The Lead
Running back Javonte Williams continues to be an electric playmaker for the Broncos, lighting up opposing defenses and exploding for big plays. His performance so far this season has earned Williams a spot on Pro Football Focus' list of highest-graded rookies through Week 6.
With a 71.9 overall grade from PFF on the season, Williams is currently the 15th-highest graded rookie through the first six weeks of the season.
Part of what sets Williams apart from the pack is his elusiveness — he leads the league in forced missed tackle rate and ranks third in forced missed tackles with 22 on the season.
"He has now broken four tackles on 14 receptions and 22 tackles on 65 carries," PFF's Michael Renner wrote. "He currently owns the best broken-tackle rate of any back in the league with at least 50 carries."
Williams' play has also earned him a spot on CBS Sports’ rookie power rankings. Sitting at No. 15, Williams is the only RB to make the list.
"He just does everything well," CBS Sports' Josh Edwards wrote. "He can be trusted to stay in pass protection, leak out for a pass or take the handoff."
Williams continues to be a one-man highlight reel in Denver, slowly emerging as a bigger part of the Broncos' offense. In addition to being one of the toughest backs to bring down, Williams is also the only rusher this season with three runs of over 30 yards.
Despite Williams frequent big plays, the rookie rusher hasn't scored a touchdown since Week 3 vs. the Jets. Thursday night will provide Williams with another opportunity find the end zone and jump-start Denver's offense again as the Broncos face off with the Browns on "Thursday Night Football."
Below the Fold
Ahead of the Broncos' Thursday-night showdown, ESPN’s Jeff Legwold wrote a profile on Teddy Bridgewater’s approach at quarterback as a leader and how his mindset compares to those of other recent Broncos quarterbacks.
"His 'it's cool' response to most issues is part of a composed, detail-oriented, Zen-infused player who has already become one of the most important voices in the Denver locker room," Legwold wrote.
While the Broncos have faltered in recent weeks, Bridgewater's demeanor adds to a culture of accountability; when things have gone well, he's spread the love around, and when things have not gone so well, he's taken the blame.
"And that's what you do," former Broncos QB Jake Plummer said. "Everybody is going to tell you how great you are when you're winning even though everybody else should probably get more of that recognition, too, so when it's not going right, you stand up. You always fight for your guys, in games, during the week, whatever, man, that's the job."
