The Denver Broncos were beaten by the Seattle Seahawks 16-17 in a tight encounter in their first 2022 NFL game at the Lumen Field on September 12. The starting running backs for the Broncos were Melvin Gordon and Javonte Williams.

Gordon registered 12 carries at an average of 4.8 yards, and Williams recorded 7 carries at an average of 6.1 yards. However, none of the running backs registered a touchdown.

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Williams, however, looked better than Gordon against the Seahawks, who recorded a total of 108 yards, 43 in rushing and 65 in receiving. On the other hand, Gordon registered a total of 72 yards, 58 rushing and a meagre 14 receiving. Both of their longest rushes were 13 yards.

Williams also registered an average of 6.1 per rushing attempt against the Seahawks, compared to 4.8 of Gordon.

Gordon fumbled at the goal line in the third quarter, giving the Seahawks a lifeline. He registered 2 receptions, 7 fumbles and 1 fumble recovery in the game. Meanwhile, Williams recorded 11 receptions and 1 fumble against the Seahawks.

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Williams also joined the list of running backs to complete 100 yards in the opening week of the 2022 NFL season. However, he also missed an opportunity to cement his place as Denver’s first choice by the goal line when Gordon fumbled on the one-yard line in the opening quarter but he fumbled from the four-yard line in the next possession.

The Broncos did not lead against the Seahawks during the entirety of the game and this resulted in the increased involvement of Williams who acted as a pass-catcher.

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Denver will be hosting Houston Texans in their next game in week 2, who allowed 161 rushing yards and a touchdown to the Colts’ running back Jonathan Taylor and both Williams and Gordon will be needed to make the most of the occasion.

The Broncos have a lot to build upon but they need to focus on getting both their running backs to score touchdowns. They will also need to put extra focus on improving Gordon’s passing game.