Jonah Coleman continues to impress.
The rookie running back consistently takes advantage of the opportunities he gets on the field and runs with them, literally. In the 28-24 win over the Kansas City Chiefs, he had the game-changing reception that set up his game-winning touchdown.
Now comes the next chance for Coleman on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers and their 30th-ranked rushing defense.
When Broncos head coach Sean Payton was asked how Coleman has impressed despite the injury, Payton said:
> “We had those glimpses in the spring and in training camp and in the preseason. Atlanta, there’s a run, it just stood out to you. So the one thing that was unique about him is oftentimes you don’t get to see them in third-down protection plans, but he was someone that we had quite a bit of tape on. Advanced protection plans, and he’s built to handle the blitz.
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> “It’s one thing to know who I have, but then also to be strong enough to do it. I would say that there were three backs — we just saw one of them that we really had visions for. Each one may be a little differently, but his versatility, to your point, that doesn’t always — you don’t get to stamp that with a lot of rookie backs that you feel like they’re going to develop into. We saw enough that we felt like he was going to be a good third-down protecting back as well, with the way he was built.”
In the victory over Kansas City, Coleman finished with 11 carries for 41 yards and a touchdown, as well as four receptions for 63 yards. Obviously, that total is boosted by the 51-yard reception to put Denver on the 4-yard line.
But it’s clear the rookie brings an element to this offense that the other running backs on the roster cannot. Coleman has shown great vision, instincts, and runs with physicality that is fun to watch.
“I think he’s playing really well with confidence,” Broncos quarterback Bo Nix said to the media. “He’s a very intelligent young running back. What sticks out the most is he can handle a lot. You can put a lot on his plate. After we learned that R.J. Harvey wasn’t going to play last week, he got a little bit more of the bulk of R.J.’s stuff.
“It’s impressive to see him be able to be used in a lot of different ways. When he gets in there, he’s a natural runner. That’s what he’s drafted for. That’s the position he plays. It’s the out-of-the-backfield stuff that I think is making a good impression on us right now.”
What’s most impressive is how Coleman is handling pass protection. That’s one of the toughest aspects for a rookie running back to grasp. What’s exciting to contemplate is that Coleman can get even better the more he plays.
“We caught him in the right pressure there,” Payto said to the media. “Yes, he’s very comfortable. He’s a different type (of) player than RJ (Harvey), but there were a lot of traits to like. More importantly, there was the exposure in an offense that sometimes the player just doesn’t have that exposure, so you can’t know for sure. I think we knew a little bit more with his tape.”
All of this to say, Coleman brings a spark to the Broncos.
“I think that started since rookie minicamp, and then the preseason game against Atlanta, and then the Jacksonville game, and now this game,” Broncos offensive coordinator Davis Webb said to the media. “I think every time he gets an opportunity, he’s showed up. His teammates love him. He’s smart, he’s mature, and he’s going to continue to get better, which is awesome.”
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