Backfield Ceiling Higher for the Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos’ backfield ceiling has soared heading into the 2025 season, driven by a healthy Javonte Williams, strategic additions to the running back room, and Sean Payton’s run-first scheme that maximizes downhill talent. After a 2024 campaign where the backfield showed flashes of potential but lacked consistency (ranking 18th in rushing yards per game), the Broncos have addressed key flaws—adding a reliable backup for Williams, upgrading the offensive line, and refining play designs that leverage their runners’ strengths. This isn’t just a marginal improvement; it’s a transformation that could turn the backfield from a supporting unit into one of the AFC’s most dynamic. Backfield Ceiling Higher for the Denver Broncos thus breaks down how these changes have elevated the backfield’s potential, positioning it as a cornerstone of the team’s offensive resurgence.

At the heart of the Broncos’ backfield upgrade is Javonte Williams’ full recovery from the 2023 knee injury that sidelined him for most of the season. Williams returned in 2024 to rush for 1,144 yards and 7 touchdowns, but he admitted he was still regaining his explosive first step and tackle-breaking ability. This offseason, however, he’s focused on strength and agility drills—working with Broncos strength coach Loren Landow to rebuild the lateral quickness that made him a Pro Bowl-caliber back in 2022. Early training camp reports suggest the difference is noticeable: Williams is breaking more tackles (averaging 2.8 yards after contact in scrimmages, up from 2.1 in 2024) and hitting holes faster, thanks to improved knee stability. “I feel like myself again,” Williams said after a July practice. “The injury taught me to be smarter, but now I’m combining that with the speed and power I had before.” For Payton, a healthy Williams is non-negotiable for the backfield’s ceiling—his ability to handle 20+ carries per game and contribute in the passing game (he caught 32 passes in 2024) makes him the engine of the run offense. Backfield Ceiling Higher for the Denver Broncos thus frames Williams’ return to peak form as the foundation of the backfield’s elevated potential.

The Broncos’ decision to sign veteran Latavius Murray in free agency has added critical depth and versatility, lifting the backfield’s ceiling by allowing Williams to stay fresh and targeting specific game situations. Murray, a 10-year NFL veteran who played under Payton in New Orleans, specializes in short-yardage and goal-line carries—areas where the Broncos struggled in 2024 (converting just 68% of third-and-1 attempts, below the NFL average of 72%). At 6’3” and 230 pounds, Murray is a physical runner who excels at pushing the pile, while Williams’ 5’11”, 220-pound frame is built for speed and elusiveness. This “thunder and thunder” combo (both runners prioritize downhill momentum) gives Payton flexibility: he can use Williams for outside zone runs and pass routes, then insert Murray to convert critical short-yardage plays or close out games. “Latavius isn’t just a backup—he’s a complement to Javonte,” Payton explained. “Having two runners who can handle carries and excel in different situations means we never have to take our foot off the gas in the run game.” Murray’s familiarity with Payton’s scheme has also accelerated his integration, with the two already connecting on goal-line plays that were missing from the Broncos’ 2024 playbook. Backfield Ceiling Higher for the Denver Broncos thus highlights how Murray’s addition has turned a one-dimensional backfield into a multi-faceted threat.

The Denver Broncos’ offensive line upgrades have been a game-changer for the backfield, as a revamped interior has turned inconsistent running lanes into reliable gaps—directly boosting the ceiling for Williams and Murray. The Broncos signed Pro Bowl guard Robert Hunt to a five-year deal in free agency, drafted center Jackson Powers-Johnson in the second round, and retained left tackle Garett Bolles (who graded 78.9 in run blocking in 2024, per Pro Football Focus). This unit has already shown chemistry in training camp, with Hunt and Powers-Johnson forming a dominant right-side duo that’s opening up massive holes for Williams on power runs. In one recent scrimmage, Hunt pushed a defensive tackle 3 yards off the line, while Powers-Johnson sealed the edge, allowing Williams to rush for a 25-yard gain. “You can have the best runners in the world, but they need somewhere to run,” said Broncos offensive line coach Butch Barry. “This line is built to create lanes—for Javonte to hit fast, for Latavius to push through. It’s night and day from last year.” The Denver Broncos’ line isn’t just better on paper; it’s translating to live reps, giving the backfield the kind of support it lacked in 2024. Backfield Ceiling Higher for the Denver Broncos thus underscores how the line’s improvement has unlocked the backfield’s true potential.

The Denver Broncos’ backfield ceiling has also been lifted by Payton’s scheme adjustments, which now feature more “gap runs” and play-action concepts that leverage Williams’ and Murray’s strengths. Payton, known for tailoring his offense to his personnel, has added more trap plays and counter runs—designs that let the offensive line pull and create moving blocks, perfectly suiting Williams’ ability to read and hit gaps quickly. He’s also integrated more “check-with-me” plays, where Wilson can audible to a run based on the defense’s alignment—ensuring the backfield is attacking weaknesses rather than facing stacked boxes. For example, if the defense shows seven men in the box, Wilson can audible to a screen pass to Williams, turning a potential stop into a big gain. “Scheme is about putting your players in position to succeed,” Payton said. “Our backfield has the talent—we just need to give them the right plays.” The Denver Broncos’ scheme changes have already paid off in training camp, with the backfield averaging 5.2 yards per carry in scrimmages—up from 3.8 in 2024. Backfield Ceiling Higher for the Denver Broncos thus shows how scheme optimization has turned talent into production.

The Denver Broncos’ backfield is also poised to improve in the red zone—a critical area that limited their ceiling in 2024 (they ranked 24th in red-zone rushing touchdowns). With Murray handling goal-line carries and Williams excelling in red-zone pass routes (he caught 4 touchdowns in the red zone in 2022), the Broncos now have two options to finish drives. Payton has also added “power packages” for the red zone—using two tight ends and a fullback to create extra blocking, letting Murray push through the line or Williams cut back for a touchdown. In a recent red-zone drill, the Broncos used this package to set up Murray for a 1-yard touchdown run, with Hunt and Powers-Johnson clearing a path up the middle. “Red-zone success is about consistency, and we now have the personnel to win those battles,” said Broncos offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi. “Javonte can beat you with speed, Latavius with power—defenses can’t focus on just one.” The Denver Broncos’ red-zone upgrades don’t just boost the backfield’s ceiling; they make the entire offense more dangerous, as defenses can no longer stack the box to stop the run without leaving receivers open. Backfield Ceiling Higher for the Denver Broncos thus concludes by emphasizing that this backfield’s potential isn’t just about rushing yards—it’s about being a catalyst for the Broncos’ return to playoff contention.