Clayton: The Broncos need to follow the Browns model on offense

It was fitting for the Broncos to open padded practices by running the ball.

As good as the Broncos are at wide receiver, running the football is so important for quarterbacks Teddy Bridgewater or Drew Lock. Running the ball takes pressure off the quarterbacks, making it easier to run the offense.

Look what happened last year with the Cleveland Browns. First-year head coach Kevin Stefanski cleaned up a talented but troubled offense that never came close to its potential under previous coaching staffs until last year. Under the previous offenses, Baker Mayfield was heading in the direction of Mitch Trubisky.

He did it by running the ball more with Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. The duo combined for close to 2,000 yards. The Browns made the playoffs and Mayfield finished the season strong. The job was made easier for him.

The Broncos could follow the same pattern.

Melvin Gordon came close to getting 1,000 yards. The Broncos made a bold move in the draft by trading up for Javonte Williams. Not only do the Broncos have a great one-two punch in the backfield, but they also have Royce Freeman and other running back options.

Plus, the offensive line is decent with the run blocking. They just have to make sure things work out at center and right tackle.

I don’t know if the Broncos can rise to the level of the Browns and be the third best running team in the league, but they should rise. Last year, the Broncos ranked 13th rushing for 119.9 yards a game. They ran the ball 27.6 times a game.

It is a quarterback-driven league, but running the football is still important. The Broncos know it’s important for their success.