Former UCF RB Harvey Becoming Broncos' Go-To Receiver

The Denver Broncos' offense has struggled throughout the beginning of the NFL season, but former UCF star running back RJ Harvey has given the team a big boost in the passing game.

Despite playing in only three games, Harvey has recorded 20 receptions, including a ten-catch performance against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday evening.

This leads the team, with Jaylen Waddle representing the only other Bronco with double-digit receptions (16).

Adding 25 yards on the ground, Harvey was a perfect 10-of-10 on his targets, accumulating 68 yards and giving Denver significant yards after the catch.

This was the third-most receptions by a Denver running back in single-game franchise history.

Midway through the fourth quarter, Harvey slipped out to the left flat and caught a pass for a five-yard gain.

Four 49ers defenders descended on Harvey, but he was able to break a tackle and evade all four, breaking free and turning a check down into an 18-yard gain.

This elusiveness was what made Harvey such a special player with the Knights, and has earned him reps early into his NFL career with the Broncos.

Overall, it has been a quiet first three games for Harvey in the rushing department, but his added value as a pass-catcher gives Broncos head coach Sean Payton a dangerous option out of the backfield.

As a rookie, Harvey scored 12 touchdowns, using his legs for seven of them.

His final score of the season came against the Kansas City Chiefs, with Harvey finding the endzone for a fifth-straight game and eventual game winner.

Harvey dominated on the Broncos' game-winning drive, breaking off an eleven yard dash from Denver's 44-yard line to advance into Kansas City territory.

He added an additional 14 yards on the ground before the Broncos found themselves in a 4th and 2 at the two-minute warning. 

Payton made the bold decision to go for it, lining Harvey up in the wildcat and putting the game's biggest play in the hands of his rookie tailback.

Harvey utilized a hard count, forcing an offsides penalty from six-time Pro Bowler Chris Jones. 

Another Harvey carry took the Broncos to the one-yard line before facing a 3rd and goal.

Broncos quarterback Bo Nix rolled out right with Harvey running a flat route to the front corner of the end zone. Nix held on to the ball, buying time while Harvey improvised running to the back of the end zone and stopping on a dime to haul in the eventual game-winner. 

Harvey was praised following the game for his IQ and "savvy," with starting quarterback Bo Nix calling him a "special" talent.

After a tough four-game stretch for Denver, the team travels to face the 0-4 Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.