Theo Riddick cramps running back room for the Broncos
Aug 5, 2019, 7:19 AM
The Broncos added a weapon this weekend when they signed free-agent, veteran running back Theo Riddick. He’s known for his ability as a pass catcher and that’s an added feature to the backfield that could help quarterback Joe Flacco immensely.
Broncos head coach Vic Fangio was straightforward with his thoughts of how the team would use the veteran back.
“Right now, he’s going to get thrown in the mix. He’s had a good history in his career of being a good receiver out of the backfield and a good threat in that way. He’s been a good receiver. I’ve seen him play the last four years in the same division and he had a couple good routes here today.” Fangio said.
Adding Riddick cramps the 53-man roster, but perhaps not in a way you think. Let’s explore who could be on the bubble now that Riddick is signed.
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Bye Bye Booker
Most Broncos fans felt that when Riddick was signed it was the death knell for Devontae Booker’s career with the team. Booker is currently the No. 3 running back on the roster and was seen as perhaps the best pass-catching option in the backfield.
That’s no longer the case with Riddick in the fold.
While Booker is a good receiver, Riddick is a great receiver. Like Riddick, Booker has strong hands and does a good job of looking passes into his grasp, but he is not the route runner that Riddick is. Booker is also not as dangerous after the catch as Riddick.
The Broncos got an upgrade with Riddick, but it may not mean Booker is gone. The team may want to keep him around in the final year of his contract to provide further veteran depth at the position. Riddick is clearly the better receiver, but Booker has more size and could have a larger impact as a runner if called upon.
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Less Lindsay?
I thought Booker might be on the outs when the Broncos first signed Riddick. That may or may not be the case, but his signing certainly means we’ll see less of Phillip Lindsay as a receiver out of the backfield than I originally thought we would.
This year, the Broncos seem intent to use both Lindsay and Royce Freeman as a 1-2 punch from the backfield. While Lindsay is the “lightning” in this duo, Freeman is more of the “thunder” back. I thought Freeman might get more carries this year but Lindsay would get more all-purpose yards because he would be utilized more as a receiver in 2019.
That may not be the case with Riddick here.
Lindsay had 35 catches last year as a rookie in 15 games, but it seemed like he could have had much more. The team didn’t use him as much as a receiver out of the backfield, perhaps because former quarterback Case Keenum couldn’t see him from the pocket. That’s not going to be a problem with Flacco. However, Riddick is the better receiver and should get more catches than Lindsay.
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Versatility for Days
Riddick has an “RB” next to his name, but he’s really a wide receiver who happens to play running back. As aforementioned, Riddick is a route-runner who can get open with guile and nuance that most running backs don’t have.
The Broncos could end up moving Riddick around the formation if they wanted to. He’s versatile enough to line up in the backfield, in the slot or even out wide as a receiver. Riddick is a great asset to have on offense as teams will declare him as a running back but his skill set is more of the wide receiver variety.
The veteran back knows how a pass-catcher from the backfield can help an offense.
“I just think it’s more (about) versatility. There’s one more guy out there that can relieve some of the stress off the some of the main receivers here.” Riddick said.
The Broncos don’t have an established slot receiver this season. Sure, DaeSean Hamilton should be that guy, but he just got to practice on Sunday after missing much of training camp with a hamstring injury. Plus, Hamilton is only a second-year player and lacks the experience a player like Riddick has.
Could the addition of Riddick merely say more about the lack of slot options rather than a concern at the running back position?
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Summary
The Broncos got an upgrade in offensive talent when they signed Riddick. He looked as advertised on his first practice with the team and will give Flacco a reliable veteran to throw to.
We should see Booker make a push for the 53-man roster but his status with the team cannot be considered a “lock” as many considered it before the addition of Riddick. Booker will not have to make the team as a No. 4 running back as he’s slid down the depth chart.
Broncos fans are just going to have to get used to Lindsay not catching as many passes as some want him to. Lindsay is the best playmaker in the backfield but he lacks the skill of Riddick when it comes to catching passes. He will still lead the way for the Broncos at the position, but Lindsay will now be in a three-headed running-back-by-committee with Freeman and Riddick.
The Broncos are better with Riddick on the team, mainly due to his receiving ability and versatility to line up all over the field. However, they will just have a different look in the backfield because you don’t add Riddick to use him sparingly. Riddick will be a big part of the Broncos passing game in 2019.
