Denver Broncos rookie running back Jonah Coleman had a bit of a breakout performance during Sunday’s comeback victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. With injuries to JK Dobbins and RJ Harvey, Coleman was thrust into the starting role late in the 4th quarter in a close game between two of the better teams in the AFC, and he did not disappoint. Not only did he ice the game late with some key runs, but he also scored his first career touchdown and hit the Mile High Salute afterwards, paying homage to Hall
of Fame running back Terrell Davis.
After the game, Coleman was asked about paying homage to the ‘Mile High Salute’ as his touchdown celebration, and he told reporters, “You just have to pay respect to the guys that came before you”.
“You just have to pay respect to the guys that came before you. [Pro Football Hall of Fame RB] Terrell [Davis], him and I have the same marketing rep, so we talked before, talked a couple of times. He’s one of the best to ever to do it. I just felt like I could pay my dues and pay my respects because, at the end of the day, you are playing for something bigger than yourself.”
Coleman just gets it. He’s a talented runner; he showcased his high-level football IQ by sliding in-bounds after picking up the first down, and is showing his appreciation to the legends before him. He is going to quickly become a fan favorite in Broncos Country, if he isn’t already.
The legend of Jonah Coleman could continue to grow this weekend. Both JK Dobbins and RJ Harvey are dealing with hamstring injuries, and those injuries specifically can linger for a bit. So, Coleman could see a larger role vs. the Rams on Sunday Night.
On Monday, Broncos head coach Sean Payton said he believes all three of the running backs can be bell cow backs and handle a majority of the carries. He also added, “I think there’s a lot ahead of us this week relative to who our runners are going to be.”
“So yesterday, [RB] RJ [Harvey] was out, and then [RB] J.K. [Dobbins] got nicked up and wasn’t able to finish. None of that today on Monday is at a place where we’re—I think all three of those players we’re discussing can be bell cow, handle a majority of the carries. Yes, I think there’s a lot ahead of us this week relative to who our runners are going to be.”
The Broncos running back room will become clearer as the week progresses. Second-year back RJ Harvey practiced on a limited basis twice last week and was deemed questionable before he was ruled out of Sunday’s game, so he seems fairly close to returning barring any setbacks. As for Dobbins, he left the game late, and reports came out yesterday that the veteran back is “good”, so we will have to see how he progresses throughout the week.
Still, Coleman deserves more carries. I have said this multiple times this week already, and I am saying it again. It is only a matter of time before he takes over this backfield, and I think it should be sooner rather than later. Obviously, Dobbins and Harvey will still be involved, but Coleman cannot go back to the role had in Week 1 vs. the Chiefs.
