The Denver Broncos plan to use a running back rotation this year just like they did last year, with Melvin Gordon and Javonte Williams sharing touches.
One of the two backs will be listed as a starter on the depth chart, though, and one of them will be leaned on for important situations. While both backs will get plenty of touches, they’re still set to compete to be the official RB1 in Denver.
Gordon has a great perspective on the competition.
“I told [GM George Paton] I’m not going to lay down,” Gordon said on June 13. “I’m not going to lay down, man. I’ve always had that mindset that I have to go get it and that they’re bringing someone in here to take your job. I know a lot of people are wanting me to take a backseat. I get it. It’s been like that for a while. It was like that when I was with the Chargers. Everyone wanted Austin [Ekeler] to start. I just come out here and do my thing.
“Thanks for the motivation, everybody. I appreciate y’all for the extra motivation. I need it. I’m just going to go out here and do what’s best for the squad. I put my best foot forward every time I go out there, then I’ll see what happens. The goal is to make them want to play me.”
That kind of mentality is exactly the kind of outlook Denver’s coaches want Gordon to have. He’s motivated and eager to prove he deserves to be the primary back. That’s the kind of mindset that will lead to the best results.
“I know we’re going to do our thing — me and ‘Vonte’ are going to do it,” Gordon said of the team’s backfield rotation. “I don’t really know how we’re going to do the reps and things like that. The goal right now is to really master the playbook and let things play out. I’m definitely going to be ready to battle. That’s what it is. It’s going to make us better — it did last year.
“I’m going to continue to do that. I don’t care how old people think I’m getting. I feel good. I’ve been sharing the ball since I’ve gotten in the league with running backs, so this is nothing new. I’ve been battling for a while.”
Gordon has totaled 2,275 yards from scrimmage and scored 20 touchdowns over the last two seasons with the Broncos. He’s not going to hand Williams the RB1 title, and that competitive mindset is exactly what the RB room needs.
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