Official Denver Broncos Thread

[kehlis]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

Yea, I don't disagree with you guys, I didn't make my point very well.

I guess all I was saying was it isn't always a benefit to run it high tempo. I'm specifically thinking about the third and goal where they ran it and Manning overthrew the pass in the end zone. The play just seemed rushed.

It's clear that they benefit from it moving down the field and certainly Manning is comfortable running it.

[Jonsco28]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

Up-tempo or not, what I really want to see them do is run the offense primarily out of the gun and pistol formation. It seems anytime they line up with Manning under center or in a tight formation (especially tight or 'big' formations), they struggle. They struggled with that last year. Third and 1 in a tight formation? Brick wall. I will admit that Ball did have a couple of nice runs with Manning under center.

Running the ball with Manning in the gun isn't conventional, but it really works because of how it spreads the defense out. Run it on the goal line as well. There are just too many options to defend with Manning running it. Three wide, one back, one TE....go!

[Broncos86]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

The only concern with such a high tempo attack is our offensive line wearing down. They're not very deep.

[The JareBear]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

I just feel snake-bit about Moreno. Correct me if I am wrong, but he didn't see action until the backups were in in that game, correct?

I think Ball and Hillman can be a good tandem. I would, personally, prefer to see them get a chance.

Nate Irving is a good player, seems like every game he has a "wow nice play" moment. I think he needs to see the field a lot more, if not start.

Not sure why Von was on the field so much either, you would think we would start getting used to the fact that he's gone for 6 games and we need to work "Plan B."

It does seem to me like Manning has picked up a little bit more velocity on the ball, which is definitely a good thing. Obviously, we are going to score points, and our secondary is legit (IMO, of course). If our front seven can at least do a DECENT job I can see us, worst case, going 3-3 to start, best case, probably 5-1, more likely 4-2, and then hit stride for a nice streak mid-late season.

Hillman, as much as I love him, definitely has some holes stopping him from being a solid NFL running back at the moment. He's quick and everything, but it seems like he just runs straight into a blocker and falls down way too often.

[Jonsco28]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

The only concern with such a high tempo attack is our offensive line wearing down. They're not very deep.

But the beauty is they don't have to run up-tempo all the time. As long as they go no huddle, they'll keep the defense from substituting. I'd prefer to see Manning get them to the line, survey the field, and then make whatever adjustments he needs to based on what the defense shows him.

I always hated that when Denver played against Manning. He'd come to the line, take a look around, step back and start directing guys around, and you knew you were in trouble. Granted, it also didn't help when you had Roc Alexander in the secondary.

[Broncos86]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

But the beauty is they don't have to run up-tempo all the time. As long as they go no huddle, they'll keep the defense from substituting. I'd prefer to see Manning get them to the line, survey the field, and then make whatever adjustments he needs to based on what the defense shows him.

I always hated that when Denver played against Manning. He'd come to the line, take a look around, step back and start directing guys around, and you knew you were in trouble. Granted, it also didn't help when you had Roc Alexander in the secondary.

Ugh, yes. Haha. Our defensive line barely had time to put their hands on the ground.

I trust Moreno a LOT more than I trust Hillman. Who cares if Hillman gives you 5.0 ypc if he ends up coughing up the ball? Ball security is everything. The Patriots win games because they have taken care of the ball. It doesn't matter who your QB is if RBs and WRs are fumbling the ball away. Moreno's ONLY issue is his durability. That's my only issue with him. If we can use him at the right moments, then no worries.

Hillman needs to hit the gym. The fumble he had agains the Rams, I'm not going to say he didn't understand the importance of holding onto the ball. The kid had two hands on the ball and was bear-hugging it. He simply didn't have the strength to hold on. Until he gets stronger, he needs to know that it's okay to just hit the ground and get back into the huddle.

All in the all, I want M. Ball starting and Moreno spelling him and in on 3rd downs until Ball can block consistently. I saw what Ball can do in the open field, and it's SCARY. He put a move on a guy so bad I thought he was exploiting side-steps in Madden!

[Jonsco28]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

Ugh, yes. Haha. Our defensive line barely had time to put their hands on the ground.

I trust Moreno a LOT more than I trust Hillman. Who cares if Hillman gives you 5.0 ypc if he ends up coughing up the ball? Ball security is everything. The Patriots win games because they have taken care of the ball. It doesn't matter who your QB is if RBs and WRs are fumbling the ball away. Moreno's ONLY issue is his durability. That's my only issue with him. If we can use him at the right moments, then no worries.

Hillman needs to hit the gym. The fumble he had agains the Rams, I'm not going to say he didn't understand the importance of holding onto the ball. The kid had two hands on the ball and was bear-hugging it. He simply didn't have the strength to hold on. Until he gets stronger, he needs to know that it's okay to just hit the ground and get back into the huddle.

All in the all, I want M. Ball starting and Moreno spelling him and in on 3rd downs until Ball can block consistently. I saw what Ball can do in the open field, and it's SCARY. He put a move on a guy so bad I thought he was exploiting side-steps in Madden!

Totally agree. I want to see Ball back there eventually, but it needs to be Moreno who gets the start right now.

There is a lot of talk about how Hillman keeps getting shot after shot because he's Elway's pick. I don't want to believe that, but if he gets the start against the Ravens, I don't know that I could refute that anymore.

Plain and simple.... Ball looks like an NFL back. Hillman looks like a step above Trindon Holliday, and both of them scare the hell out of me in regards to hanging onto the ball.

[Broncos86]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

Considering Hillman was a second round pick from just one year ago, he's going to get his chances. The Broncos aren't going to give up on that. And honestly, Hillman's production is damn good. He just needs to hold onto the ball. Luckily for the Broncos, Moreno is around and can fill that role that Hillman offers. That being said, Moreno won't last too much longer. His knees must be a giant medical mess. Hillman can safely ride the bench until he gets his fumblitis under control. Don't forget, Clinton Portis had fumbling issues as a rookie.

He was at around 5 yards per carry last game. I'll take that, certainly. But he has to solve the fumbling issues. That's different than speed or natural running ability. You can help correct fumbling issues. You can't really fix being injury-prone.

For me, if the kid can't get it fixed this year, then there is little hope for him. Some people are just fumblers (Ahman Green).

[Jonsco28]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

For what it's worth, Monte Ball was running with the first team today in practice.

Hillman can be productive, but I don't believe his role is a starting back. IMO, he's just too small.

[av7]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

For what it's worth, Monte Ball was running with the first team today in practice.

Hillman can be productive, but I don't believe his role is a starting back. IMO, he's just too small.

Nor goal line.

[Broncos86]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

Nor goal line.

Not with those fumbley arms of his. Keep him away from the red zone.

[TRC]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

Not with those fumbley arms of his. Keep him away from the red zone.

"Fumbley arms"... hilarious.

Montee Ball looked like a man when he blew through the Ram's D line for his goal line TD, and he does't have the history of having "fumbley arms" @ Wisconsin. Very encouraging. He may make Jacob Hester expendable if he continues to run big.

[Jonsco28]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

With Hillman again running with the ones, I am highly doubting that we will see anything different than Hillman starting in the backfield against the Ravens. I really thought Moreno was going to be the guy to start the season, but it is starting to look like he truly is #3 on the depth chart.

I'm concerned about this. The Ravens are nasty on defense, and I am sure they'll be smelling blood with Hillman. I just don't like it.

[Broncos86]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

Honestly, I think Fox is trying to feel it all out. We'll see how it goes. I'm not too worried. Another fumble and Hillman is in hotter water. They're trying to send a message to him about fumbling, it seems. Fox will handle it fine, we have other options at running back he can fall back on.

[kehlis]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

With final cuts looming what do you guys see happening that may surprise. I think they might keep King, I liked what he showed this preseason (disregard my avatar lol).

I think L. Ball is out but I don't think that is much of a surprise and I just don't see them being able to keep J. Johnson either though I do like him. Is he out of practice squad eligibility?