Rookie RJ Harvey's clutch touchdown against the Chiefs seals a pivotal win, showcasing his savvy and offensive firepower.
UCF all-time touchdown leader RJ Harvey found the end zone for the fifth-straight game in what was the eventual game-winning score.
Harvey dominated on the Broncos' eventual 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.
Broncos head coach Sean 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.
Nix spoke to media on the growth of Harvey and his remarkable play after the game.
"Very savvy move by him. You can tell he's been in my shoes before," Nix said. "He knows what its like to find space. He's just a really savvy football player. He does things a lot that you know, sort of unteachable... He'll do stuff like that all the time."
According to UCF, Harvey became the sixth running back in NFL History with five or more receiving and rushing touchdowns in a rookie campaign. Harvey is also ninth in the entire NFL in scores, with more touchdowns than NFL greats like Saquon Barkley and Bijan Robinson.
It was his twelfth score on the season and cemented himself as an offensive rookie of the year candidate. Currently, according to DraftKings, Harvey is tied for the seventh-best odds (+8000) to win the award with Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (-310) beginning to pull away.
However, the Broncos will be vying for the number one seed and the division title next week against the surging Chargers in a pivotal AFC West showdown. Harvey will need to find the end zone and continue his remarkable rookie season to help position the Broncos for home field advantage and a deep playoff run in a wide-open AFC conference.