Sean Payton’s Guarded Optimism for McLaughlin on MNF Against Bengals
As the Denver Broncos prepare for their Monday Night Football showdown against the Cincinnati Bengals, the status of running back Jaleel McLaughlin remains a topic of intrigue. Despite boasting an impressive career rushing average of 4.8 yards per carry, McLaughlin has yet to see the field this season. Instead, Tyler Badie has taken the reins as the third running back, averaging a modest 3.0 yards over his three games.
A Surprising Absence
Three games into the season, McLaughlin, a third-year player, has not played a single snap. His presence on the roster feels almost invisible, as he has been a healthy scratch each week. Badie has filled the No. 3 role, primarily stepping in during third-down situations, where he has been targeted on screen passes and utilized for draws on long-yardage plays.
Last season, McLaughlin was a key contributor, serving as the No. 2 running back behind Javonte Williams. He rushed for 496 yards and scored a touchdown on 113 carries, averaging 4.4 yards per attempt. Although the Broncos’ running game struggled overall, McLaughlin’s work ethic and team-first mentality earned him the respect of head coach Sean Payton, who took notice of the undrafted free agent from day one.
Payton’s Comments Add Fuel to the Fire
In a recent press conference, Payton offered a glimmer of hope regarding McLaughlin’s future involvement. “He’s doing well. He’s doing extremely well,” Payton remarked when asked about the running back’s status following Saturday’s practice. However, he also emphasized that player evaluations are conducted on a week-by-week basis.
What this means for McLaughlin is that he could be called upon if the coaching staff feels Badie no longer presents the best chance to secure a victory. Payton is known for being tight-lipped about his roster decisions, and while he didn’t explicitly rule out McLaughlin for Monday night’s game, the expectation is that his inclusion remains unlikely.
The Current State of the Running Game
With J.K. Dobbins leading the charge and RJ Harvey backing him up, the Broncos’ rushing attack has shown more explosiveness this season, even with Badie’s lower average. Payton’s reluctance to dress all available running backs may stem from concerns over pass protection or simply a preference for the current lineup.
The challenge of incorporating four running backs into the game plan is not lost on Payton. Fortunately for the Broncos, they have maintained good health in the backfield, which reduces the likelihood of any changes to the depth chart for now.
McLaughlin’s Offseason Commitment
Despite his current predicament, McLaughlin has demonstrated dedication to improving his game. He invested in a Jugs machine to enhance his pass-catching skills, practicing diligently at home throughout the offseason. Yet, it raises questions about why he hasn’t yet earned a spot on the active roster.
As the Broncos face the Bengals in a pivotal matchup, the team is running out of time to turn their season around. With a record of 1-3, the prospects for a playoff run appear slim, especially considering the challenges that lie ahead on their schedule. The outcome of Monday’s game could be crucial, and fans are left wondering if McLaughlin will finally get his chance to contribute.
