Broncos acknowledge ‘tough decision’ in sitting McLaughlin

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin was a healthy scratch for the first time in his three-season NFL career last Sunday.

That alone was noteworthy.

“I mean, it’s a tough decision because Jaleel’s such a good player,” Broncos offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi said.

It wasn’t necessarily a surprise; one figured that either McLaughlin or Tyler Badie would be inactive, given the limitations of the game-day active roster.

And while McLaughlin was ahead of Badie on the kickoff-returner depth chart, Badie was the No. 3 running back while McLaughlin was No. 4.

But the moment Badie dropped a first-quarter screen pass that was setting up perfectly for a potential solid gain — if not a Broncos touchdown — that choice was going to become an issue that led to scrutiny.

Badie ended up playing 28 total snaps — 14 on offense, 14 on special teams. He had 16 yards on two receptions — but that probably wasn’t the primary reason he got the nod.

“I think most of it was just third down, protection, and [Badie being] just a little stouter in there,” Lombardi said. “But it’s hard to not have Jaleel up there on game day. But, yeah, it was mostly protection.”

BRONCOS WILL ALWAYS EMPHASIZE PASS PROTECTION

Pass protection is what kept Javonte Williams on the field despite per-carry averages of below 4.0 yards last year, and what helps give J.K. Dobbins the nod over RJ Harvey in terms of workload last week; Dobbins played 40 offensive snaps to Harvey’s 22.

It’s always going to matter.

But Lombardi noted Thursday that just because the decision went against McLaughlin last week doesn’t mean it will be the case in the future.

And on Sunday in Indianapolis, the Broncos will face a defensive coordinated by Lou Anarumo, the ex-Bengals defensive coordinator dismissed by Cincinnati last January. When McLaughlin faced the Bengals last Dec. 28, he galloped through them for 69 yards on 10 carries.

“I mean, I think every week it’ll be a conversation,” Lombardi said. “And as you’re watching a lot of film with Cincinnati, because the coordinator in Indianapolis was there last year and we’re watching our game last year and Jaleel had such a good game running it.

“So, I’m sure he’ll have games where he’s up based on injury or situation. So, you know, we still feel there’s a real bright future for him.”

Now it’s a question of whether McLaughlin near future involves having a Broncos jersey on game days or workout gear.

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