Broncos Unleash Explosive Backfield Duo in Preseason Rout — Harvey & Dobbins Poised to Ignite Denver’s Offense
The Denver Broncos couldn’t have asked for a much better start to their preseason campaign, cruising to an impressive 30-9 road win over the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday night. Under head coach Sean Payton, the team showed signs of sharp execution and physical dominance — a promising early glimpse of what fans hope is a resurgent season. However, while the victory was decisive, it also highlighted areas that still need fine-tuning, none more intriguing than the situation in the backfield.
In total, five different running backs saw action on the ground, reflecting both the team’s depth and the ongoing competition at the position. Surprisingly, one notable name made his mark only as a receiver, raising questions about how the touches will ultimately be divided.
Payton acknowledged the complexity of the evaluation process following the game, especially given the mixture of young talent and experienced contributors fighting for meaningful snaps. Chief among them is rookie Harvey, a second-round pick whose explosive athletic profile offers a unique complement to the rest of the unit. Though smaller in stature, Harvey brings a burst and versatility that could reshape a Broncos offense that finished a middling 15th in EPA per play last season, according to SumerSports.
Alongside him is J.K. Dobbins, a fellow second-rounder who enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2024, racking up 905 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns while averaging a stellar 5.2 yards per carry. Despite his undeniable talent, Dobbins’ durability remains a concern, making Harvey a potentially crucial insurance option and a dynamic change of pace.
The one-two punch of Dobbins and Harvey appears to be the plan moving forward, and barring injury or unexpected performance shifts, the duo will likely share duties relatively evenly. As training camp winds down and the regular season inches closer, Payton’s task now is to fine-tune roles and build consistency around what could be one of the most dynamic backfields in the league.