Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams had a day to forget against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2, rushing 11 times for 17 yards (1.5 yards per carry). Through two games, Williams has 19 carries for 40 yards.
Overall, the Broncos are averaging 3.7 yards per carry this season, but that average is inflated by the small sample sizes of Audric Estime (2/14) and Tyler Badie (1/16). Denver quarterback Bo Nix (9/60) is the team’s leading rusher.
“It does not turn around overnight,” Broncos coach Sean Payton said Sunday when asked about the team’s struggling rushing attack. “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.”
Zebra Technologies, the company behind the NFL’s Next Gen Stats, noted that Williams faced a “stacked box” on 63.64% of his carries in Week 2. No other running back in the league faced a stacked box on more than 50% of their carries.
That stat clearly indicates that Pittsburgh’s defense did not respect Nix and sold out to stop the run. Unless Nix becomes a threat to beat defenses through the air, opponents will continue focusing on shutting down Denver’s ground game.
Even against a stacked box, Williams wasn’t blameless for his poor production. The running back missed “a cut or two” against the Steelers, according to Payton. The coach wants to see more from the RB going forward. Williams knows there’s work to be done to get back on track.
“First off, I want to give credit to Pittsburgh; great defense, great coach, all that,” Williams said after Sunday’s game. “As far as us and the run game, we just have to stay more consistent and just keep our head down and keep getting to it.
“We’re all professionals. Our whole [offensive] line is professional, running backs, quarterbacks; we know how to run the ball and get things done, but you got to go out there and show it.”
The Steelers have allowed 153 rushing yards through two games, the fifth-lowest total in the league. This week, the Broncos will face a Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense that has allowed 277 rushing yards (14th-most). Perhaps brighter days are ahead for Williams.
“I’m not worried about the offense or the team at all,” Williams said. “It’s a long season, and we’re going to get it right.”
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