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View Full Version : Player Role: Could Hillis be our Kevin Faulk with McDaniels at the helm?



Requiem / The Dagda
01-12-2009, 11:33 AM
Just a thought and a question I'd pose to you all. I'm not sure where McDaniels' is going to head us in the draft as far as prioritizing us getting a running back, but I'd like to think that Hillis could be used in a similar role as to how Faulk contributed to the Patriots in New England. Do you think this is something that will be done? Do you think it is an apt comparison to make? Would you like to see it happen?

Just curious. I kind of got excited about that prospect once I read about the hiring. I think Hillis definitely has the potential to be a 100 carry guy a year (Faulk was much less, besides a year or so) and end up snagging around 50 catches a year. I dunno, a fifteen touch option a game or so.

Thoughts?

turftoad
01-12-2009, 11:37 AM
I wonder if McD brings Maroney with him to Denver.

LRtagger
01-12-2009, 11:43 AM
I hope that with a new guy evaluating existing talent, we can get guys on the field where they will be most valuable...instead of going off Mike's concrete preconceived ideas. If Hillis is most effective running the ball from the TB position, then that is where McD will put him. Unlike Mike, he has nothing to prove with player personel and everything to prove by winning. If Hillis running the ball 15-20 times a game helps us win, then that is what he will do.

We can put Hillis where he will be most effective and put Larsen back where he is supposed to be.

Tebow4Ever
01-12-2009, 11:44 AM
Though I think Hillis has potential to be great, Judging by his play last year. Faulk has been a STAPLE of the patriots offense since he was drafted out of LSU. Lethal out of the backfield as a reciever and a decent runner for 10-15 carries a game. Faulk is a smaller back who filled in Nicely for Antwoian Smith before Corey Dillion took over the reins those two years in New England. Faulk is among the veteran leaders in that offense but it has taken him some years to get to the point where he is now. I think Hillis is more of a FB type, Where as Faulk was just too small for that role. So both great players. But I think Hillis will have more of a defined role.

broncofaninfla
01-12-2009, 12:28 PM
I think when McD looks at the tape, he'll see that in Hillis he has a guy who can block with the best of them, has hands like a WR and somebody who can demoralize a defense by running them over. He can get the tough yards or run for huge chunks. I'd love to see Hillis get at least 10 carries a game and thrown 5-6 passes a game from the FB, TB, and TE positions.

Lonestar
01-12-2009, 05:19 PM
I think when McD looks at the tape, he'll see that in Hillis he has a guy who can block with the best of them, has hands like a WR and somebody who can demoralize a defense by running them over. He can get the tough yards or run for huge chunks. I'd love to see Hillis get at least 10 carries a game and thrown 5-6 passes a game from the FB, TB, and TE positions.


outstanding description of what this kid can do..

I hope he will be run, as much as he can handle.. not just an H back type because mikey liked smaller RB's

silkamilkamonico
01-12-2009, 08:28 PM
Quick Six!


Alridge out of the backfield in a spread offense could be a good thing.

I do think Hillis will be a goal line back and be very successful, like a Corey Dillon or Benjarvus Green.

Hobe
01-12-2009, 09:20 PM
Hillis is > Faulk. Faulk can't run over anyone, unless he meets the kicker. Remember those 19 yard runs. Hillis just crashed through the line and it took 19 yards to drag him down. Hillis has a lot of potential. I think we will see him at Fullback, tailback and maybe even split out occationally.

omac
01-12-2009, 09:26 PM
Just a thought and a question I'd pose to you all. I'm not sure where McDaniels' is going to head us in the draft as far as prioritizing us getting a running back, but I'd like to think that Hillis could be used in a similar role as to how Faulk contributed to the Patriots in New England. Do you think this is something that will be done? Do you think it is an apt comparison to make? Would you like to see it happen?

Just curious. I kind of got excited about that prospect once I read about the hiring. I think Hillis definitely has the potential to be a 100 carry guy a year (Faulk was much less, besides a year or so) and end up snagging around 50 catches a year. I dunno, a fifteen touch option a game or so.

Thoughts?

Sounds good. I do hope Hillis plays a much bigger role in our offense than Faulk typically does with NE, though.

Tned
01-12-2009, 09:28 PM
Just a thought and a question I'd pose to you all. I'm not sure where McDaniels' is going to head us in the draft as far as prioritizing us getting a running back, but I'd like to think that Hillis could be used in a similar role as to how Faulk contributed to the Patriots in New England. Do you think this is something that will be done? Do you think it is an apt comparison to make? Would you like to see it happen?

Just curious. I kind of got excited about that prospect once I read about the hiring. I think Hillis definitely has the potential to be a 100 carry guy a year (Faulk was much less, besides a year or so) and end up snagging around 50 catches a year. I dunno, a fifteen touch option a game or so.

Thoughts?

I didn't watch NE enough to see how Faulk was used, but I do see Hillis used in much the way you describe. He can be a 50, possibly even 70, catch receiver, along with 8-10 rushes a game.

I'm hoping they use him in a hybrid FB/RB role. Running him out of the FB spot, as a single back RB, and motioning him out as a receiver at times.

DenverBronkHoes
01-12-2009, 09:30 PM
uhm... YES!!

guy is talented and will contribute all over the offense....

Kiss punting on 4th and half a yard's goodbye.....

SmilinAssasSin27
01-12-2009, 09:34 PM
Hillis is > Faulk. Faulk can't run over anyone, unless he meets the kicker. Remember those 19 yard runs. Hillis just crashed through the line and it took 19 yards to drag him down. Hillis has a lot of potential. I think we will see him at Fullback, tailback and maybe even split out occationally.

He's got along way to go before he is > Faulk. Love me some Hillis, but Faulk is a PROVEN winner who seems to always get his no matter what the defenses plan to do...and it's been almost a decade.

SmilinAssasSin27
01-12-2009, 09:35 PM
Besis, the Pats have also done a nice job of involving the FBs over the years. Hillis will contribute, but he won't do what Faulk does.

Navyblue22
01-12-2009, 09:35 PM
I think P.Hillis is a true FULLBACK, or could be a TE-set. I think of Peyton Hillis with guys like Mark Edward from N.D. (Notre Dame) & Mike Aslott (Purdue). He could be as good as Zack Croket (F.S.U., Florida State Univ.). And Daryle Johnson for the Dallas Cowboys who paved way for the rushin' king, Emmit Smith in the '90 era! But, have a new head-coach with the NEW ENGLAND's blue-print of N.F.L.'s Draft familar strategy. I think the real needs for draft is a leadership player & clutch-playmaker on 4th-down situration. I'm ready for 2009 season! Last year, the Saints were my favoite team. Until Peyton Hillis got drafted by the Broncos, I'm his fan now. So the DENVER are my favorite team right now!

SmilinAssasSin27
01-12-2009, 09:38 PM
I'm his fan now. So the DENVER are my favorite team right now!

BTW, they are the Denver BRONCOS. :hi:

welcome aboard soldier.

silkamilkamonico
01-13-2009, 04:45 AM
Hillis is > Faulk. Faulk can't run over anyone, unless he meets the kicker. Remember those 19 yard runs. Hillis just crashed through the line and it took 19 yards to drag him down. Hillis has a lot of potential. I think we will see him at Fullback, tailback and maybe even split out occationally.

Faulk > Hillis. Faulk isn't supposed to run over anyone. He's also arguably a top 5 RB in pass protection, and is much more agile than Hillis is in the open field. Arguably the games best third down back, and has been for quite a few years now. Taylor made for the spread offense.

OrangeStar7
01-13-2009, 05:47 AM
I wonder if McD brings Maroney with him to Denver.

Now that's a very interesting thought! I'm a bit concerned with his durability though. I definitely remember wanting Shanny to try and draft him a few years back.

fcspikeit
01-13-2009, 06:43 AM
Just a thought and a question I'd pose to you all. I'm not sure where McDaniels' is going to head us in the draft as far as prioritizing us getting a running back, but I'd like to think that Hillis could be used in a similar role as to how Faulk contributed to the Patriots in New England. Do you think this is something that will be done? Do you think it is an apt comparison to make? Would you like to see it happen?

Just curious. I kind of got excited about that prospect once I read about the hiring. I think Hillis definitely has the potential to be a 100 carry guy a year (Faulk was much less, besides a year or so) and end up snagging around 50 catches a year. I dunno, a fifteen touch option a game or so.

Thoughts?

Just as long as Hillis is heavily involved in the offense, I am really excited to see what he can do, he kept surprising me, against the Browns he showed he could get the tough yards and run down hill. Then he showed he could be a true receiving threat, By the time he got hurt he was spinning off DT's in the backfield. I thought he showed great vision and burst for a 250 pound back. The best thing about him is he consistently ran through arm tackles. He didn't need a huge hole because the only chance the defenders had of bringing him down was to hit his strait on. Even then he would ran them over and get 3 or 4 more yards.. The only good reason I can see for not giving him the ball 20+ times a game is to keep him from getting beat up. IMO he could be our Brandon Jacobs, or he could be our Tom Rathman.. If we go to the Spread, he will have to be closer to Faulk then Rathman

Northman
01-13-2009, 06:48 AM
Though I think Hillis has potential to be great, Judging by his play last year. Faulk has been a STAPLE of the patriots offense since he was drafted out of LSU. Lethal out of the backfield as a reciever and a decent runner for 10-15 carries a game. Faulk is a smaller back who filled in Nicely for Antwoian Smith before Corey Dillion took over the reins those two years in New England. Faulk is among the veteran leaders in that offense but it has taken him some years to get to the point where he is now. I think Hillis is more of a FB type, Where as Faulk was just too small for that role. So both great players. But I think Hillis will have more of a defined role.


Exactly how i feel. I think a lot of Faulk's success is based off the surprise factor as he isnt a main weapon of that team. Hillis will be much more involved in the offense for Denver i presume.

fcspikeit
01-13-2009, 07:00 AM
Exactly how i feel. I think a lot of Faulk's success is based off the surprise factor as he isnt a main weapon of that team. Hillis will be much more involved in the offense for Denver i presume.

One can only hope...:beer:

If BB jr is half as smart as he seems to be, he will see that right away..

lex
01-13-2009, 02:10 PM
I think New England lost the Super Bowl because they fell in love with the pass. I have no problem with role player backs but we also need a main guy who can take over a game. I really hope McDaniels doesnt do some mickey mouse nonsense with the running game.

CoachChaz
01-13-2009, 03:33 PM
I'm perfectly happy with Tatum. I cant say he's done anything but play well whenever he's worn a Broncos uniform and until he proves otherwise, I believe he can be very successful...especially in a backfield with Hillis. That would be a pretty lethal duo.

While I wouldnt object to drafting McCoy, or Brown or Green...I'd be very content to go into next season with Bell as the incumbent starter at TB.

Who knows...maybe Torain proves he can stay healthy and is even better...but we'll be just fine running Tatum

turftoad
01-13-2009, 03:39 PM
I'm perfectly happy with Tatum. I cant say he's done anything but play well whenever he's worn a Broncos uniform and until he proves otherwise, I believe he can be very successful...especially in a backfield with Hillis. That would be a pretty lethal duo.

While I wouldnt object to drafting McCoy, or Brown or Green...I'd be very content to go into next season with Bell as the incumbent starter at TB.

Who knows...maybe Torain proves he can stay healthy and is even better...but we'll be just fine running Tatum

I wouldn't mind seeing McD bring in Maroney if he's healthy. When healthy he's a very good HB.

Lonestar
01-13-2009, 05:11 PM
here are players that could be gone next year.. they were adored by mikey so did that mean that were really talented or just mikeys favorites..

Nate Jackson..

Mike Leach..

Tater...

Fox..

Webster...

Niko..

Manuel..

Macree..

Lichtensteiger..

Chad..

Pinnock..

PUTZ...

Woodyard...

Barrett..

Winborn...

Aldridge..

Boss...

Hillis...

Pope...

Powell..

last but not least..

Torain...


what do Y'all think..

Nature Boy
01-13-2009, 05:14 PM
No way, Hillis is too slow and not very shifty to play the role of Kevin Faulk running out the shotgun formation.

.

turftoad
01-13-2009, 05:19 PM
here are players that could be gone next year.. they were adored by mikey so did that mean that were really talented or just mikeys favorites..

Nate Jackson..

Mike Leach..

Tater...

Fox..

Webster...

Niko..

Manuel..

Macree..

Lichtensteiger.. Was only a rookie last year.

Chad..

Pinnock..

PUTZ...

Woodyard... I think he sticks because he's a player.

Barrett.. Lack of saftey's allows him to stay.

Winborn...

Aldridge.. I think he gets a good look.

Boss...

Hillis... to versitile to let go.

Pope...

Powell.. He'll get a good look also.

last but not least..

Torain... Who know. One of Shannys ego picks. Hope he stays and shows something.


what do Y'all think..

The rest, I agree with. I wonder how pissed Champ will be when Boss gets the axe?

Lonestar
01-13-2009, 05:24 PM
The rest, I agree with. I wonder how pissed Champ will be when Boss gets the axe?

the only reason I think Leach may stay is his LS ability and his ST play but the new guy may not see it like we all did.. I'd keep him until he is wheel chair material and then might even ask the NFL for a waiver..

There has to be 50 some odd broncos sweating bullets right now..

SmilinAssasSin27
01-13-2009, 05:24 PM
I think Woody and Barrett stay for sure. Just cuz Shanny drafted/signed em doesn't mean McD will hate em. Powell will get a shot. Hillis will be long term. Lich will stay as well.

PatricktheDookie
01-13-2009, 05:26 PM
Am I the only one who likes Hillis at fullback?

Lonestar
01-13-2009, 05:38 PM
Am I the only one who likes Hillis at fullback?


yes

As he seems to have been the best RB we had last year.. someone that can get the tough yards intimidate the LB and DB and has some of the best hands for receiving on the squad..

A complete running back. not blazing speed but if he gets 5+ yards a carry who cares..

PatricktheDookie
01-13-2009, 05:41 PM
yes

As he seems to have been the best RB we had last year.. someone that can get the tough yards intimidate the LB and DB and has some of the best hands for receiving on the squad..

A complete running back. not blazing speed but if he gets 5+ yards a carry who cares..

How's that any different than what Mike Alstott was in Tampa? Just because you're the fullback, it doesn't mean you don't get the ball.

Lonestar
01-13-2009, 05:45 PM
How's that any different than what Mike Alstott was in Tampa? Just because you're the fullback, it doesn't mean you don't get the ball.

and Alsott was not a pure FB either.. just a RB that played like one..

Unless we get someone better at toting the rock I say he should have the opportunity to do so..

If we do get someone then by all means lets him become the relief guy and hands out of the back field..

just because he is 250+ everyone one thinks he has to be a FB.. He is just a BIG RB nothing more.. someone that forced 3 DBs to the sidelines in the OAK game IIRC.. two did not come back in again IIRC..


BTW he was the guy that seemed to give this O CPR during his playing time.. when it desperately needed to be revived..

SmilinAssasSin27
01-13-2009, 06:07 PM
he is a FB who can get the ball more than most. It adds flexibility to an offense. Keep him at FB. We want to create mismatches. He won't do that.

Lonestar
01-13-2009, 06:13 PM
he is a FB who can get the ball more than most. It adds flexibility to an offense. Keep him at FB. We want to create mismatches. He won't do that.

your telling me that a 250 pound RB is not a mismatch for almost every LB and DB in the league? :laugh::laugh:

SmilinAssasSin27
01-13-2009, 06:18 PM
your telling me that a 250 pound RB is not a mismatch for almost every LB and DB in the league? :laugh::laugh:

yes beacuse they don't have to gameplan for him. He runs right AT you. The playbook would be limited. He isn't athletic/fast enough to be feared in the passing game. And he may be 250, but so are a LOT of LBs. Mismatches are created due to size/speed combos. Hillis my be biger, but he's not superfast or anything. he can be covered and he can be caught/run down. He's good, but let's be realistic.

Lonestar
01-13-2009, 06:25 PM
yes beacuse they don't have to gameplan for him. He runs right AT you. The playbook would be limited. He isn't athletic/fast enough to be feared in the passing game. And he may be 250, but so are a LOT of LBs. Mismatches are created due to size/speed combos. Hillis my be biger, but he's not superfast or anything. he can be covered and he can be caught/run down. He's good, but let's be realistic.


so he is caught from behind 10 yards down field who cares.. it is a mismatch for everyone on the defense other than perhaps a DE or maybe DT to take on a 250 pound RB head on..

Remember that in the OAK he took 3 DB to the sidelines for Tylenol and two of them did not come back in. Had they how excited would they be to get in his way again? that is not even including throwing screens to this bulldozer in the flat.. And there was one pass caught going down the right sideline that was pure poetry he danced down the sideline for an extra 15 yards or so that would have taken most out of bounds at the catch..

And frankly they never had the luxury in the past to design plays for him.. not real hard to do if you put your mind to it..

not even to mention he put the Viagra back into this offense when he was on the field AS A RB..

SmilinAssasSin27
01-13-2009, 06:32 PM
so he is caught from behind 10 yards down field who cares.. it is a mismatch for everyone on the defense other than perhaps a DE or maybe DT to take on a 250 pound RB head on..

Remember that in the OAK he took 3 DB to the sidelines for Tylenol and two of them did not come back in. Had they how excited would they be to get in his way again? that is not even including throwing screens to this bulldozer in the flat.. And there was one pass caught going down the right sideline that was pure poetry he danced down the sideline for an extra 15 yards or so that would have taken most out of bounds at the catch..

And frankly they never had the luxury in the past to design plays for him.. not real hard to do if you put your mind to it..

not even to mention he put the Viagra back into this offense when he was on the field AS A RB..

If it was that much of a mismatch, everyone in the league would be starting their FB at TB and he wouldn't have been our 6th option.

Lonestar
01-13-2009, 06:39 PM
If it was that much of a mismatch, everyone in the league would be starting their FB at TB and he wouldn't have been our 6th option.

he was out 6th option because mikey flat did not want him to be a RB, he did not see what the kid could do..mikeys affinity with small 205-210 RBs got in the way of seeing what he had..

HE would have been the RB at ARK had it not been for Felix Jones and D Mc fadden winding up there..

NO is it just me or am I blind this kid brought it all every time he touched the ball ..

Who cares if he weighs 250 or not.. HE brought game and few folks stopped him until they do he should be given a chance to be the RB.. IMHO

turftoad
01-13-2009, 06:45 PM
Alstott had Dunn. Jacobs has Ward and Bradshaw. Stewart has D.Williams. Lenwhale has C. Johnson. etc... etc....

I like Hillis but he needs a compliment back to share the carries with. I wouldn't want him as a feature back. Give him the ball 8-10 times, and throw to him a few times a game. We also need a speed guy to compliment the running game and not be so one dimensional. It's best to mix it up. Most teams are going RBBC nowadays.

horsepig
01-13-2009, 08:56 PM
he was out 6th option because mikey flat did not want him to be a RB, he did not see what the kid could do..mikeys affinity with small 205-210 RBs got in the way of seeing what he had..

HE would have been the RB at ARK had it not been for Felix Jones and D Mc fadden winding up there..

NO is it just me or am I blind this kid brought it all every time he touched the ball ..

Who cares if he weighs 250 or not.. HE brought game and few folks stopped him until they do he should be given a chance to be the RB.. IMHO

I'm on your side Wiz. Hillis is flat out a player, give'im the rock!

Simple Jaded
01-13-2009, 09:13 PM
McDaniels has his Kevin Faulk, imo, with Selvin Young. That's the type of role Young should have had in the first place.

Hillis, on the other hand, should play an even bigger role, at least I hope he does. He should be the FB/RB that he would have been if Shanahan would have survived another season. Part of the Morris/Jordan/Evans role of the NE offense.

Hillis should get his carries and passes out of the back field, but I don't think he's quick enough to get all those draws and screens that Faulk gets.......

SmilinAssasSin27
01-13-2009, 10:02 PM
he was out 6th option because mikey flat did not want him to be a RB, he did not see what the kid could do..mikeys affinity with small 205-210 RBs got in the way of seeing what he had..

HE would have been the RB at ARK had it not been for Felix Jones and D Mc fadden winding up there..

NO is it just me or am I blind this kid brought it all every time he touched the ball ..

Who cares if he weighs 250 or not.. HE brought game and few folks stopped him until they do he should be given a chance to be the RB.. IMHO

I'm not saying don't play him. I'm saying play him at FB...w/ a RB who will need attention from the D. It'll open things up for Hillis even more when he does get the ball.

broncobryce
01-13-2009, 10:04 PM
If it was that much of a mismatch, everyone in the league would be starting their FB at TB and he wouldn't have been our 6th option.

This guy is not your average 250 pound RB. He is nimble for his size. Did you see him jump over that miami cornerback? Did you see him make that fingertip over the shoulder catch? What about the catch on the sideline and tiptoeing past the first down? The guy is incredible, you're not giving him all the credit he deserves. I'm not saying the guy is Jim Brown, but go back and watch the youtube highlights of this kid.:eek:

SmilinAssasSin27
01-13-2009, 10:12 PM
And who would be the FB? You fail to consider that putting him at RB, removes another offensive threat from the field. You'd rather line up Hillis and some no name FB instead of a legit RB and Hillis? Sorry. Not buyin it. Hillis can ball. I never said he couldn't. But he is a FB. Granted, a FB who should see the rock, but still a FB.