ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Broncos wasted no time getting their two Pro Bowl running backs on the field at the start of the season.
In fact, in Week 1, Denver’s first play of the season featured both Phillip Lindsay and Melvin Gordon. Vic Fangio and Pat Shurmur put the kibosh to any potential running back drama right as the season began.
But putting Lindsay and Gordon on the field together to open the season wasn’t just a move to give both backs the start. The two were featured together for much of the first half, lining up in all sorts of different creative ways. But that dangerous package was abruptly put on hold when Lindsay was ruled out at halftime with turf toe.
“We were just kind of trying to figure out how that was going to be and then Phil, unfortunately, got hurt and was out a couple of games,” Gordon explained on Tuesday.
The injury sidelined Lindsay the following three games, allowing Gordon to take on an expanded role. With Lindsay expected to return to the field on Sunday against the Patriots, there’s an expectation the Lindsay and Gordon package will also return.
“I’m assuming they’re going to try to get us both on the field at the same time, use us both as weapons and keep teams uneasy. We both bring different things to the table and I think it’ll be a great attack,” Gordon stated. “Obviously Phil wasn’t playing so teams don’t have enough film to be able to game plan against that. We will really be able to see how well that goes for us. I hope it goes well.”
Expect to see Lindsay line up at receiver, in the slot, at running back and, potentially even, at fullback. The same goes for Gordon. While they’re both Pro Bowlers, Melvin and Phil get the job done in very different ways.
“We bring different elements,” Gordon stated. “Phil’s speed is top class. That’s something they have to deal with. I’m pretty well balanced myself.”
At 5-foot-8, 190 pounds, Lindsay uses the combination of his 4.39 40-yard speed, elusiveness and toughness to run over opposing defenses. With five inches and 25 pounds on Lindsay, Gordon has developed into a dominant short-yardage runner as well as a dangerous receiving back. Bill Belichick described the former first-round pick as “very strong, fast and he’s got big-play ability.”
“You put both of us out there, you got to kind of pick and choose who you want to stop,” Gordon said, explaining the intrigue of the two backs being on the field at the same time. “That’s just another player out there, another playmaker that can help us win. I’m excited to see how it goes. Hopefully, it goes well and we can both go out there and make plays and look good and help the Broncos win.”
Not only are the Broncos expected to get a Pro Bowler back on the field on Sunday, but they’ll also get to bring back a dangerous offensive package featuring their two Pro Bowl running backs.
