Knowshon to start (1 Viewer)

[theholdout123]

Just saw this on rotoworld

NFL.com's Jason La Canfora reports that rookie Knowshon Moreno will start the Broncos' preseason opener.

This clashes a bit with coach Josh McDaniels saying Tuesday that Denver's first depth chart was made relative to the first preseason game. Correll Buckhalter was listed as the No. 1 tailback. Still, this reaffirms the Broncos' intention to move quickly with Moreno. He's an excellent bet to start in Week 1.

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/HeadLines...L&hl=147926

Anyone else surprised by this? I thought he would have to slowly work his way up the depth chart. The question now is how much does his value skyrocket?

 

[Stinkin Ref]

this fact alone does not sky rocket his value...I think everyone expects him to be the starter....thats why I have been saying all summer that those people that think he will be there in the 4th or 5th round....come up with plan B because by time the season starts you may be lucky to get him in the third.....

 

[thehornet]

this fact alone does not sky rocket his value...I think everyone expects him to be the starter....thats why I have been saying all summer that those people that think he will be there in the 4th or 5th round....come up with plan B because by time the season starts you may be lucky to get him in the third.....

seriously. I hav my draft next saturday and this news is ticking me off.

 

[theholdout123]

this fact alone does not sky rocket his value...I think everyone expects him to be the starter....thats why I have been saying all summer that those people that think he will be there in the 4th or 5th round....come up with plan B because by time the season starts you may be lucky to get him in the third.....

I agree that most people expected him to start but I find it very surprised that hes starting the first preseason game after hes only been signed for about a week. I think that says hes gonna play a bigger role early than even most people think. Maybe he could be a 260-280 carry back this season instead of the 220-240 one many people thought.

 

[Matt Waldman]

Knowshon will be THE back in Denver unless he gets hurt. There's really no ifs, ands, or buts about it. They drafted him so high that they expect him to be the lead dog. In terms of football character and versatility, you're getting a younger Frank Gore with a bit less speed but better vision. I'll be surprised if Denver's passing offense takes flight this year. Eddie Royal will get his, but I think Moreno will be among the top three rookie performers this year because we all know that Denver can run the football. They will revert to this game plan if the passing game fails. And I believe it will have its problems.

 

[ivnabru]

I just can't figure out why people thought Knowshon wouldn't start. When you use a #12 pick on a guy and don't have anyone else on roster in that spot who could start for even 5 teams in the league the job will be handed to the high pick if he doesn't screw it up.

 

[Stinkin Ref]

hate the Broncos but I live in CO....word is that McDaniels is a simulation freak.....supposedly they will be simulating the entire SF game in practice over the next few days....I would assume he would then like to translate that into the game on Friday, meaning getting it in players head imediately that you are the starter, you are such and such, etc....

when the Donkeys took him with the 12th pick, passing on taking a defesive stud that they really need with both of their first picks....the writing was on the wall that this kid is going to get the rock and get it often.....fans will go crazy if the 12th pick that wasn't a defensive player is riding the pine...

what will be interesting is to see if any of the other guys end up getting cut.....I know they had a crazy amount of RB injuries last year....

Moreno

Buckhalter

Jordan

Torain

Hillis (FB this year, but very serviceable HB)

 

[Tigerbot Hesh]

A decent showing in the preseason opener would give them an excuse to bump him on up the 'official' depth chart. I am kinda surprised they're having him start; I would have guessed they would have used him against the third-stringers his first time out, just to let him build some confidence.

 

[H.K.]

Smart move, shifts the topic of conversation away from the Cutler and Marshall circus tents.

 

[Stinkin Ref]

Smart move, shifts the topic of conversation away from the Cutler and Marshall circus tents.

It won't last long.....Preseason Week 3: Chi at Denver 6 PM on NBC

 

[H.K.]

Smart move, shifts the topic of conversation away from the Cutler and Marshall circus tents.

It won't last long.....Preseason Week 3: Chi at Denver 6 PM on NBC

Oof. That will make a town hall meeting about healthcare look like a love fest.

 

[Darko M]

He'll start going in the 3rd/early 4th at the latest when it comes time for real drafts.

 

[msommer]

Sure hope he can block...

 

[shredhead]

He'll start going in the 3rd/early 4th at the latest when it comes time for real drafts.

That's awfully early for a RBBC rookie. I don't believe that Moreno is going to be the main guy. Buckhalter and Hillis are going to get thiers. Moreno will be over valued by the time the draft rolls around.On the other hand, Marion Barber and Pierre Thomas are both going in the third, and they are both RBBC guys.

 

[Faust]

Knowshon will be THE back in Denver unless he gets hurt. There's really no ifs, ands, or buts about it. They drafted him so high that they expect him to be the lead dog. In terms of football character and versatility, you're getting a younger Frank Gore with a bit less speed but better vision. I'll be surprised if Denver's passing offense takes flight this year. Eddie Royal will get his, but I think Moreno will be among the top three rookie performers this year because we all know that Denver can run the football. They will revert to this game plan if the passing game fails. And I believe it will have its problems.

Matt,If Moreno is a solid bet to be one of the top 3 rookie performers, then who are you liking for the other two spots?Cheers,Faust

 

[bostonfred]

Sure hope he can block...

Why?

 

[aburt19]

Knowshon will be THE back in Denver unless he gets hurt. There's really no ifs, ands, or buts about it. They drafted him so high that they expect him to be the lead dog. In terms of football character and versatility, you're getting a younger Frank Gore with a bit less speed but better vision. I'll be surprised if Denver's passing offense takes flight this year. Eddie Royal will get his, but I think Moreno will be among the top three rookie performers this year because we all know that Denver can run the football. They will revert to this game plan if the passing game fails. And I believe it will have its problems.

I agree with the fact that Denver would like to run. But if their defense is as bad as last year, being behind 17-0 tends to make a team throw that ballinstead of run it, even though that's not their perference.

 

[Tanner9919]

Knowshon will be THE back in Denver unless he gets hurt. There's really no ifs, ands, or buts about it. They drafted him so high that they expect him to be the lead dog. In terms of football character and versatility, you're getting a younger Frank Gore with a bit less speed but better vision. I'll be surprised if Denver's passing offense takes flight this year. Eddie Royal will get his, but I think Moreno will be among the top three rookie performers this year because we all know that Denver can run the football. They will revert to this game plan if the passing game fails. And I believe it will have its problems.

Denver could run the football under Shanahan, whether or not that transitions to McDaniels, is a whole different story..let's see now, take away a top 10 QB ( Cutler), sign has-beens and also-rans as defensive plug-ins, change offensive philosophy, change play-calling, blocking, and add a nobody named Kyle Orton and suddenly this offense is supposed to be better than last year's version?! I don't see it at all..

the defense is still one of the NFL's 5 worst units..This team plays against the NFC East and it's collection of top notch defenses ( yes, Washington has improved), and top notch offenses...

so, that all being said, it seems like a pretty easy defense to coach against Denver: stack the line,put 8 in the box, and dare Orton to beat you..he can't..

Moreno will have nowhere to run once teams figure out that all they need to do is to stack the LOS against Orton.

this Denver team will play from behind nearly every single week, helping them become one-dimensional ( pass heavy offense).once that happens, it's all over for Moreno.

yes, Moreno has all the tools to succeed, but seriously, who are we kidding here, the Broncos play the following teams , in consecutive weeks:

Oak,Dallas, NE, SD, Balt, Pitt, Washington, SD, NYG

ok so maybe they can run a bit on Oakland, but thinking Denver can run on the others is just wishful thinking..add to this list, a Dec 13th game vs Indy, and a Dec 27th game against Philly..

Moreno would have to be the second coming of Barry Sanders to beat that string of 9 defenses listed above...

let's just keep that genie in the bottle , and put away the annointing oils , at least for now...

 

[PahtyTom]

Sure hope he can block...

Why?

Pass blocking is important. And he can.

 

[3nOut]

Starting is one thing, but splitting carries and getting GL work is another. In a keeper league, would you take him over players such as Westy or Ronnie Brown?

 

[-jb-]

Starting is one thing, but splitting carries and getting GL work is another. In a keeper league, would you take him over players such as Westy or Ronnie Brown?

yes, based on age alone.

 

[Defending Champs]

This guy is something special. I have watched tons of quality RB's go through UGA, he has the best instinct for running the football I have seen yet. I live in Atlanta and my league has about 50% UGA fan base. We do an auction style draft, I don't think I'll be able to afford him. He'll receive the most money of any rookie RB thus far. But this is mainly b/c all of my owners live locally here in Atlanta and even if they are not UGA fans, they've heard about him.

He's going to produce!

I hope I'm right, I really love the guy, I just wish I could afford him on draft day.

 

[Masked Vigilante]

You have to think Knowshon will be given every chance to succeed. Denver lost its "franchise player" in the offseason, I'm sure they want him to fill the void.

 

[shredhead]

yes, Moreno has all the tools to succeed, but seriously, who are we kidding here, the Broncos play the following teams , in consecutive weeks:

Oak,Dallas, NE, SD, Balt, Pitt, Washington, SD, NYG

4-5 in those weeks.

 

[Kit Fisto]

yes, Moreno has all the tools to succeed, but seriously, who are we kidding here, the Broncos play the following teams , in consecutive weeks:

Oak,Dallas, NE, SD, Balt, Pitt, Washington, SD, NYG

4-5 in those weeks.

You'd be lucky to go 2-7.

 

[Buffaloes]

yes, Moreno has all the tools to succeed, but seriously, who are we kidding here, the Broncos play the following teams , in consecutive weeks:

Oak,Dallas, NE, SD, Balt, Pitt, Washington, SD, NYG

4-5 in those weeks.

You'd be lucky to go 2-7.

 

[ECV]

yes, Moreno has all the tools to succeed, but seriously, who are we kidding here, the Broncos play the following teams , in consecutive weeks:

Oak,Dallas, NE, SD, Balt, Pitt, Washington, SD, NYG

4-5 in those weeks.

What he said...Seriously, out of that formidable group, I say that they might beat the Raiders (mostly because of JaMarcus Russell). Moreno was an undeniable talent at an SEC school. He has the learning curve of the NFL (along with his head coach), a middle of the road qb in Orton (the franchise qb now resides in the Windy City), a couple of veteran rbs (Buckhalter still has something in the tank), and too many holes on defense. The Broncos will be playing from behind much of this season. They will be forced to pass heavily in the second half of most of their games. This will decrease Moreno's opportunities.

 

[Darko M]

He'll start going in the 3rd/early 4th at the latest when it comes time for real drafts.

That's awfully early for a RBBC rookie. I don't believe that Moreno is going to be the main guy. Buckhalter and Hillis are going to get thiers. Moreno will be over valued by the time the draft rolls around.On the other hand, Marion Barber and Pierre Thomas are both going in the third, and they are both RBBC guys.

AP went in the 3rd/early 4th his rookie and Chester was there producing. Chris Johnson was in a RBBC and SHOULD have gone that early, but there were too many doubters I suppose. Every year there are a rookie or two that seem to crack the top 10 at their position, and I have a feeling a lot of people think Moreno is one of those kids.

 

[Hammerage]

Denver drafted Moreno in the first round when they really should have been looking for a defensive play maker to plug their swiss cheese D. Too me that means they think this kid can be a difference maker NOW, not a project or committee guy. A franchise QB went out for a game manager. Their top WR may have injury issues and/or a suspension coming up. The coach is really on the line for this thing by hooking his truck to Moreno and letting Cutler ride. I just don't see anyway that they don't give him a ton of work. If Moreno is in some committee with a bunch of old farts and the Broncos are losing, as they very well will be early on, the fans will call for McD's head and fast. I don't think McD can take a chance on that. As soon as he arrived in camp he was sharing first team reps. They are trying to get him up to spead and fast. The reason is they are going to ride him. Even if they are behind the will get the ball in his hands on screens and swings. All reports are that he runs FANTASTIC routes and has great hands. Running or receiving he will be there.

I may be way off on this analysis but this is the scenario I see for the Broncos and Moreno. If I am right he is way under-rated and should be a great RB2. As Moreno goes so do the Broncos and McD's first coaching gig.

BB

 

[PahtyTom]

yes, Moreno has all the tools to succeed, but seriously, who are we kidding here, the Broncos play the following teams , in consecutive weeks:

Oak,Dallas, NE, SD, Balt, Pitt, Washington, SD, NYG

4-5 in those weeks.

What he said...Seriously, out of that formidable group, I say that they might beat the Raiders (mostly because of JaMarcus Russell). Moreno was an undeniable talent at an SEC school. He has the learning curve of the NFL (along with his head coach), a middle of the road qb in Orton (the franchise qb now resides in the Windy City), a couple of veteran rbs (Buckhalter still has something in the tank), and too many holes on defense. The Broncos will be playing from behind much of this season. They will be forced to pass heavily in the second half of most of their games. This will decrease Moreno's opportunities.

He catches the ball well.

 

[ECV]

yes, Moreno has all the tools to succeed, but seriously, who are we kidding here, the Broncos play the following teams , in consecutive weeks:

Oak,Dallas, NE, SD, Balt, Pitt, Washington, SD, NYG

4-5 in those weeks.

What he said...Seriously, out of that formidable group, I say that they might beat the Raiders (mostly because of JaMarcus Russell). Moreno was an undeniable talent at an SEC school. He has the learning curve of the NFL (along with his head coach), a middle of the road qb in Orton (the franchise qb now resides in the Windy City), a couple of veteran rbs (Buckhalter still has something in the tank), and too many holes on defense. The Broncos will be playing from behind much of this season. They will be forced to pass heavily in the second half of most of their games. This will decrease Moreno's opportunities.

He catches the ball well.

Screens aren't very effective if the opposing team has 8 in the box.

 

[Buffaloes]

yes, Moreno has all the tools to succeed, but seriously, who are we kidding here, the Broncos play the following teams , in consecutive weeks:

Oak,Dallas, NE, SD, Balt, Pitt, Washington, SD, NYG

4-5 in those weeks.

What he said...Seriously, out of that formidable group, I say that they might beat the Raiders (mostly because of JaMarcus Russell). Moreno was an undeniable talent at an SEC school. He has the learning curve of the NFL (along with his head coach), a middle of the road qb in Orton (the franchise qb now resides in the Windy City), a couple of veteran rbs (Buckhalter still has something in the tank), and too many holes on defense. The Broncos will be playing from behind much of this season. They will be forced to pass heavily in the second half of most of their games. This will decrease Moreno's opportunities.

He catches the ball well.

Screens aren't very effective if the opposing team has 8 in the box.

Really?And RBs in McDaniels' system only run screen routes?

Even if they line up as WRs as the Denver RBs have been doing throughout camp?

 

[theholdout123]

yes, Moreno has all the tools to succeed, but seriously, who are we kidding here, the Broncos play the following teams , in consecutive weeks:

Oak,Dallas, NE, SD, Balt, Pitt, Washington, SD, NYG

4-5 in those weeks.

What he said...Seriously, out of that formidable group, I say that they might beat the Raiders (mostly because of JaMarcus Russell). Moreno was an undeniable talent at an SEC school. He has the learning curve of the NFL (along with his head coach), a middle of the road qb in Orton (the franchise qb now resides in the Windy City), a couple of veteran rbs (Buckhalter still has something in the tank), and too many holes on defense. The Broncos will be playing from behind much of this season. They will be forced to pass heavily in the second half of most of their games. This will decrease Moreno's opportunities.

He catches the ball well.

How many catches do can he get though? Denver's tough schedule has to be be a concern with Moreno and that plus the other backs i fear could really limit his carries

 

[Buffaloes]

yes, Moreno has all the tools to succeed, but seriously, who are we kidding here, the Broncos play the following teams , in consecutive weeks:

Oak,Dallas, NE, SD, Balt, Pitt, Washington, SD, NYG

4-5 in those weeks.

What he said...Seriously, out of that formidable group, I say that they might beat the Raiders (mostly because of JaMarcus Russell). Moreno was an undeniable talent at an SEC school. He has the learning curve of the NFL (along with his head coach), a middle of the road qb in Orton (the franchise qb now resides in the Windy City), a couple of veteran rbs (Buckhalter still has something in the tank), and too many holes on defense. The Broncos will be playing from behind much of this season. They will be forced to pass heavily in the second half of most of their games. This will decrease Moreno's opportunities.

He catches the ball well.

MHow many catches do can he get though? Denver's tough schedule has to be be a concern with Moreno and that plus the other backs i fear could really limit his carries

I think it really depends on who is the primary 3rd down/receiving RB for Denver this year. Kyle Orton's propensity for checking down to his RB (see Matt forte, 2008) coupled with the fact that Josh McDaniels will use the RB plenty in the passing game (Just crunching #s from the NFL.com website, 2007: NE RBs were on the receiving end of roughly 15% of the teams 403 pass completions; 2008: NE RBs were on the receiving end of just over 23% of the team's completions) seems to indicate that whoever assumes the 3rd down/receiving back/"Kevin Faulk" role should be in line for a good amount of receptions. The problem there is we don't know if that will be Moreno, Buckhalter, Hillis or a committee of the 3.