Sean Payton Sends Bold Message About RJ Harvey’s Ceiling

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton didn’t hold back when asked about rookie running back RJ Harvey this week. 

He delivered one of his strongest public endorsements yet. 

Speaking to reporters, Payton smiled and said: 

“There’s that saying, ‘You haven’t seen anything yet,’” before adding that Harvey possesses a “rare running skillset.” 

That is a bold statement coming from a coach known for elevating running backs and it lands at a time when Harvey is emerging as the Broncos’ unquestioned RB1. 

With J.K. Dobbins out for the season, Harvey has stepped into a featured role and steadily climbed the fantasy and real-football ranks. 

He enters Week 14 as one of the hottest ascending backs in the league. 

Harvey’s Rise Since J.K. Dobbins Went Down

When Dobbins suffered a season-ending foot injury, the Broncos needed someone to stabilize the backfield.

Harvey has done just that. 

Since taking over as the lead back, Harvey has dominated playing time in consecutive weeks and delivered his best statistical stretch of the season. 

He played 61% of snaps in Week 11 and 47% in Week 13 after he only averaged 29% of snaps through the first 10 weeks. 

Through Week 13, Harvey has totaled eight touchdowns, tied for the most among all rookie running backs despite his limited early-season snaps. 

His consistency in high-leverage moments has cemented him as Denver’s go-to option. 

Last week against the Washington Commanders, Harvey touched the ball 16 times for 62 yards and scored two touchdowns,  including the overtime game-winner. 

He posted 21.2 PPR fantasy points, earning Start of the Week honors. 

He has become a great fantasy football option because of his pass catching and ability to keep finding the end zone. 

The Broncos now face the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. 

This is a defense that has allowed four running backs in the last two weeks to score at least 11.4 PPR points with five total touchdowns 

Harvey finds himself in another favorable spot. 

Why Sean Payton Believes Harvey Can Be Even Better

Payton’s comments this week hint at a belief that Harvey isn’t close to his ceiling yet. 

Calling a rookie’s skillset “rare” is extremely noteworthy

Especially coming from a coach who has built top-tier offenses around dynamic backs that date back to Alvin Kamara, Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush.

Payton’s “you haven’t seen anything yet” remark suggests he sees room for further growth as Harvey gains experience, comfort, and confidence within the Broncos’ scheme. 

Harvey’s vision, balance, and pass-catching ability already make him a natural fit for Payton’s offense. 

His lack of big rushing games is an area the Broncos think will progress as the offense continues to evolve.

He has yet to surpass 58 yards on the ground but has made up for it through the air and by getting into the end zone. 

With Payton offering such strong public praise, the message is clear: Denver believes Harvey can transition from productive rookie to a future star.

Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.

This article was originally published on Heavy Sports

The post Sean Payton Sends Bold Message About RJ Harvey’s Ceiling appeared first on Heavy Sports.