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One of the most pleasant surprises through the first 13 weeks of the 2018 NFL season has been the play of Denver Broncos undrafted rookie running back Philip Lindsay, who has taken the league by storm.
Lindsay has quickly proven to be one of the best big-play talents at his position as he currently leads the NFL with 6.08 yards per carry. According to Graham Bartfield of NFL.com, this mark currently puts him as the third-highest total in the league in a single season over the last four decades.
Most yards per carry in a single-season over the last 40 years:
1. Jamaal Charles (2010), 6.38 YPC
2. Barry Sanders (1997), 6.13 YPC
3. Philip Lindsay (2018), 6.08 YPC
4. Alvin Kamara (2017), 6.07 YPC
5. Adrian Peterson (2012), 6.03 YPC— Graham Barfield (@GrahamBarfield) December 3, 2018
Lindsay has taken advantage of the opportunity in front of him with the Broncos, becoming their primary factor out of the backfield this season behind his level of production. He has averaged at least seven yards per carry in each of his last three games, which has made him the first player in the last 11 season and first rookie in the past 25 years since Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis to accomplish that feat in three consecutive games.
This has helped push him to be the only player in the league through the first 13 weeks to rank in the top five in rushing yards (937 – fifth), rushing average (6.1 – first) and rushing touchdowns (8 – T-fifth). He is also nearing yet another impressive feat as he needs just 63 more rushing yards to reach 1,000 yards, which would make him only the third undrafted rookie ever to reach that mark, joining the likes of Dominic Rhodes and LeGarrette Blount.
Lindsay would also be just the sixth Broncos' rookie to reach that mark and first since Clinton Portis back in 2002.
Beyond that, the 24-year-old has been putting together a remarkable campaign that has seen him play a major factor in helping the Broncos make their way back into the playoff picture. Lindsay will have the chance to add to his impressive season over the final four games.
