Fans and the media demanded last week that Sean Payton and the Broncos give practice squad running back Tyler Badie more carries after he only received one. Against the Steelers, Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin were ineffective, but Badie had one carry and burst for sixteen yards. He did not, however, witness another carry during the match.
After a week, Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin were once again finding it difficult to do anything on the ground. This time, Badie was allowed 13 plays and 8 carries, and he made the most of the opportunity, accumulating 9 carries for 70 yards.
In two games, Badie has recorded 10 carries for 86 yards, averaging 8.6 yards per carry. He has significantly outperformed the other running backs on the active roster and is making a compelling argument to become the Broncos’ starting running back.
Currently on the practice squad, Badie has been elevated to the gameday roster for the last two weeks but can only be promoted one more time before needing to be signed to the 53-man roster. The Broncos will need to make a decision soon, especially regarding whether Badie should be the starter.
After Sunday’s game, head coach Sean Payton discussed Badie, mentioning that incorporating three running backs into the rotation can be challenging, but they plan to continue finding ways to include him in the backfield mix.
Badie should be integrated into the lineup because the Broncos’ other running backs have struggled in the run game. Javonte Williams has 24 carries for 52 yards and one fumble, averaging only 2.2 yards per carry. He has failed to exceed 2.9 yards per carry in any game this season and averaged just 1.5 yards against the Steelers. While he’s a fan favorite, a back producing at that level shouldn’t be the starter or getting many carries at all. It’s unfortunate he hasn’t returned to his pre-injury form, but the Broncos need to explore other options for carries.
Jaleel McLaughlin hasn’t fared much better, with 18 carries for 40 yards and one rushing touchdown. He also lost a fumble against the Seahawks and is averaging just 2.2 yards per carry. Although he averaged 5.4 yards per carry last year, he needs more opportunities to break off bigger runs.
Together, Williams and McLaughlin have combined for 42 carries, yielding just 92 yards at a dismal 2.2 yards per carry. In contrast, Tyler Badie has 86 yards on only 10 carries, averaging an impressive 8.6 yards per carry. It’s time to give Badie more opportunities moving forward.
I’d like to see Badie start next Sunday against the Jets and share carries with McLaughlin. Javonte should be used primarily in third-down situations, as he is likely the best pass blocker of the three and has produced as a receiver with 10 catches for 77 yards. He can have a few short-yardage chances, but he shouldn’t get many more carries in the Broncos’ backfield.
When rookie Audric Estime returns from injury, it will be interesting to see how he fits into the rotation. Although that’s a few weeks away, he could potentially earn a significant role. In the meantime, the Broncos should focus on the hot hand in Badie and start him against the Jets.
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