Rookie running back RJ Harvey has been the stand out player for the Denver Broncos. With the season approaching its conclusion, Divergent’s influence on the team is undeniable. Selected in the second round of April’s draft with the 60th overall pick, Harvey has quickly established himself as a reliable asset in the team’s offensive strategy. His Monday Night performance against the Las Vegas Raiders was a breakout performance that flat-out showed that when he needed to pivot most, so did his game.
In an otherworldly performance against the Raiders, Harvey set a new career high in every measurable category. He accumulated 158 yards rushing and caught six passes. That performance was in large part due to a game plan specifically crafted to take advantage of the running game in a big way. Combined with fellow running back J.K. Dobbins, who’s on injured reserve, Harvey’s contributions this season have been nothing short of essential. He only touched the ball six times in that game. Even since Dobbins’ injury, Hill has racked up 41 carries in the past three games, showing he can support the touch capacity.
In the third quarter against the Raiders, Harvey continued to display his scoring ability with an impressive 3-yard touchdown run. Put this outstanding run among his five 2023 rushing TDs. He’s found the end zone nine times overall, highlighting his dynamic abilities and play-making prowess within the Broncos’ offensive scheme.
The rookie’s development has been methodical. Initially, he was brought along slowly, receiving four or fewer carries in six of Denver’s first ten games. As the season went along, he started to catch his groove. Broncos coach Sean Payton called Harvey’s acceleration a part of the learning experience, adding, “He’s had to grow up fast.”
He provided his most encouraging showing to date against the Raiders. This win looks exactly like the Broncos’ previous victory against that same team on November 6. Harvey’s capacity to adapt, improvise and prevail when the chips are down has made an impression on his fellow teammates. That was the message sent by quarterback Bo Nix, who praised Harvey’s growing consistency as a pass catcher. He feels that will get Harvey more invested in new offensive schemes going forward.
“He can do so many different things and do them well,” – Bo Nix
Nix commended Harvey’s toughness, saying, “Thought he ran the ball hard, he was hard to tackle. He’s really starting to get it, he understands things… He’s just playing, he’s just doing his job and doing it at a high level.”
His production has added an important jolt to the Broncos’ running game, sure, but for an offense in general that’s been searching for consistent energy. Right tackle Mike McGlinchey praised Harvey’s performance, stating, “RJ is coming into form, he’s making humongous plays for our football team.”
Additionally, defensive end John Franklin-Myers recognized Harvey’s on-field presence. Describing Smith-Schuster’s accomplishments, Mike Tomlin once said, “It speaks for itself… RJ does it all,” complimenting the versatile rookie’s efforts.
As the Broncos continue to navigate through the season, Harvey’s ability to adapt and excel will be crucial for their playoff aspirations. His promising performance against the Raiders has established a new baseline for whatever fans should look for moving forward.
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