WATCH: Javonte Williams goes beastmode on Cincinnati Bengals defense
Denver Broncos rookie running back Javonte Williams made an incredible effort late against the Cincinnati Bengals to turn a bad play into a first down. Backed up near their own goal line in the fourth quarter, Williams avoided a tackle near the end zone and finished by plowing into a defender to earn a first down.
Javonte Williams hammers Cincinnati defender
On a Broncos running play designed to get a gap open on the left side, the Bengals defense closed any potential running lane. Without a receiver lined up outside, cornerback Trae Waynes had a straight shot right at Williams as he tried to bounce outside. Waynes nearly brought him down at the 1-yard line, but Williams strength allowed him to avoid the tackle for a big loss.
Dodging another couple of tackle attempts, Williams attempted to run towards the sideline where he was met by safety Jessie Bates III. Bates hit Williams directly to the body with his tackle attempt, only to be shoved off by Williams’ forearm as he ran over the tackle attempt.
The rookie from North Carolina finally tripped out of bounds past the first-down marker, having turned a loss into a big play in a close game.
Williams has been a big part of the Denver offense as a rookie, filling in behind Melvin Gordon III as their secondary running back. The Broncos average the 10th-most yards per game on the ground this season with Williams and Gordon splitting the work load.
Through 14 games now, Williams has 815 yards rushing and three touchdowns. Showcasing his utility to the offense, he also has added 288 yards receiving and another three touchdowns.
Despite Javonte Williams’ efforts to keep the Broncos’ alive in the fourth quarter, Denver fell to the Bengals 15-10 and slipped to a 7-7 record for the year. With playoff spots being fought over every week in the AFC, Denver’s loss significantly hurts their chances of reaching the postseason.