With the season-ending injury to Bo Nix, the Denver Broncos‘ odds to win the AFC Championship game against the New England Patriots cratered.
It already wasn’t going to be easy, but now, without Nix, the Patriots are heavy favorites. Offensively, the Broncos will need a lot of help. One player could provide a big help for Stidham and the Bronocs, and it’s rookie RB RJ Harvey.
ESPN’s Matt Bowen named Harvey as the X factor for this matchup for the Broncos offense, as the rookie 2nd round running back could have a massive role in the passing game for Stidham and the Broncos this weekend.
Broncos’ RJ Harvey named X factor vs. Patriots defense
“Matchup X factor: Broncos RB RJ Harvey,” Bowen writes. “Look for Harvey to play a defined role in the pass game. This allows Stidham to take the available throws underneath when Harvey releases out of the backfield, while Payton can also set up RB on screen attempts.”
The Broncos’ offense will be limited with Nix on the sideline, so Sean Payton will need to get creative in how the offense functions against a strong Patriots defense.
Harvey, a dynamic pass-catching running back, will play a significant role. He will need to not only gain yards on the ground, but also be a consistent outlet option for Stidham out of the backfield on passing downs.
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In the AFC Divisional round against the Buffalo Bills, Harvey caught five passes for 46 yards, proving how valuable he can be as a receiver.
His role against the Patriots will be a huge one, as screens, check-downs, and short routes will be where the Broncos offense can most trust Stidham to throw.
Harvey won’t be the sole deciding factor in this game, but if he can gain a lot of yards after the catch, then his impact on the game could become a massive one.
It’s not going to be easy, but the Broncos offense will need Harvey to play at his best this weekend. It’s a tough Patriots defense, and Harvey as a receiver could be what gets the Broncos in position to upset the Patriots in Denver to advance to the Super Bowl.
