Lindsay leaving the right move for running back, Broncos
Mar 23, 2021, 7:00 AM | Updated: 8:00 am
George Paton has been hard at work this offseason. The Denver Broncos general manager has signed veteran cornerbacks Kyle Fuller and Ronald Darby, along with extending Justin Simmons.
But Paton has also made moves that didn’t sit well with Broncos Country, despite being the right strategy.
Releasing Phillip Lindsay was Paton’s first unpopular move as Broncos general manager. Lindsay was a hometown hero and favorite.
But while his accomplishments in his short time in Denver are impressive, this move made the most sense.
Lindsay presents a skill set that just doesn’t fit when you’re not a starter. He isn’t an elite pass catcher, blocker or special teams player. When the ball is in Lindsay’s hands, he is incredibly dynamic. But he’s very one dimensional.
When Lindsay was on the field in Pat Shurmur’s offense, defenses knew Denver was going to run the ball. Melvin Gordon III presents a more well-rounded skill set and fits much better in the Shurmur offense.
Lindsay is a good player. You don’t rush for more than 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons in the NFL and not be good. But is he special? The answer is no.
It stinks to see a hometown favorite leave, but it was the right move for both the player and the franchise.
