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- Why Denver needs to protect its running game heading into the Rams matchup
- Running back health update: who’s available and who’s limited
- Rams’ defensive picture and what Aaron Donald’s return means
- What Denver must do offensively to keep the Rams guessing
- Analysts’ take and Broncos’ on-field mindset
Bo Nix and Jaylen Waddle picked up the pace in Week 2, turning a tentative Denver passing attack into something electric. Waddle’s eight-catch, 138-yard performance in front of the home crowd helped tilt the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars and sparked fresh national conversation about his role in the Broncos’ offense.
After a quiet opener and a high-profile offseason move from Miami, Waddle now looks like a central piece for Denver. Still, the Broncos’ path to consistent success this season likely runs through a balanced offense — and that starts with a healthy, dependable running game.
Why Denver needs to protect its running game heading into the Rams matchup
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The Broncos face the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday night, and the matchup presents a clear challenge: Los Angeles wants to pressure quarterbacks and force teams into predictable passing situations. For Denver, that makes the running game more than a complementary phase — it becomes a necessity.
When a team can’t run effectively, defenses can tee off on the quarterback. The Rams will try to invade the backfield and turn Denver’s offense into a one-dimensional passing attack. That favors the defense and undermines play-action and intermediate passing routes that have helped Nix and Waddle form a fast rapport.
Running back health update: who’s available and who’s limited
Denver dealt with a dicey midweek injury report at the running back position. Multiple players were listed as limited or out during Wednesday’s practice, raising questions about depth and continuity.
- J.K. Dobbins: Left Week 2 with a hamstring issue but returned to full participation in Thursday and Friday practices.
- R.J. Harvey: Missed Week 2 due to a lingering hamstring problem but was back at full practice intensity later in the week.
- Jonah Coleman: Rookie who suffered an ankle injury and is expected to be sidelined for the Rams game.
Coach Sean Payton expressed confidence that the Broncos will be in a good spot at the position, and the late-week practice reports backed that up. Still, relying on both Dobbins and Harvey to carry the load will be part of Denver’s game plan and a key to keeping Los Angeles off-balance.
Rams’ defensive picture and what Aaron Donald’s return means
Los Angeles entered the season with lofty expectations, and while the roster still has star power, it hasn’t been flawless. Wide receiver Puka Nacua is listed as doubtful with a hip injury, and pass rusher Myles Garrett is on injured reserve with a knee issue. Yet the defensive front received a major boost when Aaron Donald made his regular-season return.
Donald’s presence changes blocking assignments and opens opportunities for teammates to attack the quarterback. In his season debut, Donald was disruptive, recording plays in the backfield and forcing opposing teams to allocate extra resources to slow him down.
How Donald’s return affects Denver’s line
- Double teams on Donald could free up blitzers and edge rushers.
- That turnover in attention increases pressure on the quarterback unless Denver establishes consistent runs.
- Limiting Donald’s dominance through scheme and ball control is essential for keeping the passing game functional.
What Denver must do offensively to keep the Rams guessing
Success against the Rams will come down to balance and game management. When Denver runs effectively, the Rams can’t fully commit to rushing the passer without exposing themselves to play-action and intermediate throws — the areas where Nix and Waddle have started to click.
- Commit early: Running early downs can dictate the flow and protect Nix from heavy pressure packages.
- Mix personnel: Use different backfield and tight end sets to force the Rams to reveal their defensive looks.
- Short, high-percentage throws: Keep drives moving and the chains moving, reducing third-and-long scenarios where the Rams thrive.
Analysts’ take and Broncos’ on-field mindset
Former players and pundits have highlighted the Rams’ defensive aggressiveness and the importance of a functioning rushing attack. Their message is clear: if Denver can’t run the ball, Los Angeles will pin its ears back and make things difficult for the quarterback.
Nix himself acknowledged the challenge of facing a star like Donald, framing it as a test rather than a setback. The Broncos’ focus will likely be to control the clock and limit moments when Donald — and the Rams’ pass rush — can dictate tempo.
Game-day variables to watch
- How long Dobbins and Harvey stay on the field and how effective they are against a physical front.
- Whether Denver’s offensive line can win enough one-on-one matchups to give Nix time when the Rams bring pressure.
- Matchups involving Waddle — if he commands attention, it could open lanes for the run game.
Play-calling and early execution will shape the contest. If the Broncos can blend the run with their developing pass game, they stand a much better chance of keeping Los Angeles from imposing its will.
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John Davis is a sports journalist focused on the NBA, NFL, and major global championships. With seven years of live coverage, he breaks down performances and key strategies. His expertise gives you a clear view of every game and its impact.
Man, the Broncos gotta bring their A-game against Aaron Donald! Its like sending a knight to battle a dragon. Hope they got their run game on lock cause Donalds a wrecking ball!
Man, Denver better step up that run game gainst Aaron Donald. Rams aint messin round. Gonna need them RBs healthy and hustlin. Lets see if the Broncos can keep that ground attack rollin!
Man, Donalds a beast. Broncos gotta step up that run game. No room for mistakes. Gonna be a showdown in the trenches. Cant wait to see how this plays out.
Man, the Broncos gotta bring their A-game against Donald and the Rams. Running games gotta be on point, or its gonna be a rough ride. Hope theyre ready to rumble in the trenches!
Man, the Broncos better bring their A-game against Aaron Donald and those Rams. Gonna need some serious run game action to keep that defense in check. Hope the running backs are ready to step up!
Man, Aaron Donald is a beast! Broncos better bring their A-game on the run or theyll get bulldozed. Hope our backs are ready to dance through that Rams defense. Its gonna be a rough ride!
Man, if the Broncos cant get that run game going strong against Aaron Donald and those Rams, its gonna be a long day. Denvers O-line gotta step up big time for this one, no doubt about it.
Man, with Aaron Donald back, Broncos better crank up that run game. Cant leave Teddy B. hanging out to dry against that Rams D-line. Gotta keep those legs churning, boys!
Oh man, youre spot on about Aaron Donald! That dudes a beast. Broncos better start cooking up some serious run game strategies to combat that Rams D-line. Teddy B. cant be left hanging out to dry, thats for sure. Gotta keep those legs churning like theres no tomorrow, boys! Lets see if they can step up to the challenge!
Man, facing Donalds Rams, Denver better amp up that run game! Gotta protect those RBs, or its gonna be a nightmare. Cant let Donald wreck the line. Hope theyre prepped!
Man, the Broncos better bring their A-game against Aaron Donald and those Rams. If they dont protect that run game, theyre in for a rough ride. Hope the running backs are all good to go!
Man, the Broncos gotta bring their A-game with that run, cause Aaron Donald aint playin around. Gotta protect the runnin squad, or its gonna be a rough ride against them Rams. Lets see if they can step up!
Man, you aint lyin bout Aaron Donald bringin the heat! Broncos better strap in tight cause Rams aint playin patty cake. Gonna need that O-line to work some magic, or its gonna be a bumpy road ahead. Lets hope they got some tricks up their sleeves!
Man, facing Aaron Donald is like going up against a brick wall. Broncos gotta step up that run game to even stand a chance. Hope they bring their A-game cause Donald aint playin around.
Man, the Broncos better bring their A-game against Aaron Donald and the Rams. If they wanna stand a chance, that run game needs to be on point. Donald aint no joke, gotta protect that turf!
Man, if the Broncos wanna have a shot against Aaron Donald and the Rams, they better lace up tight! That run game gotta be fire, or theyll be toast. Donalds a beast, gonna need all hands on deck to protect that turf! Lets hope they bring their A-game and some extra luck!
Man, facing Aaron Donald in the Rams game? Broncos better bring their A-game running the ball. Donalds a beast, gonna need more than luck to keep him in check. Cant wait to see this showdown!
Man, the Broncos better bring their A-game against Aaron Donald and the Rams. If they wanna stand a chance, that run game gotta be on point. No time for fumbles, Denver!
Man, Broncos gotta step up that run game against Aaron Donald! Dudes a beast. Need those RBs healthy, or its gonna be a rough ride. Gotta protect the line, or its game over. Lets see if Denvers up for the challenge.
Man, Broncos better bring their A-game against Donald and the Rams. That run game gotta be strong! Hope those running backs are fit, cause its gonna be a tough showdown. Lets go, Denver!
Man, the Broncos better step up that run game gainst Aaron Donald and those Rams. Cant let em bulldoze through! Need them RBs healthy, or its gonna be a rough ride. Lets hope Denvers lines ready for the challenge!
Man, if those Broncos dont bring their A-game against Aaron Donald and the Rams, theyre in for a world of hurt! The run games gotta be on point, or its gonna be like watching a horror movie unfold. Lets cross our fingers those RBs stay fit and that Denvers O-line is up for the challenge. Its gonna be a wild ride!
Man, Donalds back for the Rams? Broncos better step up that run game. Gonna need some serious muscle to handle that defensive line. Lets hope those running backs are in top form!
Oh man, Donalds back for the Rams? Broncos better bring their A-game cause that D-line is gonna be a force to reckon with. Hope those running backs hit the ground running cause its gonna be a rough one in the trenches. Lets see if theyve got the muscle to handle it!