Sean Payton Opens Up About Broncos’ Running Back Plans
The Denver Broncos are off to a 1-2 start after losing two tight battles in weeks two and three against the Indianapolis Colts and the Los Angeles Chargers. The forefront of the Denver offense so far has been the running back duo of J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey.
Broncos’ head coach Sean Payton talked to the media on Thursday about how he wants to utilize Dobbins, Harvey and third string RB Tyler Badie moving forward.
“We drafted [Harvey] because of his running skill set and we knew he could catch the ball, so between [Harvey] and [Dobbins] we see those guys carrying the boatload of what we’re doing and then [Tyler Badie] helps us on third down,” Payton said. “We’ve looked at that and how we want to split that and I think we have a better feel for it.”
Not the most exciting thing to hear if you own J.K. Dobbins in fantasy, but if you’re a Broncos fan, hearing that Payton is comfortable with a split workload is an exciting step towards Denver’s overall growth as a team.
Dobbins Carrying The Load So Far
Through three weeks, Dobbins has registered 41 carries while Harvey has just 13. Harvey has one more reception than Dobbins though, and Payton’s comments about Harvey as a pass-catcher could signal more usage in that aspect for the rookie.
Dobbins has been a force through three weeks, averaging almost five and a half yards per carry, while he’s found the end zone three times. Dobbins signed with Denver as a free agent after spending three years in Baltimore and one in LA.
“Sometimes when you sign a free agent, you know what you’re getting with the runner, but all the other things that came were a bonus,” Payton said of Dobbins. “He’s explosive, he’s decisive, he’s downhill, he’s powerful, he’s got good balance, so he’s been a real good addition for us.”
If Payton does plan to utilize Harvey more often, it can only help the Broncos’ run game as a whole. If you look across the league, most of the top-tier teams have multiple runners to give them dynamic looks on offense: Detroit with Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, LA with Omarion Hampton and Najee Harris, Kansas City with Isaiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt.
Denver’s QB Bo Nix isn’t a slouch when it comes to the run game either, as he’s registered 19 carries through three weeks. The more options the Broncos have in the run game, the better they’ll be.
Broncos To Take On Bengals In MNF Doubleheader.
Broncos-Bengals is game two of week four’s Monday night slate, as the Jets and Dolphins will play a primetime game as well.
Cincinnati is off to a 2-1 start, though it was just walloped by the Vikings in week three in it’s first full game without Joe Burrow. The Bengals run defense has been poor through two weeks, making for a great matchup for the Broncos who are run heavy with Dobbins, Harvey and Nix.
Denver is favored by 7.5 points as it looks to get back to .500 on the season.
Cam Newton Picks Baker Mayfield Over Jalen Hurts in Must-Win Game Debate
In a bold statement that’s shaking up the NFL quarterback conversation, former MVP Cam Newton has thrown his support behind Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield over Philadelphia Eagles' Jalen Hurts when it comes to a must-win scenario. The remarks were made during a recent appearance on ESPN’s
While Hurts led the Eagles to a Super Bowl appearance last season and is widely regarded as one of the top quarterbacks in the league, Newton’s reasoning centers around Mayfield’s ability to perform in critical, high-pressure moments. Mayfield, who joined the Buccaneers this offseason, has already impressed with his early-season poise and efficiency.
“I’m going with Baker Mayfield if it’s a do-or-die situation,” Newton said. “I respect Jalen Hurts a lot, but when the game’s on the line, Mayfield has shown that he’s able to step up and make plays. He’s not just going through the motions, he’s playing with urgency, and we’ve seen him deliver when it counts.”
Mayfield has demonstrated his clutch ability in the first few weeks of the season, including leading the Buccaneers to multiple game-winning drives, an area where Hurts, while dominant, has yet to show the same level of consistency. With three game-winning drives already this season, Mayfield has proven that he can handle pressure, something Newton places a great deal of value on.
“Baker’s ability to deliver in the clutch is what makes him stand out,” Newton continued. “He’s already had multiple opportunities to seal games, and he’s done it. That’s something Jalen hasn’t had to do as often this season.”
On the other hand, Hurts has been nearly flawless in his play with the Eagles, leading them to a 3-0 record to start the season and racking up impressive stats, including over 1,100 passing yards and nine touchdowns. The Eagles are a more well-rounded team, with a defense that is playing at a high level and an offense that is explosive. Yet Newton argues that it’s not just about putting up great numbers — it’s about showing up when the game is on the line.
“Look, Hurts has been great,” Newton said. “But if I need someone to take the reins in a critical situation, I’m choosing Mayfield right now. He’s showing the ability to stay calm under pressure and deliver when it counts.”
Despite Newton’s confidence in Mayfield, Hurts’ Eagles are still viewed by many as the favorites in the NFC East and a team capable of making another deep playoff run. Hurts, with his leadership and consistent performances, has become one of the most reliable quarterbacks in the league. But Mayfield’s ability to lead the Buccaneers to wins in high-pressure situations has given him newfound respect, and Newton’s endorsement adds fuel to the fire of an already growing narrative around the 28-year-old quarterback.
The debate between Mayfield and Hurts is not just about which quarterback is better overall — it’s about who can perform in the most critical moments. As the season progresses, both quarterbacks will be tested in various high-stakes situations, and this discussion may only intensify as we move toward the playoffs.
As for Mayfield, this bold statement from Newton could serve as a springboard for his career in Tampa Bay. With the Buccaneers looking to make a playoff push, Mayfield’s ability to perform in clutch moments could define his legacy in Tampa Bay, just as it did for him in Cleveland. On the other hand, Hurts, with his proven track record, will have plenty of opportunities to prove why he’s considered one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks.
In the end, the matchup between these two quarterbacks may just be the most intriguing storyline of the season, with Mayfield and Hurts each looking to prove they are the ones to lead their team to glory. The football world is watching, and Newton’s pick has only added more fuel to this fascinating debate.
