RJ Harvey’s Breakout Potential Is Real - And the Broncos Might Want to Take a Page from Detroit’s Playbook
Sean Payton wasn’t bluffing when he said we haven’t “seen anything yet” from rookie running back RJ Harvey. And if the Denver Broncos are serious about making a late-season push, they might want to make good on that promise - fast.
Harvey, in his first NFL season, already leads all rookies in total touchdowns with eight. That’s no small feat, especially considering Denver’s offense has been anything but consistent.
But with JK Dobbins lost for the season - a blow that came during the Broncos’ last meeting with the Raiders - the backfield has been in flux. The good news?
Harvey’s emergence gives this team a real shot at retooling its ground game in a way that could spark the offense down the stretch.
If Payton’s looking for a blueprint, he doesn’t have to look far. His old friend Dan Campbell is dialing up something special in Detroit with Jahmyr Gibbs, and the Broncos would be wise to take notes.
The Gibbs Template: Speed, Versatility, and Intentional Touches
Gibbs has been electric. A few weeks ago, he torched the Giants for 264 yards from scrimmage and three total touchdowns.
Then he followed that up by carving up the Cowboys for 120 yards on 19 touches - including three scores on the ground and 77 yards through the air. That kind of dual-threat production isn’t just flashy; it’s foundational.
And it’s exactly the kind of role Harvey could grow into.
What makes Gibbs so effective isn’t just his speed or agility - though he’s got plenty of both. It’s how the Lions are using him.
They’re manufacturing touches, moving him around, and getting the ball in his hands in space. It’s not about feeding him 25 carries a game; it’s about making every touch count.
That’s the kind of intentionality Denver needs to bring to Harvey’s usage. He’s not a plug-and-play replacement for Dobbins - they’re different backs with different strengths. But if you tailor the offense to what Harvey does well, you can unlock a whole new dimension.
Harvey as a “Joker”: More Than Just a Runner
Payton has floated the idea of Harvey being a “Joker” in the Broncos’ offense - a term often used to describe a versatile weapon who can line up all over the field. Think Alvin Kamara in New Orleans, or yes, Jahmyr Gibbs in Detroit. These are backs who can split out wide, run crisp routes, and create mismatches against linebackers and safeties.
We’ve seen flashes of Harvey’s receiving ability already, but the Broncos haven’t fully leaned into that yet. That could change. With the right scheme tweaks, Harvey could become a true three-down threat - someone who keeps defenses guessing every time he lines up.
Take a look at how the Lions use jumbo formations to disguise their intentions. One moment, they’re pounding the rock; the next, Gibbs is slipping out into the flat for a chunk gain.
Denver has shown similar looks this season, but the execution hasn’t always been there. With Harvey’s skill set, those formations could become far more dangerous.
It’s Not About Volume - It’s About Impact
Here’s the kicker: Gibbs has only hit 20 touches in four games this season. So it’s not about overwhelming volume.
It’s about smart usage. It’s about putting a dynamic player in position to succeed - and trusting him to make something happen.
That’s the path forward for RJ Harvey.
He might not be the kind of back who racks up 100-yard rushing games week after week. But if you use him right - if you get him 12 to 18 well-designed touches per game - he can easily clear 1,000 yards from scrimmage. And more importantly, he can tilt the field in your favor.
The Bottom Line
The Broncos are still figuring out who they are offensively. But one thing is clear: RJ Harvey needs to be a bigger part of the equation. He’s got the burst, the vision, and the versatility to be a difference-maker - not just a fill-in for an injured starter.
Sean Payton knows how to build an offense around a multi-dimensional back. He’s done it before. Now he’s got the pieces to do it again.
If Denver wants to keep pace in the AFC and build momentum heading into the final stretch, it’s time to unleash RJ Harvey - and maybe borrow a few pages from the Lions’ playbook while they’re at it.