happens. We’ve got to fix this (mess),” Meinerz said.
Denver’s run game was meant to be the backbone of the offense. Instead, it might be the team’s weakest link, and the issues are more than just run-blocking. Williams has struggled to provide a spark even though he feels healthier than a year ago.
Williams had 11 carries for 17 yards. His longest carry on Sunday was a 5-yard run early in the third quarter. Second-year running back Jaleel McLaughlin had just 6 yards on three carries. Meanwhile, rookie quarterback Bo Nix was once again the team’s leading rusher, totaling 25 yards on four attempts.
Williams’ 1.5 yards per carry against the Steelers was his lowest in a game since averaging 1.71 yards on seven carries against the Raiders in Week 16 of the 2021 season. Since Week 14 of last year, he has averaged 27.3 yards per game.
“It’s frustrating because everybody wants to have 200 to 300 (rushing yards), but I mean, it’s the NFL,” said Williams, who also had five catches for 48 yards. “We gotta get it fixed before it’s too late. (Payton) said the first four weeks are (time) to improve.”
Payton’s inability to rely on the hot hand also remains an issue. With 6:27 left in the second quarter, running back Tyler Badie had the longest carry of the game — a 16-yard rush to Denver’s 40-yard line. Badie, who was elevated from the practice squad this week with rookie Audric Estime out, didn’t receive another carry the rest of the game.
A similar situation happened with Estime against Seattle. At the start of the second quarter, Estime burst down the field for a 13-yard gain and didn’t receive a carry until the 9:21 mark of the third quarter.
“We just have to stay more consistent and just keep our head down and keep getting to it,” Williams said.
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