When his team needed him most, rookie running back Jonah Coleman delivered. The first-year running back has emerged as the lead back for coach Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos
as they sealed a 28-24 victory over their AFC West rival Kansas City Chiefs. Just a few weeks removed from coming off injured reserve, the former Washington star showed off his entire toolkit in the Sunday afternoon thriller.Trailing 24-13 in the fourth quarter, Denver was able to draw within three points following a touchdown and two-point conversion. After getting the ball back with 2:31 remaining in the game, the fourth-round pick made quick work of the Kansas City defense.
In a matter of 35 seconds, the dynamic back took a short Bo Nix pass 51 yards to the Kansas
City 5-yard line. On the ensuing play, Coleman found the paydirt for his second career touchdown, delivering the go-ahead score for the home team. Despite a late scare from the Chiefs' offense, Denver's defense was able to hang tough on a fourth-down stop from inside their own 10-yard line as time expired.
The late score will make the highlight reel, but the production outside it makes the performance so impressive. Coleman led what has been a struggling offense in both rushing and receiving, carrying the ball 11 times for 41 yards, and adding 4 catches for 63 yards. The numbers are by no means staggering, but they do speak volumes to Payton's trust and confidence in the young running back.
Despite being sidelined with an ankle injury for four weeks, the former All-Big Ten selection has led the running back room in rushing in each of his three appearances. Being brought in to what was already a busy room with veteran J.K. Dobbins and second-year back RJ Harvey, there was concern regarding how much playing time the rookie would get in the offense.
Those questions have now been silenced in recent weeks. As Coleman continues to get healthier (while Harvey was placed on IR ahead of the game) and more comfortable in the system, the Denver offense has seen improvement, and most importantly, wins. The emerging playmaker will look to expand on his recent play next week as Denver hits the road to take on the Carolina Panthers.
This article originally appeared on Huskies Wire: Jonah Coleman Plays Hero in Narrow Victory Over KC Chiefs
