The Denver Broncos were not prepared to have such a competitive competition at running back this season, considering the team has struggled to get the ground game consistent in recent years. However, with three productive players on the roster after Willis McGahee was released, Denver is feeling pretty good about the run part of the offense. Moreno might have the leg up on the two rookies in experience, but with a health an issue he will likely fall on the depth chart.
In the NFL Draft, the Broncos elected to get Montee Ball out of Wisconsin to pair alongside second-year back Ronnie Hillman. According to the Denver Post, the two running backs are now expected to receive the bulk of the carries with Moreno moving to strictly a third-down runner for the team. McGahee was originally thought to be the primary third-down guy for the Broncos, but after his hold-out left a bad taste in the mouths of the front office, he was sent packing. Moreno has demonstrated great receiving and blocking skills making him ideal for the role.
At 26, Moreno is still young enough to be an every-down running back, but his injury history has left Denver needing depth at the position. The running back had offseason knee surgery after getting hit in the team's playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens. He also tore his ACL at the end of the 2011 season. He is entering the final year of his rookie contract and with this recent news, he might not be back.
Ball and Hillman have been impressing as the two primary running backs. Quarterback Peyton Manning recently praised rookie Ball for his ability to pick up the offense. The two spent a bulk of offseason workouts learning plays with Manning teaching Ball everything he knows.
"We're just kind of going through plays, going through games, getting him comfortable hearing audibles at the line of scrimmage. Because we are going to count on him in a big way this year. He's a rookie, but coach Fox isn't going to bring him along slowly," Manning said.
The Broncos will be counting on both Ball and Hillman to help stabilize the Denver offense. [John] Fox is looking to open up the playbook and take some of the pressure of Manning. That can only happen if Ball and Hillman pick up the slack.
