A total shakeup at running back hit the Denver Broncos during Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs, and rookie Jonah Coleman absolutely smashed his way to the top. This wasn’t just some solid performance. This was the kind of statement game that changes everything for a backfield, making it crystal clear who the bell cow is for Broncos Country going forward.
Dobbins’ Struggles Opened the Door
When the game kicked off, it looked like JK Dobbins was still the guy Sean Payton wanted to establish the run game, setting up Bo Nix’s passing attack. Dobbins got seven carries early on, but man, it just didn’t work out. None of those runs went for more than six yards, and he finished the night with a measly 13 yards total, averaging a brutal 1.9 yards per carry. His long of six yards was overshadowed by a ridiculous minus-eight-yard run in the second quarter. To top it off, Dobbins didn’t record a single reception. It’s tough to watch, especially for a seasoned veteran who has earned his respect, but the production simply wasn’t there.
Coleman’s Hammer Blow to the Depth Chart
While Dobbins was struggling, rookie Jonah Coleman was patiently waiting, and when he got his shot, he didn’t just knock, he blew the door off its hinges. We saw a glimpse last week against the Cardinals when he put up 39 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries. Against the Chiefs, Coleman delivered the hammer. He muscled out 41 yards on 11 carries for a touchdown, averaging 3.7 yards per carry, which is nearly double Dobbins’ output. But that’s not even the whole story. Coleman also racked up 63 receiving yards on four receptions, a dimension Dobbins completely lacked. His total yardage against the Chiefs was over 100 yards, with the bulk of those carries coming in the second half. This kid has an “it” factor, and he couldn’t hide it any more than Dobbins could hide the “not-it” that was on full display.
The Bell Cow Era Begins for Denver
So, why did it take Sean Payton so long to embrace what everyone in Broncos Country seemed to know by the first quarter? Coleman is the real deal, and his performance against the Chiefs solidified his role as the Broncos’ future at running back. With RJ Harvey and Tyler Badie both on IR, it’s pretty clear we’re looking at the Coleman-Dobbins show for the foreseeable future, barring any blockbuster trade deadline moves. This doesn’t mean Dobbins is out of the picture entirely, though. An explosive playmaker like Coleman in the backfield is actually a good thing for Dobbins. Defenses will have to respect the run more, which could open up better opportunities on the ground and through the air for Dobbins when he’s in. While Dobbins has struggled to regain the dominance he showed last season before his injury, it’s not impossible to think he can still contribute. But make no mistake, Jonah Coleman is Denver’s new offensive force, and the future is now.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Mile High Report.
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