Montee Ball is out to prove people wrong. The running back was originally drafted to be the starting running back of the Denver Broncos, but is free falling down the depth chart heading into 2015. With the run game becoming a focal point under new head coach Gary Kubiak, the Broncos have not been giving Ball the carries he is looking for and the running back is not happy.
Ball has 16 carries in three preseason games. According to Jeff Legwold of ESPN, he has fallen to No.3 on the depth chart behind CJ Anderson and Ronnie Hillman heading into 2015. There has been talk of the running back getting released as the team might not carry three into the new year. According to Ball, he was shocked at his decrease in carries and wants the chance to be able to show that he is healthy and can play a major role for the team.
"I was (surprised)," Ball said, via ESPN.com. "I was expecting a lot more playing time. It caught me off-guard, but my head's not down. I'm going to keep it up and keep fighting. It is tough because I feel like I really haven't had the opportunities in these preseason games, but there's still one more (preseason game) left and I feel like I'll have some playing time in this one, and I'll show them what I can do."
Anderson is thriving as the starter while Hillman is currently averaging 7.4 yards per carry. To make matters worse for Ball, fullback Juwan Thompson is also thriving for the Broncos as Denver could easily move on with two running backs and a fullback for the upcoming year and move past Ball. There is no doubting the talent of Ball, but with a crowded roster group, he simply is not and may not get the chance to shine.
The wide receivers are getting their moment in the spotlight. As Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders remain limited on the field, Cody Latimer and Andre Caldwell are getting their moments on the field to prove their worth. Thomas will be fine come the season opener, but there is doubt about Sanders. According to the Denver Post, the wide receiver is aiming to be healthy by Week 1 after suffering a hamstring injury. He has been participating in 7-on-7 drills and making cuts while hoping to be back soon. If not, Latimer and Caldwell will play major roles for the Broncos in that first week.
"Whatever they want me to do, I'm going to do it," Sanders said, via the Post. "I feel like I could be dangerous back there. If coach calls my number, I'm going to be back there and I'm going to try returning."
