Schlereth: ‘Speed, quickness, power ratio’ makes Phillip Lindsay unique
Dec 3, 2018, 11:23 AM | Updated: 4:26 pm
What makes Denver Broncos running back Phillip Lindsay unique is his “speed, quickness, power ratio,” said Mark Schlereth on Monday.
The “Schlereth and Evans” co-host said what makes Lindsay so dangerous is his ability to utilize his “multitude of different skills” to beat you.
“He’s just a unique guy that I just don’t know that you could ever really prepare for,” Schlereth said.
AUDIO: For more on Phillip Lindsay, head to the 25:45 mark of the audio above
Schlereth compared Lindsay to an elite pass rusher. You can shut down a power pass rusher by taking that aspect of his game away, he said. It’s the same with a guy who rushes the passer with a quickness.
However, the truly elite pass rushers are the ones who can beat you multiple ways. And that analogy fits Lindsay, Schlereth said.
“Most elite speed guys don’t have great vision. They want to get to the edge. Most elite speed guys can’t come with power. Most elite speed guys don’t want to run between the tackles,” Schlereth said. “He’s like a complete player. And those guys are really hard to contend with.”
After Sunday’s win over the Cincinnati Bengals, wherein Lindsay rushed for 157 yards and two touchdowns, head coach Vance Joseph said he judges lead backs by their durability. And the rookie has been available every week.
“It seems like everyone sees his physical size, and they’re amazed of what he’s doing right now,” Joseph said. “He’s a tough guy.”
Quarterback Case Keenum said after the game he keeps answering the same questions about Lindsay week-to-week because he’s been so consistently good.
“I think the league knows about him. I think opponents know about him and key on stopping him, but he continues to do so,” Keenum said. “He’s having a heck of a year. He ought to be in the Rookie of the Year category, Pro Bowl, all that stuff — he deserves all that.”
“Pritchard and Cecil” co-host Cecil Lammey had a similar sentiment to Keenum’s on Monday.
“Even though defenses know about his speed, his playmaking ability, they still can’t adjust to it,” Lammey said. “It’s still something to get used to. You still see him break off big, huge, game-breaking touchdowns.”
Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @JohnnyHart7.
