Hillis the hammer in 2009? (1 Viewer)

[doubletrouble]

Peyton Hillis RB for Denver

http://www.milehighreport.com/2009/2/4/744...-hammer-in-2009

let's get the good, bad and ugly....

 

[Hoss_Cartwright]

I know it's prejudice, but I just can't wrap my mind around a white RB not named John Riggins.

 

[thatguy]

I think Hillis is a guy that McD will love and would be more than happy to see him as Denver's starting RB next season.

 

[Buffaloes]

I think Hillis is a guy that McD will love and would be more than happy to see him as Denver's starting RB next season.

+1He probably has the best hands on the team. He's a converted FB, so we know he can block. He can pick up the tough yards. He looked like the most complete and best back Denver had all year last year. With the Broncos retaining their RB coach and Oline coach, I think they will stick with the zone running scheme. If they do, I can see Hillis being a big factor next year both on the goal line and as a receiver out of the backfield. Hard to believe, but he might be the closest Denver gets to an every down back.

 

[Hoss_Cartwright]

You don't think Denver will draft a RB in rd 1 this year? I think there's a very good possibility they do.

 

[identikit]

You don't think Denver will draft a RB in rd 1 this year? I think there's a very good possibility they do.

I think they'll go D (probably LB) in the first round...

 

[doubletrouble]

You don't think Denver will draft a RB in rd 1 this year? I think there's a very good possibility they do.

I think they'll go D (probably LB) in the first round...

I think they will draft a rb but not in the 1st

 

[Ripleys]

I hope he gets a shot. He really was fun to watch, and you have to cheer for the white RB, because he's been on the endangered species list for years.

 

[Jous]

It'd be great to see a white RB succeed, so I'm rooting for him. Could serve as an inspiration and might make the college and NFL coaches reconsider their decision whenever they see a white RB come to their team and automatically want to make him switch positions.

 

[The Jacket]

Ummmm ... no.

He had a nice little run but he's maybe the third best back on that roster. Ryan Torain quickly become the most overrated player in fantasy last year, but he's still a more legit option as a 20-carry NFL RB.

 

[Sinrman]

Hey, he didn't look bad at all when he started. Sad he got injured and didn't get the chance of starting most of the season. Hopefully the new coach gives him a shot at being the full time starter in 2009...

 

[moleculo]

Ummmm ... no. He had a nice little run but he's maybe the third best back on that roster. Ryan Torain quickly become the most overrated player in fantasy last year, but he's still a more legit option as a 20-carry NFL RB.

what would possibly make you think that? Do you think Torain's body of work so impressive that you can make that definitive statement?

 

[moleculo]

You don't think Denver will draft a RB in rd 1 this year? I think there's a very good possibility they do.

If they draft any offensive player in the first three rounds, the fans may revolt.

 

[Bogeys]

Hillis actually was a RB in college until he got buried behind McFadden and Jones, he converted to FB because that was the only way he was going to see the field. Not sure if he is good enough for an every down RB in the NFL, but he isn't a stereotypical FB that is just a blocker.

 

[Banger]

Not really sure what to think. If Shanny were there I think there would be a good chance that he'd be in the mix. With a new guy in town you never know what he thinks. I have to say that when I watched him last year he was pretty good. Not a game breaker but he can move the chains with solid consistent runs, and catch the ball well out of the backfield.

I have my fingers crossed since I own him in a dynasty league but if I had to put a number on it I would say his chances that he's the starting Denver RB on week 1 are probably about 30%. Just my opinion.

 

[trader jake]

I know it's prejudice, but I just can't wrap my mind around a white RB not named John Riggins.

I hope he gets a shot. He really was fun to watch, and you have to cheer for the white RB, because he's been on the endangered species list for years.

It'd be great to see a white RB succeed, so I'm rooting for him. Could serve as an inspiration and might make the college and NFL coaches reconsider their decision whenever they see a white RB come to their team and automatically want to make him switch positions.

These statements would sound just as ignorant if they were about a black quarterback. Maybe a reporter needs to ask him how long he's been a white running back?

 

[Dr. Octopus]

I could see him at least being a big part of the offense w/o necessarily being the main ball carrier, along the lines of Kevin Faulk in NE or how FB Larry Centers was used in Buffalo.

I'm not saying he isn't capable of being a feature RB - because frankly who knows? - but it does see like his ceiling would be limited. He runs with nice power, balance and determination, but seemed slow in open space (but so did Torrain).

Bottom line, until we see what Denver does in the draft and/or Free Agency it might as well still be Shanny running the show because the Denver backfield is a mystery.

 

[Hoss_Cartwright]

I know it's prejudice, but I just can't wrap my mind around a white RB not named John Riggins.

I hope he gets a shot. He really was fun to watch, and you have to cheer for the white RB, because he's been on the endangered species list for years.

It'd be great to see a white RB succeed, so I'm rooting for him. Could serve as an inspiration and might make the college and NFL coaches reconsider their decision whenever they see a white RB come to their team and automatically want to make him switch positions.

These statements would sound just as ignorant if they were about a black quarterback. Maybe a reporter needs to ask him how long he's been a white running back?

When's the last time there was a significant white RB? (and please don't say Alstott) Also, what do you think the reason is for it? Then ask yourself if my statement is so ignorant.

 

[Jous]

I know it's prejudice, but I just can't wrap my mind around a white RB not named John Riggins.

I hope he gets a shot. He really was fun to watch, and you have to cheer for the white RB, because he's been on the endangered species list for years.

It'd be great to see a white RB succeed, so I'm rooting for him. Could serve as an inspiration and might make the college and NFL coaches reconsider their decision whenever they see a white RB come to their team and automatically want to make him switch positions.

These statements would sound just as ignorant if they were about a black quarterback. Maybe a reporter needs to ask him how long he's been a white running back?

What's wrong with these statements? It's always nice to see people overcome odds. It was great to see a black coach finally win the SuperBowl 2 years ago, it was great to see Doug Williams become the first black QB to win it, and it would be great to see a white RB become successful. All of these have/will open doors for people.

 

[saintfool]

maybe another sammy morris?

 

[Buffaloes]

Ummmm ... no. He had a nice little run but he's maybe the third best back on that roster. Ryan Torain quickly become the most overrated player in fantasy last year, but he's still a more legit option as a 20-carry NFL RB.

Would you like to back that up with a little insight?

 

[BusMan]

Hillis did look the best of any Broncos RB last year. He is a hard worker on and off the field, a voracious film studier, and uber-competitive. He has the best hands of the bunch by far. I could easily see him becoming the Broncos number one back, but I don't think he'll be anything more than a RB2/RB3 for fantasy. Denver smells ripe for an RBBC in the Josh McDaniels regime.

 

[Da Guru]

I had a chance to pick up Hillis in every league I was in. I thought he was a one game wonder.

Then I watched him play and was totally impressed. Power, speed, great hands. I see no reason why he will not be as good or better next season.

 

[Scooby1974]

Hillis was quite effective in his 6-game run last year (hiccup against KC). His game reminds me a bit of Brandon Jacobs - 30 pounds + soft hands that can catch nearly anything Cutler throws at him. Hillis isn't going to break off any 90 yard runs but with a full head of steam and a hole to run through he can outrun defenders to the end zone at 30 yards with one cut and a dash. How many RB's outside of ADP and CJ3 actually do break these huge runs? I'd be interested in seeing some research on this. Hillis was ripping off 8-15 yard carries in one of the nationally televised games I watched, that is all you need to move the ball down the field.

I'm with the others on Denver taking D-help in initial part of the draft. The offense is loaded, if there was ANY semblance of a defense in Denver the Broncos end up with 3+ more wins.

 

[moleculo]

I could see him at least being a big part of the offense w/o necessarily being the main ball carrier, along the lines of Kevin Faulk in NE or how FB Larry Centers was used in Buffalo.I'm not saying he isn't capable of being a feature RB - because frankly who knows? - but it does see like his ceiling would be limited. He runs with nice power, balance and determination, but seemed slow in open space (but so did Torrain). Bottom line, until we see what Denver does in the draft and/or Free Agency it might as well still be Shanny running the show because the Denver backfield is a mystery.

This is exactly how I see this situation.Let's also remember that the front office guys are still there - The Goodmans and Xander. Many give credit to these guys for the past few drafts - it wasn't Shanahan alone. Other holdovers include Bobby Turner (RB coach) and Rick Dennison (OL coach, last year OC and running game coordinator). There is no reason to assume that the running game strategy (in terms of personnel) will be any different than it was under the Shanahan regime - that is to say, bring in lots of second/third tier guys in and let them compete in training camp.I think Hillis has a really great shot at winning a significant role 2009, but as usual it's too soon to tell. Personally, I'd like to see Hillis in a FB role paired with a speedy back in 2 back sets, but keep Hillis on the field in one back sets. Actually have the FB be more involved in the offense. How did things work in Baltimore, w/ McClain gettin so many carries as a FB? This is a copycat league - is there something there that other teams can mimic?

 

[lyon812]

How many RB's outside of ADP and CJ3 actually do break these huge runs?

A fair amount.Last year, 20+ runs:

Peterson 20

Williams 15

Portis, Slaton 13

Jacobs 12

Turner 11

Johnson 9

Forte, Gore, Smith, Stewart, Ward 8

Last year, 40+ runs:

Slaton, Williams 5

Peterson 4

Graham, Johnson, Norwood, Tomlinson, Washington 3

Forte, Morris, Turner, White 2

http://www.nfl.com/stats/categorystats?arc...mp;d-447263-p=1

You'd think Johnson would break more with his speed and so many people in the box, but really he's mid-pack.

ETA: Mid-pack of the backs listed here. Obviously, still superior to many, many backs.

 

[Scooby1974]

So there were only 14 runs over 40 yards the entire season. Curious as to how many total carries it took to get those 14? I think the whole idea of "home run" ability is a bit overrated since a 40+ yard run is so rare. It seems to be more a "freak happening" than something that can be counted upon.

If Lendale White and Flacco can break off 40+ yard runs, nearly any RB in the league is equally capable.

 

[cstu]

I know it's prejudice, but I just can't wrap my mind around a white RB not named John Riggins.

I hope he gets a shot. He really was fun to watch, and you have to cheer for the white RB, because he's been on the endangered species list for years.

It'd be great to see a white RB succeed, so I'm rooting for him. Could serve as an inspiration and might make the college and NFL coaches reconsider their decision whenever they see a white RB come to their team and automatically want to make him switch positions.

These statements would sound just as ignorant if they were about a black quarterback. Maybe a reporter needs to ask him how long he's been a white running back?

As ignorant as black people excited that Obama was becoming President?

 

[trader jake]

I know it's prejudice, but I just can't wrap my mind around a white RB not named John Riggins.

I hope he gets a shot. He really was fun to watch, and you have to cheer for the white RB, because he's been on the endangered species list for years.

It'd be great to see a white RB succeed, so I'm rooting for him. Could serve as an inspiration and might make the college and NFL coaches reconsider their decision whenever they see a white RB come to their team and automatically want to make him switch positions.

These statements would sound just as ignorant if they were about a black quarterback. Maybe a reporter needs to ask him how long he's been a white running back?

As ignorant as black people excited that Obama was becoming President?

Yes, the first African American president in the history of our nation (the same country which had legalized slavery and counted black people as 3/5 of a person) is the exact same thing as rooting for a white running back to be successful primarily due to the pigmentation of his skin. If Peyton Hillis is successful I'm sure there will be parades lined with hundreds of thousands of people in Denver who now have hope that their sons and daughters can reach their dreams because they now have a shining example of what is possible. Good call, your political insight was a perfect analogy that sheds new light into the Broncos backfield for next season while also recapping our recent election. 4 stars.

 

[jeeb]

Riggins called himself a fullback.

A rose by any other name will smell as sweet.

Hillis is the best ball carrying back on Denver, at least for now.

 

[Football Jones]

I know Hillis looked good & all that, but let's not pretend he's a viable NFL starting RB. An outstanding fullback (potentially)? Yes. A good utility back? Probably. A decent "Thunder" guy (in a Thunder & Lightning RBBC)? Maybe. A feature back? No way.

 

[az_prof]

You don't think Denver will draft a RB in rd 1 this year? I think there's a very good possibility they do.

This

 

[the branded hand]

Hillis had full-time back written all over him. By comparison his skills might not match up with the leagues premier backs, but his competitive spirit overshadowed many. He got the job done with the opportunity that he had. Running in a zone blocking scheme helped too. Now that the shanny (lower case) RB mojo is gone, perhaps a more predictable backfield will emerge . They do have LOTS of backs on their roster right now, but with so many free agents available and the draft coming up it will be interesting to see how things pan out. Hillis definitely has a future there, but so does RBBC. They need to rebuild in so many areas I doubt they draft a RB in 2009. With $34M in cap room there's no telling...

BTW, I also support the observation that Hillis is in fact white... however he's mostly orange and blue in my book.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

You don't think Denver will draft a RB in rd 1 this year? I think there's a very good possibility they do.

If they draft any offensive player in the first three rounds, the fans may revolt.

Im not sure why people think they'll take an RB in the first. Honestly, there may not be an RB in this draft worth #12. Denver needs help everywhere on defense - CB, S, ILB, OLB, DT, DE... BDPA at #12 and probably in the 2nd and 3rd too.Hillis will definitely be in their RB mix next year, and don't forget about "quick six", Anthony Alridge, as a Leon Washington/Jerious Norwood/Felix Jones type. Torain is a complete wild card - two catastrophic injuries in two years... The Denver running game was mostly last year until Hillis became the man and they went to no nonsense power running. Why mess with a good thing?

 

[Hoss_Cartwright]

You don't think Denver will draft a RB in rd 1 this year? I think there's a very good possibility they do.

If they draft any offensive player in the first three rounds, the fans may revolt.

Im not sure why people think they'll take an RB in the first. Honestly, there may not be an RB in this draft worth #12. Denver needs help everywhere on defense - CB, S, ILB, OLB, DT, DE... BDPA at #12 and probably in the 2nd and 3rd too.Hillis will definitely be in their RB mix next year, and don't forget about "quick six", Anthony Alridge, as a Leon Washington/Jerious Norwood/Felix Jones type. Torain is a complete wild card - two catastrophic injuries in two years... The Denver running game was mostly :X last year until Hillis became the man and they went to no nonsense power running. Why mess with a good thing?

Hillis owner?They will take a RB on the first day, bank on it.

 

[moleculo]

You don't think Denver will draft a RB in rd 1 this year? I think there's a very good possibility they do.

If they draft any offensive player in the first three rounds, the fans may revolt.

Im not sure why people think they'll take an RB in the first. Honestly, there may not be an RB in this draft worth #12. Denver needs help everywhere on defense - CB, S, ILB, OLB, DT, DE... BDPA at #12 and probably in the 2nd and 3rd too.Hillis will definitely be in their RB mix next year, and don't forget about "quick six", Anthony Alridge, as a Leon Washington/Jerious Norwood/Felix Jones type. Torain is a complete wild card - two catastrophic injuries in two years... The Denver running game was mostly last year until Hillis became the man and they went to no nonsense power running. Why mess with a good thing?

Hillis owner?They will take a RB on the first day, bank on it.

Banking on this is about as good an idea as banking on sub-prime loans. Why the hell would they want to draft a RB in round 1? Give me one good reason why addressing the RB position is more important than, say, DL (in the middle of switching to a 3-4), LB, or safety - two positions that arguably were more of a revolving door last year than RB. It just doesn't make sense.

 

[Hoss_Cartwright]

You don't think Denver will draft a RB in rd 1 this year? I think there's a very good possibility they do.

If they draft any offensive player in the first three rounds, the fans may revolt.

Im not sure why people think they'll take an RB in the first. Honestly, there may not be an RB in this draft worth #12. Denver needs help everywhere on defense - CB, S, ILB, OLB, DT, DE... BDPA at #12 and probably in the 2nd and 3rd too.

Hillis will definitely be in their RB mix next year, and don't forget about "quick six", Anthony Alridge, as a Leon Washington/Jerious Norwood/Felix Jones type. Torain is a complete wild card - two catastrophic injuries in two years... The Denver running game was mostly last year until Hillis became the man and they went to no nonsense power running. Why mess with a good thing?

Hillis owner?They will take a RB on the first day, bank on it.

Banking on this is about as good an idea as banking on sub-prime loans. Why the hell would they want to draft a RB in round 1? Give me one good reason why addressing the RB position is more important than, say, DL (in the middle of switching to a 3-4), LB, or safety - two positions that arguably were more of a revolving door last year than RB. It just doesn't make sense.

Because they can't run the ball as well as they used to? I know they had injuries, but IMO Shanny took the "let me take the mediocre RB and make him a star" mentality a little too far. I doubt the new manangement will do this. If they don't draft a RB in rd 1 they will probably do so in the 2nd.

 

[mozzy84]

You don't think Denver will draft a RB in rd 1 this year? I think there's a very good possibility they do.

If they draft any offensive player in the first three rounds, the fans may revolt.

Im not sure why people think they'll take an RB in the first. Honestly, there may not be an RB in this draft worth #12. Denver needs help everywhere on defense - CB, S, ILB, OLB, DT, DE... BDPA at #12 and probably in the 2nd and 3rd too.

Hillis will definitely be in their RB mix next year, and don't forget about "quick six", Anthony Alridge, as a Leon Washington/Jerious Norwood/Felix Jones type. Torain is a complete wild card - two catastrophic injuries in two years... The Denver running game was mostly last year until Hillis became the man and they went to no nonsense power running. Why mess with a good thing?

Hillis owner?They will take a RB on the first day, bank on it.

Banking on this is about as good an idea as banking on sub-prime loans. Why the hell would they want to draft a RB in round 1? Give me one good reason why addressing the RB position is more important than, say, DL (in the middle of switching to a 3-4), LB, or safety - two positions that arguably were more of a revolving door last year than RB. It just doesn't make sense.

Because they can't run the ball as well as they used to? I know they had injuries, but IMO Shanny took the "let me take the mediocre RB and make him a star" mentality a little too far. I doubt the new manangement will do this. If they don't draft a RB in rd 1 they will probably do so in the 2nd.

they cant play defense anywhere near they used to either, if fact they were terrible. the running game has been fine and hillis looked good and they will probably see if torrian can stay healty on top of it. They may draft a running back but I don't think it will be on day one.

 

[moleculo]

You don't think Denver will draft a RB in rd 1 this year? I think there's a very good possibility they do.

If they draft any offensive player in the first three rounds, the fans may revolt.

Im not sure why people think they'll take an RB in the first. Honestly, there may not be an RB in this draft worth #12. Denver needs help everywhere on defense - CB, S, ILB, OLB, DT, DE... BDPA at #12 and probably in the 2nd and 3rd too.

Hillis will definitely be in their RB mix next year, and don't forget about "quick six", Anthony Alridge, as a Leon Washington/Jerious Norwood/Felix Jones type. Torain is a complete wild card - two catastrophic injuries in two years... The Denver running game was mostly last year until Hillis became the man and they went to no nonsense power running. Why mess with a good thing?

Hillis owner?They will take a RB on the first day, bank on it.

Banking on this is about as good an idea as banking on sub-prime loans. Why the hell would they want to draft a RB in round 1? Give me one good reason why addressing the RB position is more important than, say, DL (in the middle of switching to a 3-4), LB, or safety - two positions that arguably were more of a revolving door last year than RB. It just doesn't make sense.

Because they can't run the ball as well as they used to? I know they had injuries, but IMO Shanny took the "let me take the mediocre RB and make him a star" mentality a little too far. I doubt the new manangement will do this. If they don't draft a RB in rd 1 they will probably do so in the 2nd.

really? What was Denver's team YPC last year, and how did that rank against the league and Denver's historical YPC averages?

 

[Hoss_Cartwright]

You don't think Denver will draft a RB in rd 1 this year? I think there's a very good possibility they do.

If they draft any offensive player in the first three rounds, the fans may revolt.

Im not sure why people think they'll take an RB in the first. Honestly, there may not be an RB in this draft worth #12. Denver needs help everywhere on defense - CB, S, ILB, OLB, DT, DE... BDPA at #12 and probably in the 2nd and 3rd too.

Hillis will definitely be in their RB mix next year, and don't forget about "quick six", Anthony Alridge, as a Leon Washington/Jerious Norwood/Felix Jones type. Torain is a complete wild card - two catastrophic injuries in two years... The Denver running game was mostly last year until Hillis became the man and they went to no nonsense power running. Why mess with a good thing?

Hillis owner?They will take a RB on the first day, bank on it.

Banking on this is about as good an idea as banking on sub-prime loans. Why the hell would they want to draft a RB in round 1? Give me one good reason why addressing the RB position is more important than, say, DL (in the middle of switching to a 3-4), LB, or safety - two positions that arguably were more of a revolving door last year than RB. It just doesn't make sense.

Because they can't run the ball as well as they used to? I know they had injuries, but IMO Shanny took the "let me take the mediocre RB and make him a star" mentality a little too far. I doubt the new manangement will do this. If they don't draft a RB in rd 1 they will probably do so in the 2nd.

really? What was Denver's team YPC last year, and how did that rank against the league and Denver's historical YPC averages?

WOW!! They rank 12th and ran for 4.8 ypc. I must admit it didn't seem that way, and there's been plenty of talk of them needing to upgrade at the position.I guess I was on that one. They did what they did on just 387 carries also.

 

[moleculo]

You don't think Denver will draft a RB in rd 1 this year? I think there's a very good possibility they do.

If they draft any offensive player in the first three rounds, the fans may revolt.

Im not sure why people think they'll take an RB in the first. Honestly, there may not be an RB in this draft worth #12. Denver needs help everywhere on defense - CB, S, ILB, OLB, DT, DE... BDPA at #12 and probably in the 2nd and 3rd too.

Hillis will definitely be in their RB mix next year, and don't forget about "quick six", Anthony Alridge, as a Leon Washington/Jerious Norwood/Felix Jones type. Torain is a complete wild card - two catastrophic injuries in two years... The Denver running game was mostly :X last year until Hillis became the man and they went to no nonsense power running. Why mess with a good thing?

Hillis owner?They will take a RB on the first day, bank on it.

Banking on this is about as good an idea as banking on sub-prime loans. Why the hell would they want to draft a RB in round 1? Give me one good reason why addressing the RB position is more important than, say, DL (in the middle of switching to a 3-4), LB, or safety - two positions that arguably were more of a revolving door last year than RB. It just doesn't make sense.

Because they can't run the ball as well as they used to? I know they had injuries, but IMO Shanny took the "let me take the mediocre RB and make him a star" mentality a little too far. I doubt the new manangement will do this. If they don't draft a RB in rd 1 they will probably do so in the 2nd.

really? What was Denver's team YPC last year, and how did that rank against the league and Denver's historical YPC averages?

WOW!! They rank 12th and ran for 4.8 ypc. I must admit it didn't seem that way, and there's been plenty of talk of them needing to upgrade at the position.I guess I was on that one. They did what they did on just 387 carries also.

not sure what stats you are looking at. They were 2nd in YPC, behind only the Giants. Last year the running game was overall doing OK, but the backs kept getting hurt. There was more than one game where the Broncos lost both 1st and 2nd stringers, and the 3rd stringers weren't really in the game plan, so they abandoned the running game completely. This injury bug, coupled with a overall passing centric strategy that I and others pointed out in pre-season last year, resulted in far fewer rushes overall than we were used to seeing.

So - if the problem last year was lack of healthy bodies and not lack of talent, would upgrading the talent make any sense at all?

 

[Hoss_Cartwright]

You don't think Denver will draft a RB in rd 1 this year? I think there's a very good possibility they do.

If they draft any offensive player in the first three rounds, the fans may revolt.

Im not sure why people think they'll take an RB in the first. Honestly, there may not be an RB in this draft worth #12. Denver needs help everywhere on defense - CB, S, ILB, OLB, DT, DE... BDPA at #12 and probably in the 2nd and 3rd too.

Hillis will definitely be in their RB mix next year, and don't forget about "quick six", Anthony Alridge, as a Leon Washington/Jerious Norwood/Felix Jones type. Torain is a complete wild card - two catastrophic injuries in two years... The Denver running game was mostly :X last year until Hillis became the man and they went to no nonsense power running. Why mess with a good thing?

Hillis owner?They will take a RB on the first day, bank on it.

Banking on this is about as good an idea as banking on sub-prime loans. Why the hell would they want to draft a RB in round 1? Give me one good reason why addressing the RB position is more important than, say, DL (in the middle of switching to a 3-4), LB, or safety - two positions that arguably were more of a revolving door last year than RB. It just doesn't make sense.

Because they can't run the ball as well as they used to? I know they had injuries, but IMO Shanny took the "let me take the mediocre RB and make him a star" mentality a little too far. I doubt the new manangement will do this. If they don't draft a RB in rd 1 they will probably do so in the 2nd.

really? What was Denver's team YPC last year, and how did that rank against the league and Denver's historical YPC averages?

WOW!! They rank 12th and ran for 4.8 ypc. I must admit it didn't seem that way, and there's been plenty of talk of them needing to upgrade at the position.I guess I was on that one. They did what they did on just 387 carries also.

not sure what stats you are looking at. They were 2nd in YPC, behind only the Giants. Last year the running game was overall doing OK, but the backs kept getting hurt. There was more than one game where the Broncos lost both 1st and 2nd stringers, and the 3rd stringers weren't really in the game plan, so they abandoned the running game completely. This injury bug, coupled with a overall passing centric strategy that I and others pointed out in pre-season last year, resulted in far fewer rushes overall than we were used to seeing.

So - if the problem last year was lack of healthy bodies and not lack of talent, would upgrading the talent make any sense at all?

I said in my previous post they had a 4.8 ypc, so what's the problem? They were 12th in rushing.

 

[Hoss_Cartwright]

So - if the problem last year was lack of healthy bodies and not lack of talent, would upgrading the talent make any sense at all?

.....but doesn't having Tatum Bell and a white FB (sorry, but it's reality) as your primary RBs make you taste vomit just a little bit? Torain is toast, and IMO was overhyped. I guess Alridge could join that stable of average RBs.

 

[moleculo]

So - if the problem last year was lack of healthy bodies and not lack of talent, would upgrading the talent make any sense at all?

.....but doesn't having Tatum Bell and a white FB (sorry, but it's reality) as your primary RBs make you taste vomit just a little bit? Torain is toast, and IMO was overhyped. I guess Alridge could join that stable of average RBs.

I don't believe Tatum Bell will be the answer in 2009, and I agree with you on Torain. I also believe that Hillis is best paired with someone smaller and speedier, but I believe Hillis will get more carries and catches than a typical fullback. Whomever will be paired with Hillis in 2009 may not be on the current roster.However, there is absolutely nothing that would make me think that the broncos draft a RB on day one. It simply has no connection to reality. Of course, I'd never say never, but I'd put the probability close to a million to one (I'm sayin' there's a chance).

 

[mightyeskimo]

I think Hillis is a guy that McD will love and would be more than happy to see him as Denver's starting RB next season.

+1He probably has the best hands on the team. He's a converted FB, so we know he can block. He can pick up the tough yards. He looked like the most complete and best back Denver had all year last year. With the Broncos retaining their RB coach and Oline coach, I think they will stick with the zone running scheme. If they do, I can see Hillis being a big factor next year both on the goal line and as a receiver out of the backfield. Hard to believe, but he might be the closest Denver gets to an every down back.

This is a very dangerous assumption to make. Not to mention, inaccurate.

 

[lyon812]

So there were only 14 runs over 40 yards the entire season. Curious as to how many total carries it took to get those 14? I think the whole idea of "home run" ability is a bit overrated since a 40+ yard run is so rare. It seems to be more a "freak happening" than something that can be counted upon.

If Lendale White and Flacco can break off 40+ yard runs, nearly any RB in the league is equally capable.

I wanted to clarify there were more than 14 runs over 40 yards. Sorry if my post was misleading. I listed a sample of the people to demonstrate that many, many running backs can break long runs, and that it wasn't just Peterson and Johnson. In fact, Johnson didn't have near as many as I suspect many posters think. In my original post, I provided a link to the stats section of NFL.com for people that wanted to see the complete sortable listing. Here: http://www.nfl.com/stats/categorystats?arc...mp;d-447263-p=1

Eyeballing it, there were about 60-70 40+ runs. The most productive home-run backs were Peterson, Williams, and Slaton, who rank Top 3 in both 20+ and 40+ categories (Portis is T3 on 20+, but had no 40+).

 

[tex]

Not sure Hillis has the skills to be a feature back but I do believe he can be the lead guy in a RBBC. He has great hands, nice size, and the ability to break off ome nice runs. IMO he is the best RB in Denver right now and paired with the right guy, Denver could have a very nice running game. I have Hlllis in a couple of my leagues and just traded a 2010 2nd for him in a 3rd league. I definitely think he is worth holding onto for now, and if I can get him for 2nd round picks, I think he is worth more than the unknown I would get with that pick.

 

[Scooby1974]

I could see Hillis playing the short yardage/goal line roll Brandon Jacobs/MBIII played before NY and Dal changed personnel.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

You don't think Denver will draft a RB in rd 1 this year? I think there's a very good possibility they do.

If they draft any offensive player in the first three rounds, the fans may revolt.

Im not sure why people think they'll take an RB in the first. Honestly, there may not be an RB in this draft worth #12. Denver needs help everywhere on defense - CB, S, ILB, OLB, DT, DE... BDPA at #12 and probably in the 2nd and 3rd too.Hillis will definitely be in their RB mix next year, and don't forget about "quick six", Anthony Alridge, as a Leon Washington/Jerious Norwood/Felix Jones type. Torain is a complete wild card - two catastrophic injuries in two years... The Denver running game was mostly :X last year until Hillis became the man and they went to no nonsense power running. Why mess with a good thing?

It looks like the Broncos are forgetting about Alridge.

Running back Anthony Alridge was among five players the Denver Broncos released on Wednesday. Alridge spent his rookie season last year on injured reserve after hurting his left foot in the preseason. The Broncos also released running backs Alex Haynes and P.J. Pope, tight end Chad Mustard and wide receiver Cliff Russell. Mustard returned to the Broncos in November following an injury to tight end Nate Jackson. It was his 11th pro contract and his sixth stint with the Broncos.

 

[stevegamer]

So there were only 14 runs over 40 yards the entire season. Curious as to how many total carries it took to get those 14? I think the whole idea of "home run" ability is a bit overrated since a 40+ yard run is so rare. It seems to be more a "freak happening" than something that can be counted upon.

If Lendale White and Flacco can break off 40+ yard runs, nearly any RB in the league is equally capable.

I wanted to clarify there were more than 14 runs over 40 yards. Sorry if my post was misleading. I listed a sample of the people to demonstrate that many, many running backs can break long runs, and that it wasn't just Peterson and Johnson. In fact, Johnson didn't have near as many as I suspect many posters think. In my original post, I provided a link to the stats section of NFL.com for people that wanted to see the complete sortable listing. Here: http://www.nfl.com/stats/categorystats?arc...mp;d-447263-p=1

Eyeballing it, there were about 60-70 40+ runs. The most productive home-run backs were Peterson, Williams, and Slaton, who rank Top 3 in both 20+ and 40+ categories (Portis is T3 on 20+, but had no 40+).

Best thing on that whole page:LenDale White longest run: 80

Chris Johnson longest run: 66