{"id":293584,"date":"2023-10-04T14:25:00","date_gmt":"2023-10-04T14:25:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/allmysportsnews.com\/?p=293584"},"modified":"2023-10-04T14:25:00","modified_gmt":"2023-10-04T14:25:00","slug":"jaleel-mclaughlin-bringing-bull-mentality-could-see-expanded-role-in-broncos-backfield","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/allmysportsnews.com\/nfl\/jaleel-mclaughlin-bringing-bull-mentality-could-see-expanded-role-in-broncos-backfield\/","title":{"rendered":"Jaleel McLaughlin bringing 'bull' mentality, could see expanded role in Broncos' backfield"},"content":{"rendered":"
When Denver Broncos running back \ufeffJaleel McLaughlin\ufeff scored in Sunday\u2019s comeback win over the Chicago Bears, the undrafted rookie dug his feet in the dirt like a raging bull. McLaughlin said the celebration is symbolic of his mentality.<\/p>\n
“Every time a bull goes out, they mark their territory,” McLaughlin said,\u00a0via the Denver Post. “I try to bring that aspect of me being a bull (and) wanting to win.”<\/p>\n
McLaughlin kicked off the Broncos’ scoring Sunday in Chicago by taking a screen pass 18 yards to pay dirt. After the Denver offense went into a lull, McLaughlin again jumpstarted the unit in the third quarter. His 31-yard scamper and 11-yard reception on a late third-quarter drive led to a Brandon Johnson touchdown, and the comeback was on.<\/p>\n
With Javonte Williams nursing an injury Sunday, McLaughlin led the Broncos (1-3) with seven rushes for 72 yards (10.3 average) and added three catches for 32 yards (third-most) and the score.<\/p>\n
“He was explosive in the run and the pass,” coach Sean Payton said of the rookie. “He gave us some juice, so we’ll continue to look at his role.”<\/p>\n
Williams’ hip injury isn’t expected to keep the starter out long, but McLaughlin showed Sunday that he’s worth a larger role even when the backfield is healthy. The 187-pound running back could be a Darren Sproles-type difference-maker for Payton’s offense moving forward, starting this Sunday against the New York Jets.<\/p>\n