Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur doesn’t anticipate having any problems getting both Melvin Gordon and Phillip Lindsay enough playing time this season. That might be in part because Gordon and Lindsay will be on the field at the same time in certain situations.
“I think there are times when they both can be on the field at the same time,” Shurmur said during a Zoom conference call with reporters on June 11. “There are times when one or the other will be on the field. I think they share the same skill set in terms of — when you’re a running back, you have to obviously be able to run the ball effectively, which they both can do.”
In addition to running the ball well, Denver’s running backs will be asked to block and serve as receivers out of the backfield as well. Shurmur believes Gordon and Lindsay can both fill all three roles, which will allow them to seamlessly rotate on offense.
“Whether we’re running the ball inside or outside, you have to be aware enough and physical enough to pass protect, to protect the quarterback,” Shurmur said. “And then when we choose to throw you the ball, whether you’re primary or you’re the outlet, you need to be able to catch the ball and do something with it.
“They can do all three of those things . . . . They’ve both been very productive in this league, and we intend to use both of them.”
