Though many will call for regression after his stunning rookie season, Phillip Lindsay could be even better in 2019. This may seem blasphemous, considering Lindsay rumbled for 1,278 total yards and 10 TDs to earn a Pro Bowl berth. Yet, new OC Rich Scangarello may actually improve Lindsay’s outlook, particularly because of his zone blocking scheme and overall offensive ingenuity.
Over the past two seasons, Scangarello has served as the 49ers QBs coach… meaning he’s a disciple of Kyle Shanahan. In fact, Scangarello’s understanding of this system extends beyond “disciple.” He’s been studying and molding offenses after Shanahan since 2009 — so much so that he left a cozy college OC position and took a 70% paycut just for the chance to study under him in Atlanta.
For Lindsay, this means a pristine understanding of the zone-blocking running scheme that has made fantasy monsters out of both elite and no-name talents alike. It means a run-centric approach to set up the play-action and screen games to “marry the run and pass games.”
Which fits Lindsay’s game perfectly. According to his scouting report and as seen on tape, Lindsay “goes from patient to urgent instantly as a runner,” “contorts through crevices and finds the second level,” and “runs with timing and instincts.” Patience and acceleration are the two paramount traits to success in a zone scheme, and Lindsay has them in spades. He’s also a smooth route runner and fantastic pass-catcher, and should thrive in the screen game.
With Scangarello, the Broncos offense should improve as an entire unit, all while featuring a run-game that fits Lindsay like a glove. This has Lindsay’s stock somehow rising despite an unfathomable 2018.
