Denver Broncos: Javonte Williams may look 'washed', but key statistic tells a different story

Travis Wakeman

•
Denver Broncos: Javonte Williams may look 'washed', but key statistic tells a different story image

When watching Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams carry the ball these days, it's easy to shake your head and say that the kid just doesn't have it anymore. That has certainly been the perception since a devastating knee injury ended his 2022 season. 

Williams does not seem to run with the same kind of explosiveness and burst that he once had, but more than a year removed from that injury and an offseason that included shedding some pounds, big things were expected. Instead, Williams has rushed for 40 yards on 19 carries this season. 

Yikes. 

But that may not be all Williams' fault. In fact, one statistic shows what he has been up against when being handed the ball this season, and it's telling. 

 

That statistic says that the two teams the Broncos have played —Seattle and Pittsburgh — have not been afraid of Bo Nix throwing the ball against them. Like, at all. 

Instead, teams are loading the box and that is the biggest reason that he has averaged just 2.1 yards per carry this season. It hasn't just been Williams, the Broncos' rushing attack as a whole has been totally ineffective. The Broncos have 163 yards rushing on 44 carries this season, a 3.7-yard average. 

The team's leading rusher is Nix with 60 yards. 

Broncos need to expand passing game to make running the ball effective

This goes back to the team needing to expand their passing game with players like Marvin Mims and Troy Franklin, anyone who can at least make the secondary play deeper. 

Teams are preying on the short passing attack that they knew was coming from Sean Payton and Nix. Right now, it's not working offensively so the team is going to need to attempt something different, starting with this Sunday in Tampa Bay. 

Before we totally throw in the towel on Williams, who is still only 24 years old, let's keep things in perspective. 

MORE BRONCOS CONTENT

Broncos vs. Buccaneers expert predictions

Broncos need to keep a short leash on former third-round pick

Power Rankings: How many teams come in below Broncos?

Travis Wakeman

Travis Wakeman Photo

Travis Wakeman has been covering the NFL since 2012 when he started with Bleacher Report. After reporting about the Broncos there until 2016, he joined the FanSided network as a site expert covering the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers while simultaneously covering the Broncos at Broncos Wire when that site launched. He then took over the Broncos site at FanSided in March 2020 and covered the team there until spring of 2024. A lifelong Broncos fan and fan of the game, Travis is filled with sometimes useless NFL knowledge, but it always serves him well in any trivia contest. You can follow him on Twitter/X @traviswakeman10.