ENGLEWOOD — There is one Broncos certainty about their running game after five straight seasons without a 1,000-yard rusher.

“It’s going to be different,” coach Sean Payton said.

Different faces. Different scheme.

Different results?

That’s the ultimate Broncos question entering the upcoming NFL season. Denver never gained traction on the ground last year with leading rusher Javonte Williams accounting for only 513 yards on 139 carries. The Broncos drafted Audric Estime out of Notre Dame in the fifth round in 2024, and he finished with just 76 carries for 310 yards. The Broncos moved on from both running backs this year.

Now entering the picture: Veteran J.K. Dobbins and second-round pick RJ Harvey.

“We’ve immediately upgraded that position,” Payton said about running backs. “We brought in leadership with J.K. and we drafted Harvey early. So, you’re going to see a difference and hopefully a markedly different running game. It’s not always going to be perfect. But that’s the magic of the good back. There’s been a lot of great runs where maybe the looks weren’t as clean, and it was the ability. … I think that we’re going to be further along there.”

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Dobbins, 26, is proven as an elite rusher when healthy.

He averaged 5.2 yards per carry over three seasons playing for the Ravens and one with the Chargers. Dobbins compiled 1,058 scrimmage yards last season in Los Angeles with 905 on the ground. But he’s also missed a significant number of games due to injury, including a torn ACL, torn Achilles and sprained MCL.

“I don’t know how to give up. I don’t know how to lay down,” Dobbins said during organized team activities (OTAs) in June. “That was the reason why I was able to come back from those injuries. … I want to get a ring. I’ve been in the playoffs every year I’ve played, so I’m tired of losing in them. That’s my goal. Bring a Super Bowl to the city (of Denver) and just be a blessing to the community as well.”

Harvey, 24, is a rookie with plenty of upside.

He combined for 2,993 yards rushing over his final two seasons at the University of Central Florida with 38 touchdowns. Harvey also fumbled just once over 252 touches last season. His usage rate this season might ultimately depend on his growth in pass protection. But Harvey has all the tools to become Denver’s featured running back of the future.

“I want to make an immediate impact in this league,” Harvey said during rookie minicamp back in May. “I want to be like those guys. Darren Sproles, he went crazy with the Saints. (Alvin) Kamara, too. I want to be better than those guys. So, I’m going to work every day to get better and just prove myself to all the vets and the coaches.”

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The Broncos have also embraced a revamped run-blocking scheme and, specifically, a commitment to the outside zone. The scheme requires offensive linemen and tight ends to block laterally in unison, allowing rushers to attack the edge and cut back or bounce it outside.

“It’s more about our philosophy and the angles we’re trying to create,” starting right guard Quinn Meinerz said in training camp. “Each back has their own individuality and personality to themselves, but right now what we’re trying to develop in our offense is a very specific and detailed run game.”

Tight end Adam Trautman added: “The progression of it’s been great. We’re calling it and we’re running it. It’s not a, ‘Let’s focus on this’ all offseason and then we get to the games, preseason or whatever and it’s like, ‘We’re not really calling it. We’re kind of doing the same thing we’ve always done in the run game.’ It’s good to see that. Obviously, coach Payton trusts it as well, which is a huge deal because he is the play caller. It’s been awesome, and it’ll help the offense for sure.”

Yet the jury is still out after the preseason.

Dobbins did not record any rushing stats. Harvey logged 13 carries for 47 yards and one touchdown. The first-team offensive line, with limited reps, did not create many explosive rushing plays. But there is plenty of time for Denver to showcase its renewed effort to run the football.

“It’s a process,” offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi said regarding the outside-zone run scheme. “It’s something that we’ve run in one fashion or another, and we’re just detailing up some of our landmarks and rules. I think it’s coming along really well.”

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Broncos 1,000-yard rushers since 2000

2019 — Phillip Lindsay: 224 carries for 1,011 yards and 7 touchdowns

2018 — Phillip Lindsay: 192 carries for 1,037 yards and 9 touchdowns

2017 — C.J. Anderson: 245 carries for 1,007 yards and 3 touchdowns

2013 — Knowshon Moreno: 241 carries for 1,038 yards and 10 touchdowns

2011 — Willis McGahee: 249 carries for 1,199 yards and 4 touchdowns

2006 — Tatum Bell: 233 carries for 1,025 yards and 2 touchdowns

2004 — Reuben Droughns: 275 carries for 1,240 yards and 6 touchdowns

2003 — Clinton Portis: 290 carries for 1,591 yards and 14 touchdowns

2002 — Clinton Portis: 273 carries for 1,508 yards and 15 touchdowns

2000 — Mike Anderson: 297 carries for 1,487 yards and 15 touchdowns

—Kyle Fredrickson, The Denver Gazette