The Denver Broncos had their fair share of ups and downs recently, and all eyes have landed on one player: Bo Nix. In their blowout loss to the Ravens, Nix was forced into playing more roles than anyone anticipated, filling in as quarterback, wide receiver, and running back. This triple-duty performance speaks volumes about both Nix’s versatility and the desperate state of the Broncos’ roster. While Nix’s adaptability is impressive, it also brings a bigger issue into focus: the Broncos can’t keep relying on a single player to be a jack-of-all-trades if they want to be serious playoff contenders.
Coach Sean Payton, however, wasn’t exactly forthcoming about any big roster moves ahead of the trade deadline. "The focus is on the guys in this building," he stated on Monday, adding, "Superman’s not walking in." Payton’s sentiment echoes the frustration Broncos fans have been feeling for seasons on end. His message, though, also hinted at a reluctance to risk the future for a quick fix—one that some fans might argue the team sorely needs.
The need for changes is obvious, and Payton’s focus on “the guys in the building” has some silver linings. Sure, they’re not expecting Superman, but they might have a different kind of hero already in-house. Rookie running back Audric Estime has shown flashes of promise that might just be what the Broncos need to jolt their offense back to life. In this moment, he represents more than just fresh talent; he represents hope for a team looking to shake things up.
Estime’s stats, although based on a limited sample, are eye-catching. In just 15 carries, he’s racked up 95 yards, averaging a solid 6.3 yards per carry. When he’s on the field, he brings an energy and force that feels like something special. He’s not just moving downfield; he’s pushing through defenders with a speed and power that defenders find hard to handle. At 5-foot-11 and 227 pounds, Estime isn’t just a running back—he’s a force, resembling a “bedroom dresser in a jersey” with a combination of size, speed, and strength that can turn a simple run into something explosive.
Estime’s physicality offers something that Javonte Williams, despite his impressive comeback from knee surgery, just hasn’t delivered this season. While Williams has been a solid and reliable player, ranking 31st in the league with 387 rushing yards on 102 carries, his average of 3.8 yards per carry just isn’t cutting it. Only four players in the top 50 in rushing averages have fewer yards per carry than Williams. His recovery is commendable, but in the NFL, performance is what counts, and the Broncos are in need of more production to stay competitive in the AFC.
This isn’t to take away from Williams’ talents. He’s a skilled player who contributes effectively as a receiver out of the backfield and is great at picking up blitzes. But on the ground, he’s struggled with consistency in short-yardage and goal-line situations. One play that stands out was his missed opportunity against the Ravens on fourth-and-inches, where he failed to stretch the ball out—a critical moment that likely would have played out differently with a back like Estime.
The Broncos have to face some hard truths if they want to make the postseason in a less-than-competitive AFC. Running the ball effectively and playing strong defense against the run have been areas of focus, as Payton confirmed in a recent interview, where he didn’t shy away from addressing the need for better ground-game performance. This has made Estime’s presence on the roster even more intriguing. He might be young, but his ability to power through tackles and burst through defensive lines has Broncos fans—and possibly Payton—curious about his potential as a bigger contributor.
Despite the excitement around Estime, the Broncos still have their sights set on an uphill battle. They’ve lost eight straight games to the Kansas City Chiefs, who boast one of the league’s top rush defenses, allowing just 82.3 yards per game. In comparison, Williams averaged a modest 3.7 yards per carry against the Chiefs last season, which simply doesn’t cut it when the stakes are high. Estime, on the other hand, has shown that he could be the guy who brings that extra edge, something the Broncos have been missing.
If they want to be taken seriously, the Broncos need to think beyond just survival and aim for playoff-worthy performances. Going halfway simply won’t get it done anymore; it’s time to aim higher and start acting like the contenders they believe they can be. The question isn’t just about whether the Broncos can afford to make a change—it’s whether they can afford not to.
Payton’s comment about “Superman not walking in” has a ring of harsh truth, but maybe the Broncos don’t need Superman. Maybe all they need is a player like Estime, ready to step up and prove himself on a bigger stage. The Broncos have plenty of reasons to be excited about their rookie, and with each game, his potential becomes harder to ignore. His early fumbles may have caused some initial hesitation, but Estime’s response to adversity has been promising. He’s not only learned from his mistakes but applied those lessons on the field, making him a stronger candidate to take on a larger role.
There are no guarantees in the NFL, but if the Broncos want to maximize their potential, the time to make Estime a focal point of their offense is now. Keeping Nix as their primary offensive weapon is not a viable long-term solution. In a league where every yard matters, the Broncos can’t afford to sideline a player who shows so much potential for game-changing plays.
As Payton noted, midseason adjustments aren’t just about plugging holes—they’re about crafting a strategy that plays to the team’s strengths and potential. For the Broncos, leaning into Estime’s energy and athleticism could be the strategic shake-up they need to finally start making waves. So maybe, just maybe, they already have their capeless hero. The Broncos and their fans have waited long enough, and Estime just might be the spark that lights their path to a brighter season.
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