Who should be the Broncos starting running back when Ball is healthy again?

[broncofaninfla]

With Hillmans strong showing should he or Ball be the starting RB when Ball is healthy again?

[Northman]

For me, Hillman with no question.

[broncofaninfla]

I'm team Hillman on this one too. I never would have thought that at the beginning of the season but we are clearly running the ball better since Ball went down. With that said Thompson and Anderson have been running the ball well as well.

[Valar Morghulis]

The job was Ball's to lose - as far as i am concerned his lack of production, injury and Hillmans performance in his absence - the job is lost.

But the O-Line must also take some credit as they seem to be getting it together, which coincided with Ball's injury

[Mike]

Hillman deserves to be the starter. But I worry about his durability, so I would start Hillman but limit his carries and split the rest between Thompson and Ball.

[VonDoom]

I said in the game thread that Hillman won this job. Maybe his success coincides with better OL play, but his burst and speed have been great and I can't see Ball putting up the numbers Hillman has recently.

[Buff]

Ball will be the 3rd stringer when he comes back without question. Those are the breaks.

[Edmonton Bronco Fan]

The only thing that could put Hillman's grasp on the #1 spot in jeopardy is a return of his fumbleitis.

[Slick]

I voted for Ball.

In before U29 gets here.

[Ravage!!!]

I think Ball will be the goal line back, but Hillman is the best RB on the roster from what I've seen.

[Shazam!]

If Ball's durability wasn't an issue the Bills are in dire need of RB help with the trade deadline approaching.

[Ravage!!!]

If Ball's durability wasn't an issue the Bills are in dire need of RB help with the trade deadline approaching.

I wouldn't want to do that. Not yet. Long season ahead for a SB run. I like depth and depth that knows the offense and protecting the QB from the backfield. Ball does that well.

[D1g1tal j1m]

I love Hillman's explosiveness (which he is finally showing on the field) and he adds the speed along with Sanders that our offense lacked last year. But with the changing of the weather, it's important to have some tough runners (thompson and ball) in the fold. We have no idea whether his explosiveness will be quite as effective in the cold months ahead. Plus, the durability issue that was brought up has to be monitored. So a good rotation going forward is key to keeping this offense running smoothly til the playoffs hit.

So, Hillman should stay at the top spot, but a good rotation will need to be set. I see Ball getting his opportunities as the playoffs get closer and the weather gets worse.

[broncofaninfla]

I think Ball will be the goal line back, but Hillman is the best RB on the roster from what I've seen.

From what I've seen, Thompson is a better goal line and sort yardage option than Ball has been to date.

[Ravage!!!]

From what I've seen, Thompson is a better goal line and sort yardage option than Ball has been to date.

Maybe. Thompson's TD last night came from the FB spot..having the advantage of the "quick" hand off when the defense is basically watching Hillman. Thompson runs tough, and I'm not taking anything away from him. I was basically meaning because of size, Ball is better for GL than Hilllman. I'm not saying you are wrong, but I haven't seen anything from Thompson, yet, that makes me confident that is the case.

[Buff]

Maybe. Thompson's TD last night came from the FB spot..having the advantage of the "quick" hand off when the defense is basically watching Hillman. Thompson runs tough, and I'm not taking anything away from him. I was basically meaning because of size, Ball is better for GL than Hilllman. I'm not saying you are wrong, but I haven't seen anything from Thompson, yet, that makes me confident that is the case.

I've gotta disagree. Thompson has very clearly been much more effective than Ball was - and if anything he seems like a short yardage specialist who will get you 3 if you need 2. Guy runs hard and has good size.

[Ravage!!!]

I've gotta disagree. Thompson has very clearly been much more effective than Ball was - and if anything he seems like a short yardage specialist who will get you 3 if you need 2. Guy runs hard and has good size.

Yeah.. he runs hard. No doubt about it.

[broncofaninfla]

Thompson always seems to fall forward too. Seems strong as a bull too.

[Joel]

Only two choices? I'd still like to see more Thompson and find out if he can combine Hillmans vision and cuts with Balls pile-moving and tackle-breaking, but question permits no overnight answers, and Hillman's simply played too well the past 2-3 games to mess with what's working great. Sure, the blocking's improved (though still far from perfect,) but Hillman's also cutting blitzers and breaking tackles like he didn't before, and his acceleration and quickness make him quick to the hole and dangerous in the open field the way Ball hasn't been. Gotta go with the hot hand, and that hasn't been Ball this year.

Here's the answer in shorter tabular form for the literacy-impaired :tongue:: http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/2014.htm#rushing_and_receiving::10 "One of these things is not like the others; one of these things does NOT belong...."

[dogfish]

slick, i admire your loyalty. . . :lol:

[underrated29]

I voted for Ball.

In before U29 gets here.





Why do you think I would choose ball?

All along I have said our run game has sucked not because of the RB but because of the OL. If hillman started the year I would still be adamant of the same and people would be calling for Ball to the starter....or Juwann...or CJ. Somehow people seem to think of it as a Hillman vs ball thing.

Having said that I have never liked hillman, not one bit. But damn is he running his little ass off right now! I still fear he is not the guy but if he keeps playing like this it will not matter. I also still believe that when Ball comes back he does equally as good of a job, just like Juwann would right now or CJ- if given the reps.




Maybe what all of our RBs need is a sit in the doghouse. Knowshon worked well. Hillman is doing it. Maybe CJ and Ball need their time in the penalty box.

[Timmy!]

I think Hillman fits our offense better, but echo what others have said about durability and cold weather ahead. Also, I almost pissed myself when we lined up in power I on several occasions last night....what a concept :lol: ....seriously though if we can do that when needed (Thompson at FB is a nice wrinkle) it will be even more fun to watch. When Ball gets back the best idea is probably go 3 headed monster, and keep all the backs fresh for January.

[capt. Jack]

Hillman, until Montee Ball shows us something. ( Which he has not done )

[tomjonesrocks]

I've gotta disagree. Thompson has very clearly been much more effective than Ball was - and if anything he seems like a short yardage specialist who will get you 3 if you need 2. Guy runs hard and has good size.

Barring injury if Ball's return puts Thompson back on the bench I'll be pissed.

Ball should start from scratch.

[Canmore]

Go with the hot hand(s). Hillman and Thompson look great. Don't mess with it.

[HORSEPOWER 56]

Go with the hot hand(s). Hillman and Thompson look great. Don't mess with it.

My sentiments exactly. Why mess with something that's working and go back to something that wasn't? We all know what NFL really stands for...

[Simple Jaded]

No way in hell is Thompson a better goal line back than Ball, imo, no way.

[CrazyHorse]

People can hate on Ball but our offense line has been run blocking better too. Hillman should start at the moment until Ball can be eased back into the lineup. Ideally he should take some of Thompson's carries so we can see how he does with an offensive line that's clicking.

[CrazyHorse]

No way in hell is Thompson a better goal line back than Ball, imo, no way.

Yep, the NCAA record for touchdowns says so.

[Joel]

Maybe. Thompson's TD last night came from the FB spot..having the advantage of the "quick" hand off when the defense is basically watching Hillman. Thompson runs tough, and I'm not taking anything away from him. I was basically meaning because of size, Ball is better for GL than Hilllman. I'm not saying you are wrong, but I haven't seen anything from Thompson, yet, that makes me confident that is the case.
Thompson had TWO scores in that game, and, if the second was dubious, he gained what he did pretty much entirely ON HIS OWN. By the highlighted logic, Ball's better suited to short yardage than Hillman is—but Thompson's better suited than Ball: He's only 1" taller, but 15 lbs. heavier (and Anderson's got the best build of all, as heavy as Thompson but 3" shorter, so THICK.) Ball hasn't had lots of holes, but had trouble finding those few; Hillman and Thompson don't, and Thompson has the pile-moving tackle-breaking ability Hillman lacks, so I want him to remain at least #2 until/unless Ball proves himself better.


Barring injury if Ball's return puts Thompson back on the bench I'll be pissed.

Ball should start from scratch.
Agreed.

[OrangeHoof]

My issues with Hillman were a) fumbling and b) pass blocking. He seems to have become satisfactory at both and he's explosive on a fast field. Ball is not exactly fumble-free himself although I think he's a better inside runner.

So, ball would probably be the choice in goal-line, short yardage and bad weather games although Gase will probably find a way to utilize both and keep them fresh for the stretch run and the playoffs.

[Nomad]

For me, Hillman with no question.


This^^^^^. Ball already knows it.

[I Eat Staples]

We used 2nd round picks on running backs in back to back drafts, so at least one of them is working out.

Ball never fit a spread offense anyway, and he doesn't fit ANY offense when he runs as hesitantly as he has been. He looks like the Colts version of Trent Richardson and his 2.4 YPC.

[HORSEPOWER 56]

We used 2nd round picks on running backs in back to back drafts, so at least one of them is working out.

Ball never fit a spread offense anyway, and he doesn't fit ANY offense when he runs as hesitantly as he has been. He looks like the Colts version of Trent Richardson and his 2.4 YPC.

I'm not giving up on Ball, but we aren't exactly a pro style ground n pound offense. We are in the same position we were 2 years ago. Ronnie was the newest toy so he got the start over Moreno even though Moreno had more experience. Ronnie played himself out of a job. Moreno came in and we improved.

Now we start Ball because he's the newest toy and starter by default. He got hurt and Ronnie's experience in the offense and confidence after having to sit is showing.

[underrated29]

We used 2nd round picks on running backs in back to back drafts, so at least one of them is working out.

Ball never fit a spread offense anyway, and he doesn't fit ANY offense when he runs as hesitantly as he has been. He looks like the Colts version of Trent Richardson and his 2.4 YPC.


Hillman was a 3rd rd pick not 2nd, just FYI.


Ball may fit the blocking scheme we are running now. Gase completely gave up on JT blocking lbs, he now motions across and gets them. We are also now running a better zone because of it. As evidence by the many, now wide open holes, and fewer defense guys in the backfield.

[Slick]

Why do you think I would choose ball?

All along I have said our run game has sucked not because of the RB but because of the OL. If hillman started the year I would still be adamant of the same and people would be calling for Ball to the starter....or Juwann...or CJ. Somehow people seem to think of it as a Hillman vs ball thing.

Having said that I have never liked hillman, not one bit. But damn is he running his little ass off right now! I still fear he is not the guy but if he keeps playing like this it will not matter. I also still believe that when Ball comes back he does equally as good of a job, just like Juwann would right now or CJ- if given the reps.




Maybe what all of our RBs need is a sit in the doghouse. Knowshon worked well. Hillman is doing it. Maybe CJ and Ball need their time in the penalty box.

Because you defended Ball when everyone was bashing the hell out of him.




I thought the poll was public. How come there are 2 anonymous votes for Ball?

[I Eat Staples]

Hillman was a 3rd rd pick not 2nd, just FYI.

You're right, I don't know why I thought he was a 2nd round pick.

[BroncoWave]

Because you defended Ball when everyone was bashing the hell out of him.




I thought the poll was public. How come there are 2 anonymous votes for Ball?

I think non-members can vote in polls.

[Slick]

I think non-members can vote in polls.

Guests can vote? How un-american.

[BroncoWave]

Guests can vote? How un-american.

Next thing you know they are gonna start letting women vote.

[WARHORSE]

Hillman.

[underrated29]

Because you defended Ball when everyone was bashing the hell out of him.




I thought the poll was public. How come there are 2 anonymous votes for Ball?





I did yes, but had it been any other rb I would have defended them too. Even Hillman who I do not like.did not like. Not sure if I like. But I'm starting to like. I was taking issue with the OL and the scheme. Which both, OL and scheme have been changed and fixed for the waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyy better.

[Slick]

I don't mind being the only guy to vote for Ball. Denver's going to need him. I am worried that his confidence is shot. You could see it in the way he played before he got hurt. Now that he's hurt, he's got that sad puppy dog look on his face while Hillman's being productive.

[underrated29]

I don't mind being the only guy to vote for Ball. Denver's going to need him. I am worried that his confidence is shot. You could see it in the way he played before he got hurt. Now that he's hurt, he's got that sad puppy dog look on his face while Hillman's being productive.



He will bounce back. I have no worries about ball. The radio said it best. He is on the outside looking in and not liking it. He will come back for the better because of it.

[Slick]

He will bounce back. I have no worries about ball. The radio said it best. He is on the outside looking in and not liking it. He will come back for the better because of it.

He looked like he was about to cry during the San Diego game.

[underrated29]

That's a good thing I think.