In Sunday’s game against the Raiders, Denver Broncos fullback Adam Prentice played a significant role in the team’s offensive performance. Prentice contributed with lead blocks that supported the Broncos’ strongest rushing game since Week 8 and helped protect quarterback Bo Nix. He also recorded an 18-yard run, his longest since high school.
“You couldn’t ask for a better hole than we got up front,” Prentice said about his notable carry. “[I] just took off. It was awesome.”
Prentice joined the Broncos in August following an injury to Michael Burton. His involvement has increased as Nate Adkins recovers from his own injury. Over the last six games, Prentice has played at least 10 offensive snaps per game, reaching a season-high of 30 snaps in Week 14 against the Raiders. He has also been active on special teams, participating in more than 45 percent of those snaps in six of Denver’s last eight games.
“When I got here initially, my mindset was obviously trying to make the team,” Prentice said Monday. “I was just grateful to be here, especially having been at home the whole offseason. I knew [I was] coming here to fill the role that ‘Burt’ had left, which is a huge vacancy when he got hurt, unfortunately. [I was] just trying to come in and just do whatever was asked of me. I didn’t really have a vision of how much or how little [I would play], just whatever they needed me for or wanted me to do, I just tried to do it to the best of my ability, and that’s evolved as the weeks have gone on. I’m grateful for that, but regardless, [the goal is to] just execute at a high level whenever I get the opportunity and go have fun, keep winning games and keep helping this team win.”
Head Coach Sean Payton praised Prentice’s contributions after Sunday’s win: “The one thing about him is you know exactly what you’re getting,” Payton said. “You’re never fooled.”
With effective blocking from Prentice and others, Bo Nix completed a season-high 81.6 percent of his passes during Sunday’s game while Denver rushed for 152 yards—their third-highest total this season.
“It’s going to be huge,” Prentice said regarding Denver’s running success. “Any time you can control the clock and run the ball effectively, it’s a huge bonus for you. Speaking of yesterday, it was a collective effort from receivers, tight ends to everybody up front. We’ve really taken charge and take a lot of pride in the run game.”
Beyond blocking duties, Prentice—currently third among fullbacks in Pro Bowl votes—has made key plays converting short yardage into first downs; three out of four touches last game resulted in first downs including an important third-and-1 conversion that set up a touchdown.
Although he expressed some disappointment about not scoring his first career touchdown yet (“a little bummed”), Prentice spoke positively about returning to Denver after stints elsewhere: “Absolutely,” said Prentice when asked if being back feels like coming full circle. “Especially being a CSU kid initially, and then starting here and then getting claimed by Coach Payton in New Orleans and now [being] back here in Denver with Coach Payton, it’s kind of crazy… It’s pretty cool in all aspects just to come back, [and it’s my] home away from home having gone to school here. It’s been awesome.”