Javonte Williams sheds little light on how the Broncos backs will be used
Aug 22, 2022, 1:10 PM
Javonte Williams is a man of few words. Typically, the second-year running back lets his play on the field do his talking. Given his penchant for delivering as many hits as he takes, that’s normally a pretty impactful message.
On Monday, however, Williams met with the local media. And despite not offering long sound bites, the running back did speak volumes.
During the Broncos first two preseason games, the team hasn’t run the ball well. To put it mildly. Yes, they haven’t had their two best backs on the field – as Williams and Melvin Gordon are yet to play a snap in an exhibition – but Denver’s anemic ground attack has still be concerning.
Against the Cowboys, the Broncos racked up just 39 rushing yards. In Buffalo, Denver posted just 32 against the Bills.
Yikes. That’s not what anyone is looking for out of Denver’s retooled offense. But Williams isn’t worried.
“The coaches keep the plays simple,” the running back explained. “They won’t want to show too much in the preseason.”
Okay. Fair enough. The Broncos are going basic in the preseason, which is in line with Nathaniel Hackett’s overall philosophy about exhibition games. Denver’s new head coach hates them.
Is that the only reason they’re struggling on the ground? Probably not. But Williams probably has a valid point.
When it comes to his plans for the regular season, the running back was equally as succinct. He didn’t provide much insight into what his role in the offense will look like.
“I just do what I do when I’m called upon,” Williams said.
Last season, he split carries evenly with Gordon. Both running backs had exactly 203 rushing attempts. This season, it’s expected that Williams will play a bigger role; that he’ll get the majority of the carries. That’s still to be determined, but it hasn’t impacted the relationship between the two running backs.
“Off the field, Melvin and I are good friends,” Williams explained. “We hang out. It’s not a big deal.”
But surely the second-year player who is seen as a rising star by many in the football world is ready for a bigger role. Clearly, he wants to tote the rock more, put up big numbers and receive a bunch accolades. Right?
“I don’t really have personal goals,” Williams said.
So much for providing everyone with a hint about the Broncos running back rotation. Fantasy football players across the country remain as in the dark about who will get the majority of the carries as they were at the start of the day.
And that’s perfectly fine with Williams. They quiet, understated running back keeps it simple.
“I just want to win the Super Bowl,” he added.
That’s a statement Broncos fans can get on board with this season.
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