Tuesday, Sep 11, 2018 10:19 AM
Phillip Lindsay nominated for NFL Rookie of the Week after debut vs. Seattle
Ben Swanson
Managing Editor, DenverBroncos.com
©Gabriel Christus
Phillip Lindsay's dreamlike start to his career could earn him league-wide accolades after just one week.
After recording 102 yards from scrimmage (71 rushing, 31 receiving) and a receiving touchdown in his NFL debut, Lindsay received a nomination for NFL Rookie of the Week. Fans can vote for Lindsay's bid for Week 1 honors on NFL.com.
Lindsay, who was signed by the Broncos after going undrafted, is the only nominee who wasn't a first-round pick. Giants RB Saquon Barkley (picked No. 2 overall), Jets QB Sam Darnold (No. 3 overall), Browns CB Denzel Ward (No. 4 overall) and Vikings CB Mike Hughes (No. 30 overall) round out the list of nominees.
The Denver native and former Colorado Buffaloes star has become a reliable part of the running back rotation and a key special teams member since joining the team as a college free agent. Lindsay and fellow rookie Royce Freeman posted near-equal performances in the running game. Each running back averaged 4.7 yards per carry on 15 rushes for 71 yards. Lindsay also had a tackle on special teams.
Following Lindsay's performance against the Seahawks, Head Coach Vance Joseph said that even he was surprised by Lindsay's ascent.
"I think we're all surprised because you just never know about young guys as far as coming into this league and playing — playing confident, playing with a toughness, playing with an IQ to play in this league," Joseph said Monday. "He's done all three: He's tough, he's smart, he's a playmaker and it doesn't seem too big for him. I've been really impressed with him from Day 1. From Day 1, rookie camp, he's come in with swagger and confidence, and it hasn't changed."
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