Broncos future ‘bright’ after rookies shine in win vs. Bengals
Dec 2, 2018, 6:00 PM | Updated: 6:04 pm
Once again, in a winning effort Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Denver Broncos young core played a significant role.
From running back Phillip Lindsay to linebacker Bradley Chubb to wide receiver Courtland Sutton, contributions from the Broncos rookie class has “Stokley and Zach” co-host Zach Bye excited about the team’s prospects moving forward.
“I’m not sure how this season will end up in Denver, but what I do know is the future is bright for the Broncos,” Bye said.
Lindsay rushed for a career-high 157 yards on 19 attempts (8.3 per carry) with two touchdowns.
After the game, Broncos quarterback Case Keenum said it’s gotten to the point where he’s run out of things to say about how well Lindsay’s performed on a week-to-week basis.
“I think the league knows about him. I think opponents know about him and key on stopping him, but he continues to do so. He’s having a heck of a year,” Keenum said. “He ought to be in the Rookie of the Year category, Pro Bowl, all that stuff — he deserves all that.”
With his totals from Sunday, Lindsay became just the eighth Broncos rookie with 1,000 yards from scrimmage (1,126). He’s also the first Denver rookie with back-to-back 100-yard rushing games since Clinton Portis did it in December 2002.
“He is the MVP for the Broncos this year. Without Lindsay, this team would be lost,” said “The Drive” co-host DMac on Sunday.
Sutton, too, had a career day, catching four passes for 85 yards and a touchdown.
“I know he was a little down production-wise last week, but he’s a guy that if he’s not open, he’s clearing out routes, he’s taking a lot of people with him,” Keenum said. “He deserves a lot of attention because he’s a really good player.
“As seen today, you just have to get it close. He made some big plays for us, especially on third downs. Loved throwing him the ball today.”
On the opposite side of the ball, Chubb by no means had a career day but managed to contribute with a strip sack, which he also recovered. He’s just the ninth rookie in history to have 10 sacks through the first 12 games of the season.
Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @JohnnyHart7.
