Gase: Fumbles are 'Unacceptable'

[Denver Native (Carol)]

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. – After the Broncos turned the ball over four times in Seattle, it’s no surprise that ball security has been a point of emphasis this week in practice.

That has been especially true for the running back corps, as protecting the ball and protecting the quarterback are two of their most important responsibilities.

“(Fumbles have) been a huge point of emphasis for us this offseason because the fumbles we had early in the season last year—that was one of the main factors of why we started off as slowly as we did,” Offensive Coordinator Adam Gase said. “So this has been a big emphasis, and for us to have three fumbles in the first half (at Seattle) was totally unacceptable.

AND


“We’re not going to put the ball on the ground, or else they’re not going to carry it.”

full article - http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Gase-Fumbles-are-Unacceptable/d56b02b1-79c5-4f68-bd6c-c863cb7f6060

[Rex]

Hillman has a problem.

[Ravage!!!]

Hillman has a problem.

So does Moreno.

[dogfish]

be afraid, ronnie. . .

[Ravage!!!]

DT has had a problem, JT has had a problem. Seems everyone has had a problem this pre-season.

[Al Wilson 4 Mayor]

Both times Hillman fumbled were because he was in traffic and didn't have both hands on the ball.

[Dapper Dan]

I like the way this guy thinks.

Also, if he can make sure these young guys get in the habit of keeping 2 hands on the ball, then it will help them in the long run.

[DenBronx]

You fumble then your ass sits on the bench. That should be the way we treat guys that fumble. I could careless how much talent they have, fumbles create points for the other team which turns into losses. Moreno fumbled last year was benched then came back motivated.

I love DT but dude needs to hold on to the ball. Including dropped passes.

I am sure Manning has gave them all an earfull during practices about fumbling and dropped passes.

[Dapper Dan]

I always liked the way they do things at the middle school to college level. Make them walk around holding the ball all week while going to class.

[TXBRONC]

I like the way this guy thinks.

Also, if he can make sure these young guys get in the habit of keeping 2 hands on the ball, then it will help them in the long run.

Isn't why Studs suppose to do because he is the runningbacks coach.

[Dapper Dan]

Isn't why Studs suppose to do because he is the runningbacks coach.

Meh. Anyone over the RBs can have it done. Studs. Gase. Fox. Elway. Bowlin. Jesus.

[TXBRONC]

Meh. Anyone over the RBs can have it done. Studs. Gase. Fox. Elway. Bowlin. Jesus.

Jesus told me he has other things to do. He also told me the Raiders and Patriots suck.

[UnderArmour]

Both times Hillman fumbled were because he was in traffic and didn't have both hands on the ball.

One time Hillman "fumbled" he was actually in the end zone. No matter how many times I see that play reviewed, I still do not understand why it was not ruled a touchdown (other than the game being in Seattle).

[Dapper Dan]

One time Hillman "fumbled" he was actually in the end zone. No matter how many times I see that play reviewed, I still do not understand why it was not ruled a touchdown (other than the game being in Seattle).

I don't know. I can't really tell one way or the other. I haven't seen a definite replay.

[BroncoWave]

One time Hillman "fumbled" he was actually in the end zone. No matter how many times I see that play reviewed, I still do not understand why it was not ruled a touchdown (other than the game being in Seattle).

Even if he got in, it doesn't change the fact that he fumbled the ball near the goal line. That is the worst place to lose the ball.

[Al Wilson 4 Mayor]

I rewatched it several times in slow motion the defender hit the ball before he crossed the goal line. The refs got the call right, which they had to review because it was a scoring play. Of course, if Hillman had both hands on the ball it wouldn't matter.

[Tebowtime2011]

Both times Hillman fumbled were because he was in traffic and didn't have both hands on the ball.

One time Hillman "fumbled" he was actually in the end zone. No matter how many times I see that play reviewed, I still do not understand why it was not ruled a touchdown (other than the game being in Seattle). Actually the ball came loose before he crossed the goalline. Anyways he should have had control of the ball, he just let it get knocked out, he needs to be tougher.

[ShaneFalco]

Adam is the man.

[Broncolingus]

Of course, if Hillman had both hands on the ball it wouldn't matter.

Absolutely correct...down at the goal line is where you take especially good care of the rock.

[Army Bronco]

Of course, if Hillman had both hands on the ball it wouldn't matter.

Absolutely correct...down at the goal line is where you take especially good care of the rock.D Thomas needs to mentor Hillman on ball protection after last years experience

[Denver Native (Carol)]

Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase put on his most serious face to accompany his sternest tone of voice.

The subject: running backs.

Gase isn't messing around.

Not that he ever was, but there was added irritation and urgency in his voice when the issue was broached, particularly a discussion of ball security. Denver's running game — specifically tailbacks Montee Ball, Ronnie Hillman and Knowshon Moreno — hasn't produced a large amount of confidence this summer.

rest - http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_23923011/denver-broncos-running-backs-need-get-grip-before

[Denver Native (Carol)]

from same article:


Moreno said he has advised the young running backs to "just run physical, punish the defenders and just run hard and make sure we do the little things right all night."

One of those items is pass protection, which is where Moreno stands heads and shoulders above the rest. It is paramount to keep quarterback Peyton Manning off the ground. As such, the season-opening starter at tailback is not predetermined.

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_23923011/denver-broncos-running-backs-need-get-grip-before

[TXBRONC]

One time Hillman "fumbled" he was actually in the end zone. No matter how many times I see that play reviewed, I still do not understand why it was not ruled a touchdown (other than the game being in Seattle).

It was close but I don't think the ball the plain of the goalline.

[TXBRONC]

from same article:


http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_23923011/denver-broncos-running-backs-need-get-grip-before

That's good advice that for Moreno as well.

[Dapper Dan]

It was close but I don't think the ball the plain of the goalline.

In my opinion, I think it's too close to overturn. But there was a referee right in front of them. He had the best view and would know.

[BroncoWave]

I think the point about if the ball crossed the goal line or not is pretty irrelevant. The point is that Hillman needs to protect the Ball better around the goal line. Even if the ball did cross the plane before he fumbled, so what? He won't be that lucky every time. It's still a valuable lesson that he needs to hold on to the ball more tightly that close to the goal line.

[TXBRONC]

In my opinion, I think it's too close to overturn. But there was a referee right in front of them. He had the best view and would know.

As I said I thought it was close.

[Jsteve01]

I think the point about if the ball crossed the goal line or not is pretty irrelevant. The point is that Hillman needs to protect the Ball better around the goal line. Even if the ball did cross the plane before he fumbled, so what? He won't be that lucky every time. It's still a valuable lesson that he needs to hold on to the ball more tightly that close to the goal line. Peyton made a great point about only stretching it on 4th down.

[WARHORSE]

Yep. You fumble.......you sit.

ANNNND you have to listen to PEYTON lecture you on the sidelines for the rest of the game.






serves you right:coffee:

[Jsteve01]

which game are you coming for War? Oh and we need to have a virtual draft party for our birthdays next year.

[Bosco]

Hillman better start holding onto the goddamn ball.

[Broncolingus]

“(Fumbles have) been a huge point of emphasis for us this offseason because the fumbles we had early in the season last year—that was one of the main factors of why we started off as slowly as we did,” Offensive Coordinator Adam Gase said. “So this has been a big emphasis, and for us to have three fumbles in the first half (at Seattle) was totally unacceptable.

Hmmmmm...not sure if you really addressed this there, Adam...

Might want to try something effective given the fact it's two-weeks until the games start to count...

[Dapper Dan]

We need stick em.

[atwater27]

In Hillman's defense, that was just a perfect, brutal strip while he was stood up and trying to hit the ground. I mean, the only way Hillman could have avoided it was to take human growth hormone all offseason.

[Broncolingus]

We need stick em.

3348

[Dapper Dan]

<img src="http://www.broncosforums.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=3348"/>

Looks like he needs it on his head. Balding Tom Petty.

[TXBRONC]

Looks like he needs it on his head. Balding Tom Petty.

My dad saw him catch a pass with his shoulder pad and not his hands.

[Broncolingus]

Looks like he needs it on his head. Balding Tom Petty.

Check out big Fred when he's getting his grove on...yeah baby!

3351

[Jsteve01]

In Hillman's defense, that was just a perfect, brutal strip while he was stood up and trying to hit the ground. I mean, the only way Hillman could have avoided it was to take human growth hormone all offseason.

I get that, but I'm starting to wonder if he doesn't have the Eric Bienemy issue with small hands and short forearms.

[Al Wilson 4 Mayor]

In Hillman's defense, that was just a perfect, brutal strip while he was stood up and trying to hit the ground. I mean, the only way Hillman could have avoided it was to take human growth hormone all offseason.

He extended his left hand just before the LB grabbed the ball. He then pulled his extra hand back towards the ball and he tried to secure it with both hands. Until he has a habit of putting both hands on the ball in traffic he will continue to fumble.

[Al Wilson 4 Mayor]

I get that, but I'm starting to wonder if he doesn't have the Eric Bienemy issue with small hands and short forearms.

No he's fumbling for the same reason McGahee was last year, not having two hands on the ball in traffic.

[Broncolingus]

No he's fumbling for the same reason McGahee was last year, not having two hands on the ball in traffic.

Concur...

...Hillman's fumbles are not some cray-cray string of bad luck and incredible plays that he's a singular victim of...

...dude has a fundamental problem holding onto the football...

...and it's showing.

Sad too...Denver's RBs have been traditionally very good with ball security.