The Secret Ingredient For a Playoff Run? R.J. Harvey
By Adam Uribes
· General
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· 2 min read
Showing that he can be a game-changer in the run and passing games, the rookie from UCF is the key to a successful playoff run.
Denver seemed to have solved its years-long running game issues with the signing of JK Dobbins earlier in the year. But like death, taxes, and other certainties in life, Dobbins would go down with a season-ending injury, throwing the Denver rushing attack for a loop. If the running game was going to continue to provide any support for 2nd-year QB Bo Nix, it was going to fall to rookie tailback RJ Harvey.
Since becoming the lead dog in the running back-by-committee with Jaleel MacLaughlin and Tyler Badie, Harvey looks more like a mini Alvin Kamara with each game. Showing that he can be a game-changer in the run and passing games, the rookie from UCF is the key to a successful playoff run. Here’s why:
**Running the ball in the playoffs**
The Dobbins injury meant Denver was going to have to audible its plans when it comes to running the ball. With a healthy Dobbins in the mix and Harvey spelling him, it meant that Denver could employ a “smash and dash” element to their running game early on. With Dobbins going down, Harvey was left to shoulder much of the offensive load.
Getting off to a slow start, Harvey has shown he can be a home run hitter toting the rock week by week. Long rushing scores versus Dallas and Jacksonville have cemented Harvey’s reputation as a threat to take it to the house any time he touches the ball. While his yards per attempt are just a tick under four (3.9), that doesn't tell the story of Harvey’s effectiveness running the ball. A better indicator of how effective Harvey has been is shown in his yards per carry late in games. With Denver's penchant for winning close, Harvey has produced 41 carries for 192 yards, good for a healthy 4.7 yards per carry average. It may not look the same without Dobbins, but Harvey has been up to the task.
Playoff games often come down to one score. The Broncos are fortunate to have a guy who does his best work when defenses are worn down. So far, Harvey has been up to the task in being the "closer" the Broncos appeared to lose when Dobbins went down.
**Not just a 1st and 2nd down back**
For all Harvey has done running the ball, it’s his 2nd best trait, statistically anyway. On pace to catch 50 balls out of the backfield, in a mostly reserve role, is no small feat, and Harvey has been an indispensable piece of the offense for the last third of the season.
The advantage of Harvey being an adept receiver out of the backfield is that it’s given Nix a reliable check-down option in the passing game. Aside from Cortland Sutton and Troy Franklin, Harvey and his hands may be the most reliable receiving option on the team as of late. While Harvey does have the ability to produce splash plays on the ground, getting them through the air has been more prevalent. His 350 receiving yards are modest, but Harvey has done the bulk of his damage getting in the end zone, as seen by his five scores. Watch Harvey’s last game versus the Chiefs. His route adjustment and catch on the final scoring drive are examples of the dual-threat running back he has the potential to be.
**The miscellaneous**
The on-field production has been solid, and the numbers back that up. What Harvey has added to the offense shows up in more than what he does with the ball in his hands.
Any rookie running back has a learning curve when it comes to pass protection. Harvey was no exception, and it was only necessity that forced him to improve his blocking in passing sets. But from some of the crushing blocks that Harvey has dispensed in wins versus Kansas City and Washington, Harvey isn’t afraid to stick his nose in the fan versus blitzing ‘backers and earn more reps in the passing game due in large part to his pickup recognition getting better.
Sean Payton stresses protecting the football. For a rookie, the game hasn’t been too big for Harvey in that area either. In his almost 200 touches of the ball, the rook has just ONE fumble. Putting the church’s money on the ground will get any running back thrown in the doghouse, but it’s had the opposite effect for Harvey. With each passing game and regardless of the situation, Harvey has been steady as they come in the backfield.
With the NFL’s 2nd season starting in a week, game plans and situations will start to shift. Competition will get stiffer, scores will get tighter, and missteps in any direction will be magnified. In one season's time, Harvey has gone from question mark to reliable option through his steady play all year. For as many situations that could play out, the Broncos can counter that with a player like the emerging RJ Harvey.
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