Tag: Pat Shumur

Broncos will have plays with Melvin Gordon and Phillip Lindsay on the field together

The Broncos will have scenarios where Melvin Gordon and Phillip Lindsay are both on the field at the same time.

Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur doesn’t anticipate having any problems getting both Melvin Gordon and Phillip Lindsay enough playing time this season. That might be in part because Gordon and Lindsay will be on the field at the same time in certain situations.

“I think there are times when they both can be on the field at the same time,” Shurmur said during a Zoom conference call with reporters on June 11. “There are times when one or the other will be on the field. I think they share the same skill set in terms of — when you’re a running back, you have to obviously be able to run the ball effectively, which they both can do.”

In addition to running the ball well, Denver’s running backs will be asked to block and serve as receivers out of the backfield as well. Shurmur believes Gordon and Lindsay can both fill all three roles, which will allow them to seamlessly rotate on offense.

“Whether we’re running the ball inside or outside, you have to be aware enough and physical enough to pass protect, to protect the quarterback,” Shurmur said. “And then when we choose to throw you the ball, whether you’re primary or you’re the outlet, you need to be able to catch the ball and do something with it.

“They can do all three of those things . . . . They’ve both been very productive in this league, and we intend to use both of them.”

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Daniel Jones: Giants are playing for Pat Shurmur’s job

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones does not believe he an his teammates replying for Pat Shurmur’s job this December.

New York Giants rookie quarterback Daniel Jones has a lot riding on his shoulders for such a young player. With four games remaining, the 2-10 Giants are playing for nothing more than pride at this point.

Jones was asked if the stakes might be higher, such as playing for their jobs or even more important – the coaches’ futures – specifically head coach Pat Shurmur’s.

“We all take a lot of responsibility in the way things have gone and how we’ve played. You certainly can’t look to one person or one group or anyone,” Jones said on a conference call on Monday.

“We all have a lot to do with it. I don’t feel that way. I have a lot of confidence and appreciation for Coach. We’re playing to win each game, and that’s the way we’ve approached the season. We’re going to compete as hard as we can.”

There’s no doubt the players like Shurmur and it could be too soon to talk about switching head coaches. That is never good for a team as young as the Giants. Then again, Shurmur has won just seven of his first 28 games as the Giants’ head coach.

Shurmur said after the Giants 31-13 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday that the narrative about him would change once the team started winning. He may not be around to find that out.

Jones was met at midfield after the game by Aaron Rodgers, who gave him some words of encouragement.

“I appreciated his encouragement yesterday,” said Jones. “It’s cool to meet some of these guys and speak to them briefly. He was encouraging. He told me to stick with it and keep working at it, and I certainly appreciate him saying that.”