Rookie RJ Harvey delivered a crucial performance, scoring a touchdown and proving his indispensable value in the Broncos' Christmas Day victory.
The Denver Broncos came out of Arrowhead Stadium with another win on the year after taking down the Kansas City Chiefs 20-13 on Christmas Day. Though it was yet another game of the Broncos stooping down to the level of their opponent, the only statistic that matters at this point in the season is wins and losses, and the Broncos got the win they needed.
It wasn’t the prettiest or most dominant game by the now 13-3 Broncos, but there was one player whose performance is worth highlighting: running back RJ Harvey. Harvey finished with 76 total yards from scrimmage and scored a receiving touchdown on Thursday.
At a glance, it’s not necessarily statistics that jump off a page. It is, however, a performance indicative of what Harvey has provided the Broncos with all season long in his first year in the NFL. He’s given Denver exactly what they need, especially with running back J.K. Dobbins likely out for the rest of the season. It’s why Harvey has been named the biggest winner of Thursday’s game from the Bleacher Report NFL Staff.
“On a per-touch basis, Harvey's Week 17 effort wasn't especially impressive—he averaged just 3.1 yards per carry,” the B/R staff wrote in a recent article. “But he did what the Broncos need him to (19 touches), and the rookie found the end zone for the 11th time this season. He may not win Offensive Rookie of the Year, but he's on the short list.”
Harvey is the Broncos' leader in touchdowns on the year, with five receiving scores and seven rushing scores. He has put himself in great company with his well-rounded rookie season, joining Alvin Kamara and Gale Sayers as the only rookies to accomplish such a statistic since 1950.
Denver selected Harvey out of the University of Central Florida with the 60th overall pick in last spring’s draft. The 24-year-old has shown glimpses of his potential early on in the season, especially with a 50-yard run, but has been showing those glimpses more regularly over the past few weeks.
The Broncos don’t need a superstar running back to carry their offense. They need a reliable back who can help them in the ground game, passing game, and help out with pass blocking when necessary. Harvey has been just that for Denver, and it’s a part of why they hold the best record in the NFL.