Broncos RB. (1 Viewer)

[ItsOnlytheRiver]

Rotoworld:

The Denver Post calls Knowshon Moreno an "ideal" third-down back.

Third-down backs playing with Peyton Manning need to be able to protect. Coach John Fox may not trust rookie Montee Ball to do that job initially and Ronnie Hillman struggled badly with it last season. That leaves Moreno, a plus pass-catcher and blocker who won't be getting very much early-down work at all. Per the Post, the Broncos want Ball and Hillman to get "most" of the carries this season.

Related: Ronnie Hillman, Montee Ball

Source: Denver Post

If Moreno were the ideal third down back, wouldn't DEN have used him in that role last year with Manning?

Not if his knee wasn't healthy (which could also be a problem this year, if his recovery doesn't go well).

Moreno was a healthy scratch several weeks last year (like 6 times) and only got a chance to play because he was the only healthy back later in the season. But that happened in Week 12. As I see things, Moreno is not a back the current coaching staff really endorses, as they've now drafted Ball and Hillman in consecutive drafts.

Just to clarify: Hillman was healthy when Moreno got his chance last year and Moreno played ahead of him.

 

[Cecil Lammey]

Just to clarify: Hillman was healthy when Moreno got his chance last year and Moreno played ahead of him.

look at the story from June 30th from the team's official website: http://subscribers.footballguys.com/apps/news.php?id=HillRo00

Broncos | Hillman wasn't at full strength in 2012 Sun Jun 30, 04:40 PM

Earlier this offseason Denver Broncos RB Ronnie Hillman commented on the hamstring injury he suffered in training camp of 2012 which slowed him down in the regular season. "I think I never really recovered, but I got healthier than what it was. I'm healthy now, so all I can do is look forward to it now." Hillman also said the team is working with him to protect his hamstrings better. "I do a lot more stretching than I usually do. Getting with the trainers and the weightlifting coaches, they work with me a lot more on my flexibility. They get more on me about stretching after practice and stuff."

Footballguys view: Hillman has been getting around 75% of the first team reps this offseason. Rookie Montee Ball has gotten around 25% of the work but many expect him to win the starting job at some point this season. The Broncos are going to use both backs under new OC Adam Gase and could platoon them per series so as not to slow down the fast tempo of the offense. Ball's ADP is RB22 and Hillman's ADP is RB50 at this time. We'll see if Hillman can stay healthy and hold onto the starting job during training camp.

Link to story

Knowshon Moreno player page

Montee Ball player page

Ronnie Hillman player page

Moreno was inactive 8 games last year before starting for an injured Willis McGahee. His demeanor was completely different after being essentially a healthy scratch for two months.

 

[ShaHBucks]

Just to clarify: Hillman was healthy when Moreno got his chance last year and Moreno played ahead of him.

look at the story from June 30th from the team's official website: http://subscribers.footballguys.com/apps/news.php?id=HillRo00

Broncos | Hillman wasn't at full strength in 2012 Sun Jun 30, 04:40 PM

Earlier this offseason Denver Broncos RB Ronnie Hillman commented on the hamstring injury he suffered in training camp of 2012 which slowed him down in the regular season. "I think I never really recovered, but I got healthier than what it was. I'm healthy now, so all I can do is look forward to it now." Hillman also said the team is working with him to protect his hamstrings better. "I do a lot more stretching than I usually do. Getting with the trainers and the weightlifting coaches, they work with me a lot more on my flexibility. They get more on me about stretching after practice and stuff."

Footballguys view: Hillman has been getting around 75% of the first team reps this offseason. Rookie Montee Ball has gotten around 25% of the work but many expect him to win the starting job at some point this season. The Broncos are going to use both backs under new OC Adam Gase and could platoon them per series so as not to slow down the fast tempo of the offense. Ball's ADP is RB22 and Hillman's ADP is RB50 at this time. We'll see if Hillman can stay healthy and hold onto the starting job during training camp.

Link to storyKnowshon Moreno player pageMontee Ball player pageRonnie Hillman player page

Moreno was inactive 8 games last year before starting for an injured Willis McGahee. His demeanor was completely different after being essentially a healthy scratch for two months.

What's the chances Moreno was recovering from the knee injury and wasn't need for those 8 weeks?

 

[Cecil Lammey]

What's the chances Moreno was recovering from the knee injury and wasn't need for those 8 weeks?

That was always speculated but wasn't the public stance from the team. Did a quick email search of press conference and postgame quotes and nabbed this from McCoy after KC game:

[SIZE=10.5pt]“He [Moreno] did a great job. He deserves a lot of credit for all the hard work he’s put in throughout all offseason coming back from his surgery and everything. And then just staying patient, we got to a point in time and we made the change earlier in the season for one reason or another and we told him, ‘Hey, his opportunity’s going to come around before you know it,’ and it did. And that’s the key in this business is make the most of every opportunity you get.”[/SIZE]

John Fox said this about Moreno in mid-December:

[SIZE=10.5pt]“I’ve said it many times, my hat’s off to him, because there was a time he could’ve gotten frustrated or discouraged or whatever word you want to use. But he stayed positive. He kept working. This game’s about getting your opportunity and then taking advantage of it when you get it. I think he’s done an excellent job.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Knowshon Moreno told me this on December 19th: [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]“Just being prepared and working, doing little things I had to do during practice to make my game better and help the team, also. It was basically just playing my role on the team. If I wasn’t going to be playing on Sundays, I was going to give my all in practice. It was just playing my role at the time and having faith in maybe, down the road, getting my chance again.”[/SIZE]

I remember him saying he was healthy enough to play during the time he was inactive.

 

[ItsOnlytheRiver]

Just to clarify: Hillman was healthy when Moreno got his chance last year and Moreno played ahead of him.

look at the story from June 30th from the team's official website: http://subscribers.footballguys.com/apps/news.php?id=HillRo00

Broncos | Hillman wasn't at full strength in 2012 Sun Jun 30, 04:40 PM

Earlier this offseason Denver Broncos RB Ronnie Hillman commented on the hamstring injury he suffered in training camp of 2012 which slowed him down in the regular season. "I think I never really recovered, but I got healthier than what it was. I'm healthy now, so all I can do is look forward to it now." Hillman also said the team is working with him to protect his hamstrings better. "I do a lot more stretching than I usually do. Getting with the trainers and the weightlifting coaches, they work with me a lot more on my flexibility. They get more on me about stretching after practice and stuff."

Footballguys view: Hillman has been getting around 75% of the first team reps this offseason. Rookie Montee Ball has gotten around 25% of the work but many expect him to win the starting job at some point this season. The Broncos are going to use both backs under new OC Adam Gase and could platoon them per series so as not to slow down the fast tempo of the offense. Ball's ADP is RB22 and Hillman's ADP is RB50 at this time. We'll see if Hillman can stay healthy and hold onto the starting job during training camp.

Link to story

Knowshon Moreno player page

Montee Ball player page

Ronnie Hillman player page

Moreno was inactive 8 games last year before starting for an injured Willis McGahee. His demeanor was completely different after being essentially a healthy scratch for two months.

A June 30th report about injuries from a season ago. Sorry if I take that with a huge grain of salt. Was he ever on the injury report? Did he miss practice?

 

[FF Ninja]

Just to clarify: Hillman was healthy when Moreno got his chance last year and Moreno played ahead of him.

look at the story from June 30th from the team's official website: http://subscribers.footballguys.com/apps/news.php?id=HillRo00

Broncos | Hillman wasn't at full strength in 2012 Sun Jun 30, 04:40 PM

Earlier this offseason Denver Broncos RB Ronnie Hillman commented on the hamstring injury he suffered in training camp of 2012 which slowed him down in the regular season. "I think I never really recovered, but I got healthier than what it was. I'm healthy now, so all I can do is look forward to it now." Hillman also said the team is working with him to protect his hamstrings better. "I do a lot more stretching than I usually do. Getting with the trainers and the weightlifting coaches, they work with me a lot more on my flexibility. They get more on me about stretching after practice and stuff."

Footballguys view: Hillman has been getting around 75% of the first team reps this offseason. Rookie Montee Ball has gotten around 25% of the work but many expect him to win the starting job at some point this season. The Broncos are going to use both backs under new OC Adam Gase and could platoon them per series so as not to slow down the fast tempo of the offense. Ball's ADP is RB22 and Hillman's ADP is RB50 at this time. We'll see if Hillman can stay healthy and hold onto the starting job during training camp.

Link to story

Knowshon Moreno player page

Montee Ball player page

Ronnie Hillman player page

Moreno was inactive 8 games last year before starting for an injured Willis McGahee. His demeanor was completely different after being essentially a healthy scratch for two months.

A June 30th report about injuries from a season ago. Sorry if I take that with a huge grain of salt. Was he ever on the injury report? Did he miss practice?

Agreed. This is nothing more than another offseason fluff article. Halfway through an NFL season, no one is at full strength. Everyone has a sore quad or hamstring or something. At some point we need to stop making excuses for why Hillman was passed over for Moreno, but if we're going to insist upon doing so, I hope something better is brought to the table than this silly article. If there was damage to his hamstring on an MRI then sure - I'll buy that it hampered him for a few weeks. Foster had quad or hamstring damage show up on an MRI in the preseason, re-injured it week 1, came back full strength week 3. So am I really going to believe that some completely undocumented hamstring injury held back Hillman all year? C'mon man.

 

[ShaHBucks]

Hillman is easy to eliminate. Can't pass block effectively to protect Peyton Manning. He's a interesting speed back but he's small. I peg him for 5-8 carries a game and a emergency starter.

McGahee was the next easiest to cut. Thats done.

It comes down to Ball or Moreno having the potential of a workhorse. What if Ball struggles with the Off? Or he can't pass block on this level yet? What if he's not that special? I don't think the Broncos will hitch their superbowl hopes on a rookie rb. He was a late 2nd round pick, that's not relly a statement.

Why not Moreno? He's only 25 and you were probably all over him coming out in 2009. BAL-NYG-OAK-PHI-DAL-JAC-IND-WAS to start the season. I want in on that part of the schedule even it's to flip him befor Hillman/Ball eats into carries late season. He's just as likely to start game 1 as the other guys.

 

[Mr Non Sequitur]

Hillman is easy to eliminate. Can't pass block effectively to protect Peyton Manning. He's a interesting speed back but he's small. I peg him for 5-8 carries a game and a emergency starter.

McGahee was the next easiest to cut. Thats done.

It comes down to Ball or Moreno having the potential of a workhorse. What if Ball struggles with the Off? Or he can't pass block on this level yet? What if he's not that special? I don't think the Broncos will hitch their superbowl hopes on a rookie rb. He was a late 2nd round pick, that's not relly a statement.

Why not Moreno? He's only 25 and you were probably all over him coming out in 2009. BAL-NYG-OAK-PHI-DAL-JAC-IND-WAS to start the season. I want in on that part of the schedule even it's to flip him befor Hillman/Ball eats into carries late season. He's just as likely to start game 1 as the other guys.

Good post but I don't think either has to be the absolute lead, I think both will see some time. I also feel Ball will show some skills and by mid season will win the job as the "A" back but that might only be about 15-17 carries a game. Denver is going to throw the ball a ton.

 

[ShaHBucks]

Hillman is easy to eliminate. Can't pass block effectively to protect Peyton Manning. He's a interesting speed back but he's small. I peg him for 5-8 carries a game and a emergency starter.

McGahee was the next easiest to cut. Thats done.

It comes down to Ball or Moreno having the potential of a workhorse. What if Ball struggles with the Off? Or he can't pass block on this level yet? What if he's not that special? I don't think the Broncos will hitch their superbowl hopes on a rookie rb. He was a late 2nd round pick, that's not relly a statement.

Why not Moreno? He's only 25 and you were probably all over him coming out in 2009. BAL-NYG-OAK-PHI-DAL-JAC-IND-WAS to start the season. I want in on that part of the schedule even it's to flip him befor Hillman/Ball eats into carries late season. He's just as likely to start game 1 as the other guys.

Good post but I don't think either has to be the absolute lead, I think both will see some time. I also feel Ball will show some skills and by mid season will win the job as the "A" back but that might only be about 15-17 carries a game. Denver is going to throw the ball a ton.

Factor in the price and I'll take Moreno all day.

 

[Faust]

Prediction: Broncos will lead the league in rushing touchdowns

By Paul Bessire | PredictionMachine.com

July 10, 2013 2:22 pm ET

We asked our friends at predictionmachine.com to share some insights from their findings about the upcoming 2013 NFL season. Throughout the preseason we'll be posting interesting items in Eye on Football. If there are specific things you want to know drop it in the comments section below.

Why it is likely: In 2012 the Broncos finished second in the league in scoring behind the New England Patriots. While Denver has improved its offense and appears to be retaining its up-tempo style, the Patriots have lost major offensive weapons and may need to slow the game down.

Leading the league in scoring is only one piece to the puzzle though as the Broncos will still need to shift focus near the goalline for this to happen. Enter second-round pick Montee abll from Wisconsin.

In the vast majority of cases, college touchdown statistics (or previous year's NFL TD stats for that matter) have little to do with upcoming professional performance. When a high-powered offense that struggled in short-yardage and goalline rushing circumstances drafts the FBS all-time leader in rushing touchdowns and clears the way for him to play a significant role, however, the situation is different. Note that New England threw 34 passing TDs last year, yet still lead the NFL in rushing touchdowns with 25. Denver could do something similar this year.

Possible obstacles: Peyton Manning, Wes Welker, Eric Decker, Demaryius Thomas. Even if Denver does lead the league in scoring, a playmaking aerial attack may not leave many opportunities for Montee Ball or others to pick up red zone touchdowns.

Final thought: In 50,000 simulations of the 2013 NFL season by the Predictalator at PredictionMachine.com, Denver averages 22.3 rushing touchdowns, which just eclipses San Francisco's 21.8 rushing scores to lead the league. Of those, Montee Ball is projected to score just over half of Denver's TDs on the ground. With 11.6 ground touchdowns, Ball ranks behind Arian Foster, Marshawn Lynch, Alfred Morris, Ray Rice and Adrian Peterson for the sixth best total in the NFL. It's certainly no lock and this does not mean that Ball should be a top five fantasy selection, but Denver's pace, offensive line and skill-position weapons make every facet of this offense scary (good), including the ground game.

 

[Bob Magaw]

Hillman is easy to eliminate. Can't pass block effectively to protect Peyton Manning. He's a interesting speed back but he's small. I peg him for 5-8 carries a game and a emergency starter.

McGahee was the next easiest to cut. Thats done.

It comes down to Ball or Moreno having the potential of a workhorse. What if Ball struggles with the Off? Or he can't pass block on this level yet? What if he's not that special? I don't think the Broncos will hitch their superbowl hopes on a rookie rb. He was a late 2nd round pick, that's not relly a statement.

Why not Moreno? He's only 25 and you were probably all over him coming out in 2009. BAL-NYG-OAK-PHI-DAL-JAC-IND-WAS to start the season. I want in on that part of the schedule even it's to flip him befor Hillman/Ball eats into carries late season. He's just as likely to start game 1 as the other guys.

Good post but I don't think either has to be the absolute lead, I think both will see some time. I also feel Ball will show some skills and by mid season will win the job as the "A" back but that might only be about 15-17 carries a game. Denver is going to throw the ball a ton.

i agree ball likely to emerge this year, just not sure about game one... the 15-17 carries sounds reasonable (maybe more towards lower end of that projection, because as you noted, they will throw a ton)...

the hope, for ball and the broncos, is that if he is running through mack truck sized lanes because of the defense's preoccupation with manning and passing attack (was joseph addai really a great talent like pre-knee injury edge was, or did he benefit from the situation he found himself embedded in?), he might be able to be more efficient with those carries than say, trent richardson with perhaps a few more carries, but running through significantly more congested running lanes, with CLE QB not as threatening in pass game... also, ball is attractive because he was one of the most productive goal line runners in NCAA history, and the the broncos could get him near the stripe a lot.

 

[ShaHBucks]

Hillman is easy to eliminate. Can't pass block effectively to protect Peyton Manning. He's a interesting speed back but he's small. I peg him for 5-8 carries a game and a emergency starter.McGahee was the next easiest to cut. Thats done.It comes down to Ball or Moreno having the potential of a workhorse. What if Ball struggles with the Off? Or he can't pass block on this level yet? What if he's not that special? I don't think the Broncos will hitch their superbowl hopes on a rookie rb. He was a late 2nd round pick, that's not relly a statement.Why not Moreno? He's only 25 and you were probably all over him coming out in 2009. BAL-NYG-OAK-PHI-DAL-JAC-IND-WAS to start the season. I want in on that part of the schedule even it's to flip him befor Hillman/Ball eats into carries late season. He's just as likely to start game 1 as the other guys.

Good post but I don't think either has to be the absolute lead, I think both will see some time. I also feel Ball will show some skills and by mid season will win the job as the "A" back but that might only be about 15-17 carries a game. Denver is going to throw the ball a ton.

i agree ball likely to emerge this year, just not sure about game one... the 15-17 carries sounds reasonable (maybe more towards lower end of that projection, because as you noted, they will throw a ton)...the hope, for ball and the broncos, is that if he is running through mack truck sized lanes because of the defense's preoccupation with manning and passing attack (was joseph addai really a great talent like pre-knee injury edge was, or did he benefit from the situation he found himself embedded in?), he might be able to be more efficient with those carries than say, trent richardson with perhaps a few more carries, but running through significantly more congested running lanes, with CLE QB not as threatening in pass game... also, ball is attractive because he was one of the most productive goal line runners in NCAA history, and the the broncos could get him near the stripe a lot.

The player that reminds me of Addai most is Moreno

 

[Cecil Lammey]

A June 30th report about injuries from a season ago. Sorry if I take that with a huge grain of salt. Was he ever on the injury report? Did he miss practice?

I understand your grain of salt, but the post said Hillman was healthy when Moreno took over. The fact of the matter is he was not at full strength, in fact he was on the injury report that week: http://www.nfl.com/injuries?team=DEN

 

[ItsOnlytheRiver]

A June 30th report about injuries from a season ago. Sorry if I take that with a huge grain of salt. Was he ever on the injury report? Did he miss practice?

I understand your grain of salt, but the post said Hillman was healthy when Moreno took over. The fact of the matter is he was not at full strength, in fact he was on the injury report that week: http://www.nfl.com/injuries?team=DEN

He was on it for this "lingering" hamstring injury one week all year, and it just happened to be the week after McGahee went down. I suspect a little gamesmanship from Fox. Even so, it was one week out of all 16 and he was a full participant in practice. I think it's silly to think this injury was holding him back any more than the injuries everyone goes through during a season.

 

[Faust]

Ronnie Hillman wants to be Denver Broncos' main backBy Marc Sessler

Around the League Writer

On this week's Around The League Debate Club, we traveled team-by-team through the AFC West to unpack the division's most pressing questions heading into training camp.

In Denver, the most compelling positional battle for the Broncos will unfold in the backfield, where Ronnie Hillman, Knowshon Moreno and rookie Montee Ball will battle for snaps. The ATL gang agreed the most likely outcome is a committee approach, but the second-year Hillman isn't in the mood to share.

"Come the opener, I want to be the guy back there," Hillman told The Denver Post. "I can't lie. I want it to be me and I'm pushing to be that guy."

His resolve is noted, but I'd rank Hillman as the least likely of the three to see featured-back duties. Before Willis McGahee was released, Hillman struggled to be viewed as an every-down back, largely because his game was incomplete as a rookie. Despite speed and moves, Hillman proved a liability in pass protection. His weight also plummeted below 180 pounds by season's end. He's up to 195 heading into camp, but Hillman isn't a natural between-the-tackles runner.

"I know it's about production, that I have to produce to be in there," Hillman said. "That's how they'll decide: who's producing."

Hillman spent plenty of time with the first-team offense this spring, but it's Ball who stands out to me as the eventual workhorse for the Broncos. Moreno's durability issues make him a risk, but Ball's 663 carries at Wisconsin over the past two seasons suggest a guy who can grind. Either way, the Broncos were an honorable mention on this week's deep backfield list, and that's not a bad problem to have.

You can listen to this week's Debate Club above or by clicking here.

Follow Marc Sessler on Twitter @MarcSesslerNFL.

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Ronnie Hillman will open Broncos training camp as the starting tailback, ahead of Montee Ball and Knowshon Moreno.
We'll see how long it lasts. VP of Football Operations John Elway has repeatedly called Hillman a "change-of-pace back" since he was drafted in the 2012 third round, and Hillman's body of work as a rookie was largely unimpressive. Hillman was prone to negative runs and stuffs, and the Broncos didn't trust him in pass protection. Downhill rookie runner Ball would be far better suited to a bellcow role. We'll be monitoring this camp competition closely throughout August.

Source: Denver Post

 

[nameBrandon]

Rotoworld:

Ronnie Hillman will open Broncos training camp as the starting tailback, ahead of Montee Ball and Knowshon Moreno.
We'll see how long it lasts. VP of Football Operations John Elway has repeatedly called Hillman a "change-of-pace back" since he was drafted in the 2012 third round, and Hillman's body of work as a rookie was largely unimpressive. Hillman was prone to negative runs and stuffs, and the Broncos didn't trust him in pass protection. Downhill rookie runner Ball would be far better suited to a bellcow role. We'll be monitoring this camp competition closely throughout August.

Source: Denver Post

I saw that this morning, glad I didn't start a new thread

Honestly, it's just a list, someone has to be at the top.. I think short term you'll see a bump for ADP with regards to Hillman, but I think Ball will be stable, as will Moreno. If Hillman does well at camp / pre-season, I think this hurts Ball a bit, but overall this just points to RBBC for me.. one more reason to perhaps let Ball slide during the draft, depending on who's available at the time.

 

[purestrength]

Will Moreno even be healthy enough to compete for the starting job when training camp arrives?

 

[msommer]

Will Moreno even be healthy enough to compete for the starting job when training camp arrives?

Day one, yeah, Day two odds are different...

 

[purestrength]

If anyone can emerge as the clear-cut starter here, that can be a huge fantasy difference maker. I've been taking flyers on Moreno because he's the cheapest and taking Ball here and there, but I'm starting to lose faith in Ball's chances for making an immediate impact.

If Hillman really ends up starting, he'd better be a heck of a lot stronger and block a lot better than he did last year. I have trouble imagining that, but I need to remember he was the youngest player in the NFL last year. I guess there is potential for physical maturity and growth from someone that young.

 

[Beerguzzler]

There's no chance in hell that Hillman starts, he's just not built to handle that workload. Elway has said as much. If anything I think this is more of an indictment of how the coaching staff feels about Moreno. I fully expected him to start out TC as the incumbent starter. That he's not, shows just how little faith they have in him and gives more credence to why they had him inactive last season until the injuries hit.

Ball just needs to come into TC and show he can handle pass blocking duties in order to start.

 

[Papa Schnay]

I know a lot of folks are really high on Ball and the rookie rankings show that. As a Wisconsin homer, what worries me is this.

1 concussion vs UTEP

1 concussion in an attack off the field.

If he's supposed to be a workhorse, but, suffers a 3rd concussion . . . I feel that a lof of folks will do a 180 on this. And getting a 3rd concussion after you've already had 2 isn't exactly very difficult.

RBBC guys. Always will be with Denver it feels like.

 

[We Tigers]

RBBC guys. Always will be with Denver it feels like.

Except these two years under John Fox, where it was a clear lead-back scenario. I think it's only a haphazard committee if Ball doesn't win the bellcow job.

 

[Papa Schnay]

And Ball might win it during the course of training camp, I'm just suggesting to be very careful investing any stock there with the concussion history.

 

[We Tigers]

Agreed, but that's a separate point from "Denver is always RBBC," which hasn't been the case with John Fox's time there.

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Ronnie Hillman took the initial first-team reps as the Broncos opened training camp Thursday.
Hillman was also the first-team back during OTAs and minicamp, but he still has eons to go before he wins the Week 1 starting job. Second-round rookie Montee Ball, the Doak Walker award winner as the nation's top running back last season, also got first-team reps Thursday. If Knowshon Moreno gets back to full speed after offseason knee surgery, he's firmly in the mix for third-down duties at the very least. Hillman ideally profiles as a perimeter or change-of-pace runner, a role we suspect he'll settle into if Ball handles his business over the next month. Ball's physical skill set makes him considerably better suited to be a bellcow.

Related: Knowshon Moreno, Montee Ball

Source: Denver Post

 

[Cecil Lammey]

Quote from Fox yesterday on Hillman being a full time back:

[SIZE=10.5pt]“I think he has developed a pro body, which does take a while for rookies when they come into this league and he’s done a tremendous job. So, he has done nothing but strengthen my thoughts that he is capable [of being full time RB] and he looked very good today, as well as in the offseason.”[/SIZE]

http://www.denverbroncos.com/multimedia/videos/Fox-The-Guys-Came-Back-Ready/c2fbc962-b008-41c1-ab78-4328864ee446

 

[ShaHBucks]

Quote from Fox yesterday on Hillman being a full time back:

[SIZE=10.5pt]“I think he has developed a pro body, which does take a while for rookies when they come into this league and he’s done a tremendous job. So, he has done nothing but strengthen my thoughts that he is capable [of being full time RB] and he looked very good today, as well as in the offseason.”[/SIZE]

http://www.denverbroncos.com/multimedia/videos/Fox-The-Guys-Came-Back-Ready/c2fbc962-b008-41c1-ab78-4328864ee446

Hopefully he doesn't go all Felix Jones on us and lose speed. Do you know where he is weight wise right now?

 

[Bronco Billy]

Starting Hillman would be a mistake of epic proportions for a team with its eyes on the SB. The kid had flaws beyond just technique. When I see a small RB who is unwilling to block and who will not run between the tackles, I see a RB who is adverse to contact. Add his dancing in the backfield when he runs, which usually winds up with his taking a loss on a run, and this is not a guy you build your running game around. Moreno filling in when McGahee went down wasn't a fluke - Hillman was simply incapable and inadequate. I don't see how that changes regardless of whether he puts on some muscle. He's still tiny and there's still a fortitude issue, IMO.

 

[Cecil Lammey]

Quote from Fox yesterday on Hillman being a full time back:

[SIZE=10.5pt]“I think he has developed a pro body, which does take a while for rookies when they come into this league and he’s done a tremendous job. So, he has done nothing but strengthen my thoughts that he is capable [of being full time RB] and he looked very good today, as well as in the offseason.”[/SIZE]

http://www.denverbroncos.com/multimedia/videos/Fox-The-Guys-Came-Back-Ready/c2fbc962-b008-41c1-ab78-4328864ee446

Hopefully he doesn't go all Felix Jones on us and lose speed. Do you know where he is weight wise right now?

He's at 200 now. Should play around 195-200 this year.

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Reporting live from Broncos camp, SI's Peter King tweeted early Friday that Montee Ball is "better" than Ronnie Hillman and will "win the job eventually."
King isn't a trusted talent evaluator, so we suspect he gleaned this nugget from Broncos front-office sources. King is an information man. Undoubtedly, Ball is a superior fantasy bet than Hillman despite the fact Hillman opened Broncos camp with the first team. Ball is also receiving first-team reps, and the Denver Post reported he has excelled so far in pass protection. Ball is worth a long look at his current fourth-round Average Draft Position.

Related: Ronnie Hillman

Source: Peter King on Twitter

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Denver Post columnist Woody Paige predicts Ronnie Hillman will emerge as the Broncos' "next 1,000-yard back."
Paige is a shockjock-type writer, but had some interesting notes and quotes in his latest column. Coach John Fox told Paige that Hillman has been "tenacious" in camp, and OC Adam Gase added Hillman has "made the second-year leap" and "his blocking has improved." Gase also acknowledged the Broncos' need for more big plays in the running game, something he ostensibly believes Hillman can provide. "We had too many 2- and 3-yard gains (last year)," said the rookie coordinator. "We've got to have more explosiveness in the run game."

Source: Denver Post

 

[Anarchy99]

Quote from Fox yesterday on Hillman being a full time back:

[SIZE=10.5pt]“I think he has developed a pro body, which does take a while for rookies when they come into this league and he’s done a tremendous job. So, he has done nothing but strengthen my thoughts that he is capable [of being full time RB] and he looked very good today, as well as in the offseason.”[/SIZE]

http://www.denverbroncos.com/multimedia/videos/Fox-The-Guys-Came-Back-Ready/c2fbc962-b008-41c1-ab78-4328864ee446

The bolded part in parenthesis looks a lot like editorializing. It's one thing to say a guy is a capable RB . . . and another for coach to say that he is a capable, full-time starting RB. If he didn't actually say it, then who knows what he meant.

Put another way, Bill Belichick described one of the guys fighting for a spot on the team as capable. But that doesn't mean that he felt the player was going to be a starter.

 

[ItsOnlytheRiver]

Look, I don't have a dog in this fight. I've avoided this situation since the beginning other than scooping Moreno up when it was thought Hillman was going to start in place of McGahee last year. And frankly, if Moreno lost any meaningful play time he might have I'd love to be able to cut him and use the roster spot on someone else. That said, I just can't stop thinking he's going to start this season. Since when does Peyton care which RB runs the best? I think it's very possible he's not getting the looks with the first team because the other two backs need them more and the coaches need to see them more. They know what they have in Moreno... Which is to say nothing that special, but he can help keep Peyton upright and that's what matters.

 

[LinusMarr]

I have a feeling its going to be Moreno or Hillman as the lead RB. Fox has a history of not using rookie rb's and Moreno looked pretty good to me last year.

 

[Anarchy99]

I have a feeling its going to be Moreno or Hillman as the lead RB. Fox has a history of not using rookie rb's and Moreno looked pretty good to me last year.

And Fox also had a history of not passing much, either. IMO, coaches have tendencies but play to the strength of their team. At this stage, if Manning prefers any particular back, I would think the coaching staff would side with what Manning wants. Last I heard, Manning was posturing for Bell to play a big role. Maybe that's just lip service or maybe Manning will side with someone else down the line, but I doubt Manning would be praising someone effusely and then the coaching staff ignores him.

 

[Bronco Billy]

Still a bit amused at people wondering about Ball's pass protection. If you don't know he's a good pass blocker, then quite frankly you haven't watched enough game tape if him.

 

[Bob Magaw]

I have a feeling its going to be Moreno or Hillman as the lead RB. Fox has a history of not using rookie rb's and Moreno looked pretty good to me last year.

And Fox also had a history of not passing much, either. IMO, coaches have tendencies but play to the strength of their team. At this stage, if Manning prefers any particular back, I would think the coaching staff would side with what Manning wants. Last I heard, Manning was posturing for Bell to play a big role. Maybe that's just lip service or maybe Manning will side with someone else down the line, but I doubt Manning would be praising someone effusely and then the coaching staff ignores him.

outstanding points, anarchy (to bronco billy also, for the authoritative post)...

manning doesn't seem like the kind of player that would pop off (about fox not bringing ball along slowly) indiscriminately and undermine his HC... elway also talked about ball reminding him of terrell davis (reportedly ball's role model)... reading between the lines, it sounds like elway and manning are on the same page with ball, and, by inference (manning wouldn't undermine HC), fox as well...

ball still needs to prove it on the field, but the so far glowing reviews INTERNALLY, HIGH UP and from the PRINCIPALS (fox has talked up hillman as well), speak volumes to me... possibly some have been unimpressed by ball's highlights... i respect the conviction others may have in their own judgements based on what they see, but it is hard to ignore several statements by elway and manning post-draft that THEY seem to believe in ball (and lets face it, their judgements are pretty important)...

some may view him as plodding (he admittedly isn't a speed merchant - neither was terrell davis, and any number of very successful RBs), but the prolific TD numbers reflect high level instincts, short area burst, lateral agility and elusiveness to make defenders miss, and when he does get tracked down, impressive lower body power, contact balance and tackle breaking ability... on last point, he was second in nation in post-contact yards (bell first, they both did it to an extent on volume - but that is partly the point, they have proven they can handle feature RB role)...

he seems focused and determined, has work ethic and professionalism... he looks natural to me catching the ball... with an evident willingness to put in the hard work to get better as quickly as possible, he has better size to eventually become the more competent RB in pass protection (though that is also as much want to and desire as size and technique)...

it won't shock me if hillman starts week one, but i think if ball doesn't in fact start immediately during the regular season, he will be worked into the rotation increasingly, and take over by oct or nov... imo ball has three down skill set, but they may not want to overwork or overload a rookie, so hillman would be spelling him occasionally anyways, and this may manifest itself in a kind of situational division of labor, with hillman filling a complementary, third down back role at times once dust settles... and with ball being dedicated short yardage and goal line runner (and primary ball carrier).

* more inferential material, but at one time mortensen noted that ball reminded some in the organization of how edge and addai had what it took to start for manning immediately, that he "got it or had it"... from the context, it didn't sound like he was speculating, but this information was coming directly from broncos (possibly even manning ((or someone manning talked to, like elway or fox?)), as who else would be best positioned to observe and discuss common denominators between edge, addai and ball?)...

 

[Bronco Billy]

Ball admittedly does not have deep speed. What he does have is exceptional vision, patience to wait for then seam, and then explosion into it. That's part of the reason he's so successful on the goal line. He pass blocks very willingly and has the size and strength to make the block stick.

What I really love about Ball is what he does at the second level. He looks for the downhill angle and creates angles that allow him to gain additional yards even without superior speed. But where he really excels is his uncanny ability to make lateral moves without losing speed. He can totally befuddle tacklers who are lining him up and suddenly he's one lane over and the guy is left to chasing. Watch the tape - it's fascinating how often he'll get an extra 5 yards at the second level when it looks like he's penned in.

This guy has a skill set that if it transfers en toto that he'll be a special RB in that he won't wow anyone by ripping off long runs but by the end of the day he'll put up good totals, and he'll sustain a lot of drives. I see a lot of CuMar in this guy - but with a killer instinct at the goal line.

 

[bostonfred]

To summarize:

- ball was drafted to be a three down back

- he can run, catch, pass block, and score tds

- he will be the primary rb on the stripe from day one

- but he will als share carries, especially early

- hillman is making a run at the rb1 job and the coaches applaud it

- even if hillman starts for some period of time, he will not be a true workhorse back

- hillman looked great before they put the pads on, same as last year

- ball missed a couple blocking assignments the first day they put the pads on, as can be expected

- moreno is not in any way looking like the lead rb in this race

Nothing about these reports so far is remotely surprising to me. This is exactly how I saw things playing out and I remain convinced that ball will be the rb to own in denver. By the end of the season I expect ball to have the majority of the touches and the vast majority of the tds on one of the best offenses in the nfl, and I expect the broncos to lean heavily on him towards the end of the season as they get ready for the playoffs.

If you can't draft ball or already missed out on him, now is the time to get him. If you can get starting rb value for hillman, do it quick.

 

[oswizzle]

Broncos fear C Dan Koppen suffered torn ACL

http://www.rotoworld.com/headlines/nfl/264959/broncos-fear-c-dan-koppen-suffered-torn-acl

how does this change up the Running Game now?

 

[Bronco Billy]

Broncos fear C Dan Koppen suffered torn ACL

http://www.rotoworld.com/headlines/nfl/264959/broncos-fear-c-dan-koppen-suffered-torn-acl

how does this change up the Running Game now?

Paging Jeff Saturday. "Give me one more year big guy"

 

[LuckyOne]

Broncos fear C Dan Koppen suffered torn ACL

http://www.rotoworld.com/headlines/nfl/264959/broncos-fear-c-dan-koppen-suffered-torn-acl

how does this change up the Running Game now?

Right now they're options at center aren't that great, but Manning tends to improve lineman by pointing out the defense on EVERY play. I think it's a minor hit to both the running and passing game.

 

[LuckyOne]

Broncos fear C Dan Koppen suffered torn ACL

http://www.rotoworld.com/headlines/nfl/264959/broncos-fear-c-dan-koppen-suffered-torn-acl

how does this change up the Running Game now?

Paging Jeff Saturday. "Give me one more year big guy"

Last I read Saturday has lost a lot of weight and isn't even close to game shape. But, that would be pretty great.

 

[rascal]

Broncos need to be looking for a trade. Big loss.

 

[Cecil Lammey]

Quote from Fox yesterday on Hillman being a full time back:

[SIZE=10.5pt]“I think he has developed a pro body, which does take a while for rookies when they come into this league and he’s done a tremendous job. So, he has done nothing but strengthen my thoughts that he is capable [of being full time RB] and he looked very good today, as well as in the offseason.”[/SIZE]

http://www.denverbroncos.com/multimedia/videos/Fox-The-Guys-Came-Back-Ready/c2fbc962-b008-41c1-ab78-4328864ee446

The bolded part in parenthesis looks a lot like editorializing. It's one thing to say a guy is a capable RB . . . and another for coach to say that he is a capable, full-time starting RB. If he didn't actually say it, then who knows what he meant.

Put another way, Bill Belichick described one of the guys fighting for a spot on the team as capable. But that doesn't mean that he felt the player was going to be a starter.

This is the quote that was emailed from the Denver Broncos.

Watch the video. I ask him the question about Ronnie Hillman being a full time back.

 

[Anarchy99]

Quote from Fox yesterday on Hillman being a full time back:

[SIZE=10.5pt]“I think he has developed a pro body, which does take a while for rookies when they come into this league and he’s done a tremendous job. So, he has done nothing but strengthen my thoughts that he is capable [of being full time RB] and he looked very good today, as well as in the offseason.”[/SIZE]

http://www.denverbroncos.com/multimedia/videos/Fox-The-Guys-Came-Back-Ready/c2fbc962-b008-41c1-ab78-4328864ee446

The bolded part in parenthesis looks a lot like editorializing. It's one thing to say a guy is a capable RB . . . and another for coach to say that he is a capable, full-time starting RB. If he didn't actually say it, then who knows what he meant.

Put another way, Bill Belichick described one of the guys fighting for a spot on the team as capable. But that doesn't mean that he felt the player was going to be a starter.

This is the quote that was emailed from the Denver Broncos.

Watch the video. I ask him the question about Ronnie Hillman being a full time back.

Obviously I wasn't there and you were. After seeing the video, it still sounds to me like Fox said he was capable, but did not come out and say he would be their full time starter. Maybe a better question would have been a flat out question of who is the Broncos starting RB? . . . or is Ronnie Hillman your 3 down starting tailback?

The way he answered, it sounded more like he didn't want to say anything negative and that his best response was that he is capable.

As I mentioned initially, maybe I am just jaded by BB press conferences where saying a guy is capable gives him at least a 50% chance of getting cut in training camp.

 

[Cecil Lammey]

Quote from Fox yesterday on Hillman being a full time back:

[SIZE=10.5pt]“I think he has developed a pro body, which does take a while for rookies when they come into this league and he’s done a tremendous job. So, he has done nothing but strengthen my thoughts that he is capable [of being full time RB] and he looked very good today, as well as in the offseason.”[/SIZE]

http://www.denverbroncos.com/multimedia/videos/Fox-The-Guys-Came-Back-Ready/c2fbc962-b008-41c1-ab78-4328864ee446

The bolded part in parenthesis looks a lot like editorializing. It's one thing to say a guy is a capable RB . . . and another for coach to say that he is a capable, full-time starting RB. If he didn't actually say it, then who knows what he meant.

Put another way, Bill Belichick described one of the guys fighting for a spot on the team as capable. But that doesn't mean that he felt the player was going to be a starter.

This is the quote that was emailed from the Denver Broncos.

Watch the video. I ask him the question about Ronnie Hillman being a full time back.

Obviously I wasn't there and you were. After seeing the video, it still sounds to me like Fox said he was capable, but did not come out and say he would be their full time starter. Maybe a better question would have been a flat out question of who is the Broncos starting RB? . . . or is Ronnie Hillman your 3 down starting tailback?

The way he answered, it sounded more like he didn't want to say anything negative and that his best response was that he is capable.

As I mentioned initially, maybe I am just jaded by BB press conferences where saying a guy is capable gives him at least a 50% chance of getting cut in training camp.

LOL, understood.

I asked Fox if Hillman is a full time back and he said Hillman has done nothing but strengthen his thoughts that he is capable of that.

You can't get much more direct than that.

it was after the first day of training camp, he's not going to come out and proclaim any RB the starter at this time.

 

[N Zone]

Objection, leading the witness head coach.

My opinion:

1. Moreno

2. Ball

3. Hillman

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Knowshon Moreno got some first-team reps on Monday.
Ronnie Hillman and Montee Ball also mixed in with the starters as the Broncos' competition for the starting running back job rages on. Moreno is the longshot to win the gig, but perhaps the favorite for third-down duties. He's healthy after undergoing knee surgery after last season.


Source: Denver Post