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DENVER — After averaging just under six carries per game, it looks like former Utah star Devontae Booker is going to be getting more carries moving forward.
NFL.com reported that Kubiak told media that he wanted to give his rookie running back more touches.
"We've got to give Book some opportunities; he's doing some good stuff," Kubiak said to ESPN. "When he's had some opportunities he's done some really good things."
Booker was on full display last Thursday in the Broncos' loss to the Chargers. He had only five carries, but made the best of them, gaining 46 yards and averaging 9.2 yards per carry. He added on 7 more yards through the air on two receptions. He was arguably the only bright spot in an otherwise dismal game for the defending world champs.
Current starter C.J. Anderson started the season hot in a dominating 139 total-yard performance in opening week against the Panthers. Since then, Anderson has only gotten worse, failing to get 50 yards on the ground in the past four games and only finding the end zone once during that span.
"As a young player, we're trying to get him going as far as protection and those type of things, and he's starting to handle himself better," Kubiak said of Booker. "I think he deserves some more opportunities to touch the football. And when he's had the opportunity, he's done some good stuff."
In a limited time Booker has shown a lot of potential, flashing the attributes that made him dominate in college. There's an argument to be made that he's more talented than Anderson, who went undrafted out of Cal in 2013.
In the past few weeks Booker has shown more decisiveness and confidence. He's certainly come a long way since his first NFL game. Kubiak likes what he sees so far in Booker and it's obvious he wants to see more.
