When the Broncos agreed to terms with free agent Melvin Gordon, some fans viewed it as a perplexing decision — why would the team sign a Pro Bowl running back when a Pro Bowl running back (Phillip Lindsay) was already on the roster?
Denver coach Vic Fangio and general manager John Elway both addressed that question during an interview with Alexis Perry of the Broncos’ official website on Wednesday.
“Exactly how that will look remains to be seen,” Fangio said. “But it’s pretty common right now in the NFL that most teams have two backs that do a bulk of the ball-carrying or playing the running back position, divvying up the third-down responsibilities.
“So I don’t see it as a problem getting enough work for both of them. We’re happy to have them both.”
Elway seemingly implied that Gordon will improve the team’s passing game as a receiver out of the backfield. Since entering the league in 2015, Gordon has caught 224 passes for 1,873 yards and 11 touchdowns. Lindsay had just 35 receptions for 196 yards and no receiving touchdowns in 2019.
“[Gordon has] scored a lot of touchdowns and has caught the football a ton,” Elway said. “So we feel like with him — with Melvin as well as Phillip — that we’ve got a great one-two punch, and we’ll only get better in the backfield.”
For fantasy purposes, it’s probably wise to consider Gordon the team’s starter with RB2 upside. Lindsay will likely be best used as a flex option.
