Week 14 Storylines: Broncos’ Ground Game Struggles, Herbert’s Status, and Chiefs Face a Trenches Test
Broncos: RJ Harvey’s Rough Start Not All on the Rookie
Two games into his NFL career, Broncos rookie running back RJ Harvey is still trying to find his footing - literally. After stepping into the starting role following J.K.
Dobbins’ injury, Harvey has averaged fewer than three yards per carry. On paper, that’s a tough look.
But if you ask head coach Sean Payton, the issue isn’t Harvey - it’s everything happening around him.
“It’s nothing to do with the runner,” Payton said. And he didn’t mince words.
The head coach pointed to blocking execution and schematic breakdowns as the real culprits behind the sluggish run game. “We’ll watch the tape,” he added, “but trust me - it was just looks where the evaluation will be on how we blocked it, and then the scheme, relative to what we were seeing defensively.
The runners were good.”
Translation: the rookie’s doing his job. The holes just aren’t there.
It’s a classic case of a young back getting caught in the middle of growing pains up front. Denver’s offensive line hasn’t consistently created lanes, and with defenses keying in on the run post-Dobbins, Harvey hasn’t had much room to operate. Payton’s comments are a clear signal that the team still believes in Harvey’s talent - but they know they need to clean things up in the trenches if they want to see results.
Chargers: Herbert’s Status Still Optimistic for Monday Night
Over in Los Angeles, all eyes are on Justin Herbert’s availability for Monday night’s matchup against the Eagles. Head coach Jim Harbaugh didn’t offer a definitive answer, but he did strike an optimistic tone.
“Yeah, we’re preparing,” Harbaugh said. “We’re optimistic that that’s going to be the case.”
That’s not quite a green light, but it’s not a red one either. The Chargers are clearly building their game plan around the hope that their franchise quarterback will be under center. With playoff hopes hanging in the balance and a tough Philly defense on deck, Herbert’s presence - or absence - could swing the outcome in a big way.
Chiefs: Mahomes, Short-Handed O-Line Face Tall Task in Houston
Kansas City heads into Week 14 with a serious test in the trenches. The Chiefs will be without three key starters on the offensive line - left tackle Josh Simmons, right tackle Jawaan Taylor, and right guard Trey Smith - as they prepare to face a surging Texans defense.
Patrick Mahomes knows what that means: get the ball out fast, stay upright, and take your shots when they come.
“Obviously, we’ll go through the week and see where we’re at with guys that are a little banged up,” Mahomes said. “But you have got to give respect to where it’s deserved, and those guys have a great defensive line.”
Houston’s front is legit - fast, physical, and relentless. Mahomes emphasized the need to counter that with quick throws, a steady run game, and capitalizing on deep shots when the opportunities arise. But more than anything, he said the Chiefs need to match Houston’s energy.
“I think that’s the biggest thing,” Mahomes said. “Obviously, D-line’s good, linebackers are good, and the DBs are good.
I think what makes them who they are is how hard they play. Every single snap, they’re flying around.”
That’s the kind of challenge Mahomes usually thrives on. But with a patchwork offensive line and a Texans team that’s been one of the league’s biggest surprises, this game could turn into a gut-check moment for Kansas City.
“This is a really good football team that’s playing really good football right now and has a really good defense,” Mahomes said. “We’re going to have to throw it all out there and find a way to win. This will be a big game for us to showcase who we are and who we think we can be moving on the rest of the season.”
With December football in full swing, this is the time when contenders separate from the pack. For the Broncos, Chargers, and Chiefs, Week 14 offers three very different challenges - but all of them with playoff implications on the line.