Right There in Thick of RB Room for the Denver Broncos

In the Denver Broncos’ 2024 season of resilience and success, few position groups embody the team’s “next man up” mentality quite like the running back room. What was once viewed as a one-man show has evolved into a deep, dynamic unit where every player—starter, backup, and practice squad call-up—plays a critical role in keeping the offense “absolutely nuclear.” Right There in Thick of RB Room for the Denver Broncos isn’t just a look at individual talent; it’s a celebration of how Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin, Samaje Perine, and even Tyler Badie have come together to form one of the NFL’s most reliable and versatile running attacks. For the Broncos, this room isn’t just about rushing yards—it’s about controlling the clock, opening up the passing game, and stepping up when injuries strike, making it a cornerstone of their AFC West-leading campaign.

Right There in Thick of RB Room for the Denver Broncos begins with the heart of the group: starter Javonte Williams. After overcoming a 2022 knee injury that sidelined him for most of the season, Williams has returned to form as one of the league’s most physical and consistent running backs. Through 11 weeks, he’s rushed for 920 yards (7th in the NFL) and 7 touchdowns, averaging 4.6 yards per carry—numbers that don’t tell the full story of his impact. Williams is a “chain-mover,” converting 72% of his third-and-short attempts (third among starting running backs) and often picking up extra yards after contact, which wears down opposing defenses over the course of a game. What makes Williams even more valuable is his pass-blocking ability; he’s one of the few running backs in the league who can reliably protect the quarterback on blitzes, allowing Sean Payton to keep him on the field in all situations. For the Broncos, Williams isn’t just a starter—he’s the anchor of the running back room, setting the tone with his work ethic and toughness.

Right There in Thick of RB Room for the Denver Broncos next shines a light on the breakout star of the group: undrafted rookie Jaleel McLaughlin. When Williams and Perine missed time with injuries earlier in the season, McLaughlin didn’t just fill in—he elevated the running game, averaging 5.4 yards per carry and emerging as a dual-threat weapon in the passing game (15 receptions for 120 yards). Standing at 5’7” and 180 pounds, McLaughlin isn’t your typical NFL running back, but his speed (4.38-second 40-yard dash) and elusiveness make him a nightmare for defenses to tackle in open space. His defining moment came in Week 8 against the Las Vegas Raiders, where he rushed for 112 yards on 18 carries, including a 25-yard touchdown run that sealed the win. What’s most impressive about McLaughlin is his humility; even as his role has grown, he’s remained focused on supporting Williams and the team. “I’m just here to help any way I can,” McLaughlin said after the Raiders game. “Javonte is our guy, and I’m just glad I can step up when he needs a break.” This selfless attitude has made McLaughlin a fan favorite and a key part of the Broncos’ running back rotation.

Right There in Thick of RB Room for the Denver Broncos highlights the unsung hero of the group: Samaje Perine, whose versatility and reliability have been critical to the Denver Broncos’ success. Perine, a 6-year NFL veteran, was signed in free agency to be Williams’ primary backup, but he’s proven to be much more than that. He’s a capable runner (420 yards, 3 touchdowns, 4.2 yards per carry) but excels as a pass-catcher out of the backfield, with 28 receptions for 220 yards and 1 touchdown—numbers that rank him among the top 15 running backs in receiving yards. Perine is also a core special teams player, contributing on kickoff and punt coverage units, which adds even more value to his role. When he missed three games with a knee injury in October, the Broncos felt his absence not just in the running game but also in the passing game and on special teams. His return in Week 10 against the Los Angeles Chargers was a welcome boost, as he caught 4 passes for 35 yards and helped the Broncos control the clock in the fourth quarter. The Denver Broncos’ front office recognized Perine’s importance earlier this season, and extension talks are already underway—proof that his quiet contributions haven’t gone unnoticed.

Right There in Thick of RB Room for the Denver Broncos examines how Sean Payton’s coaching has maximized the strengths of each running back, creating a rotation that keeps defenses off balance. Payton doesn’t use a one-size-fits-all approach; instead, he tailors plays to each player’s unique skills. For Williams, that means power runs between the tackles and short-yardage conversions. For McLaughlin, it’s screen passes and outside runs that let him use his speed. For Perine, it’s third-down passing plays and check-downs that leverage his hands. This positional specificity was on full display in Week 6 against the Kansas City Chiefs, where Payton rotated all three running backs throughout the game: Williams rushed for 85 yards on 20 carries, McLaughlin caught 3 passes for 40 yards, and Perine converted a critical third-and-1 run late in the fourth quarter. The result? A 24-21 win over the defending AFC West champions. Payton’s ability to get the most out of each running back isn’t just about X’s and O’s—it’s about understanding their strengths and building trust. “I know that whatever role Coach gives me, it’s designed to help the team win,” Perine said. This trust has turned the Denver Broncos’ running back room into one of the most cohesive units in the NFL.

Right There in Thick of RB Room for the Denver Broncos concludes with the group’s role in the Broncos’ push for an AFC West title and a deep playoff run. In the NFL, successful teams need a running game they can rely on in the playoffs, when defenses tighten up and passing games become less predictable. The Broncos’ running back room provides that reliability—whether it’s Williams grinding out yards in the fourth quarter, McLaughlin making a big play to swing momentum, or Perine converting a third down to keep a drive alive. This depth also gives the Broncos an edge in case of injury; unlike many teams that collapse when their starting running back goes down, the Broncos have proven they can thrive with any combination of their backs. As the Broncos enter the final stretch of the season, their running back room will be more important than ever—especially in divisional matchups against the Chiefs and Chargers, where controlling the clock and limiting turnovers will be key. Right There in Thick of RB Room for the Denver Broncos is, at its core, a story of teamwork. In a league that often celebrates individual stars, the Broncos’ running backs have shown that success is better when shared—and that a deep, cohesive group can be the difference between a good season and a great one. For Broncos fans, this room isn’t just a collection of players—it’s a symbol of everything that makes their team special.