According to Montee Ball, he will play a very big role in the Denver Broncos' offense next season as a starter. But wait, what about Knowshon Moreno? The backup running back is very confident in his abilities to fill in for Moreno, should the starter head out to the free agent market. While Moreno's future with Denver has yet to be decided, Ball is already thinking like the 2014 starter.
The Broncos have liked what Ball showed on the field this season. Playing backup to Moreno, the rookie put up 559 yards rushing and four touchdowns while adding another 175 yards receiving to the mix. Team vice president John Elway has remained highly complementary of the year Ball put together in limited action and likes what he sees for the future. Ball agrees.
"I'm going to play a huge role in next year's success," Ball said, via Benjamin Hochman of the Denver Post. "And I'm really looking forward to it. Of course, obviously I have no idea what's going to happen with him and this organization, but I do want to be a starter, and yeah, I want the football every time. I think I'm going to have a great offseason, and I'm going to have a better season next year for sure."
Moreno's future has been in question since the Broncos' season ended. After a breakout year that saw him put up 1,038 yards and 10 touchdowns as the lead back, several teams would like to give him a long-term contract. Moreno has expressed interest in remaining in Denver, but he also would like a pay raise. Moreno has only briefly addressed his pending future. During Super Bowl Media Day, the running back simply said he would let contract talks handle themselves.
"My future is right now. I don't live in the future; I live in the present," Moreno said, via ProFootballTalk.com. "Right now, this is what I'm thinking about. I'm thinking about today getting better, throughout the week getting better and on Sunday doing what we can to get the win."
With two young backs in Ball and Ronnie Hillman, Moreno is good as gone. Ball will be the most likely starter heading into training camp, but the rookie does have some areas that need improving if he is truly going to fill in for Moreno. Last season, he struggled with pass blocking and fumbles, putting up three total and two in his first 31 carries. If Ball can make the adjustments, he will be a solid No. 1 in 2014.