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Willis McGahee came in during the 2011 offseason and simply just blew away all expectations that fans had. I'd even go as far as to argue that had McGahee started in week one against the Oakland Raiders (instead of Knowshon Moreno) the Denver Broncos likely would have won the game. This would have had multiple repercussions, Tim Tebow not starting so soon being the least of them.
Speaking of Moreno, he is signed through 2012, fullback Spencer Larsen however is currently situated in the unrestricted free agent pile. I would fully expect the Broncos to re-sign Larsen. He is one of a slim few reasons Denver led the league in rushing in 2011.
Lance Ball has improved in every one of his three seasons as a professional and I would expect him to carry on the tradition of having each year be better than his last. Fan favorite Jeremiah Johnson will also only improve in his third season in the NFL. That's four good to decent running backs on the roster, but keep in mind that rookie Mario Fannin sat on the injured reserve in 2011 and remains signed and third year running back Xavier Omon has just been signed to a future contract.
So do the Broncos even need a free agent running back this offseason or should they focus elsewhere?
Speaking of Madden, Peyton Hillis should be available and I know that fans in Denver would love to right the Brady Quinn trade and get him back in orange and blue. I don't know that it is publicly known why Hills was traded, but I think you can take a look at what went on with him in Cleveland and possibly see what may have been going on with the Broncos. I won't say that Hillis will not be in a Denver uniform next season, but I do not expect him to be a member of the Browns.
A look at some other options who could be available via free agency; Cedric Benson from the Cincinnati Bengals could want to walk, but character concerns and the fact that the Bengals would be stifled without him lead me to believe that he will return to Cincinnati.
LeGarrette Blount is one of my favorite options, but as an unrestricted free agent he's hardly worth mentioning. Also fitting into the hardly worth mentioning/this isn't Madden category is Matt Forte who will undoubtedly sign a big free agency contract before vanishing into football obscurity.
Marshawn Lynch makes a lot of sense if he is allowed to test the free agency market at all, he is Denver's running back coach Eric Studesville former disciple and like McGahee had two of his three best seasons while working with Studesville. The Pittsburgh Steelers Isaac Redman is another who makes perfect sense, but he is yet another victim of restricted free agency and won't be leaving Pittsburgh.
The San Diego Chargers will likely let Mike Tolbert walk this offseason and he could get his tires kicked by the Broncos, anyone thinking of former Chargers need look no further than LaDainian Tomlinson who should sign with the New England Patriots at some point earlier in free agency, but if we're staying in the AFC West I'd say Michael Bush may be the most likely addition to Denver's roster. However, it is the Raiders so expect them to spend about $20-million more than he is worth, especially if the Broncos get involved... Although I've read that they're under new management, so who knows?
Do you want a long shot? You will probably never admit to this, but Owen Schmitt is available and you know that you wanted him more than Peyton Hillis in the 2008 draft. He's a serviceable fullback and can catch a pass. If someone breaks the bank on Larsen and Denver finds themselves in need of a fullback you cannot go wrong with Schmitt or the Kansas City Chiefs Le'Ron McClain (whom played with McGahee in Baltimore).
Other honorable mentions in the free agency running back category include: Ronnie Brown, Earnest Graham, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Thomas Jones, and Cadillac Williams.
Do you think I forgot about Arian Foster? I didn't, he is a restricted free agent and though it would be incredible, there is no chance the Broncos sign him.
Missed something? Here are my other free agency previews: quarterbacks and wide receivers.
4 recs | 90 comments
Sign Peyton Hillis. He can replace Larsen at FB but contribute more as a 1a or 1b.
Moreno is reverted to 3rd down/screen passes/draft bust type role.
Zac Man - January 23, 2012
i like that idea, but hillis might be too cool to play FB anymore. we’d need to keep that part secret until he’s signed.
oxmouth - January 23, 2012
Larsen is a cheaper signing
And we already have the bruiser back covered with McGahee. Hillis has already scoffed at 4 million/ year and he has been a cancer in Cleveland.
CH74 - January 23, 2012
McGahee's days are numbered though.
Plus Willis doesn’t pound the rock and finish runs like Hillis does. I’m not solid that I want Peyton, but I def think that Hillis/Mcgahee with Moreno as change of pace could be a problem.
Especially since there is no way all 3 of them make through 16 games.
Triz06 - January 23, 2012
That would be interesting
I would say go for it if it weren’t for all the extra ciricular stuff this season with him. Hillis and Tebow in short yardage could be a scary prospect for opposing DC’s.
The Broncos had sucess this past season because of a team first mentality. Hillis no longer strikes me as a team first kind of player.
CH74 - January 23, 2012
Some people just can't handle success....
Then again… people have doubted his ability for a long time. Not drafted until the 7th round…took like 5 injuries for Shanny to give him a shot… then McD wouldn’t let him off the sideline. He rushed for a G, then Cleveland wouldn’t even extend him.
Maybe once he gets a contract he can go back to focusing on the field.
Triz06 - January 24, 2012
Everyone really needs to give this a rest
There is no way Hillis comes here. He will want a contract that pays at least 2 million per year (didn’t he already say no to 4 million per year). X has repeatedly used words that connote frugality, which means we will not be paying top dollar for a fullback. He had issues when he was here, and those intensified in CLE (not to mention that the issues were not just player/coach or player/management – but his own teamates were pissed at him).
So while he could possibly be productive here, it isn’t going to happen.
brettden - January 23, 2012
I'd like the old Hillis here
but now it’s all in his head. He wants top dollar for one good year, he fumbles alot and is coming off a injury prone year, he’s in for a rude awakening i think.
I would complain if we signed him to a reasonable price, but highly doubt it happens
Scotty Payne - January 23, 2012
I think we are seeing another prima donna loser who McD was right about in Hillis.
I said it when McD traded him and I say it now. McD was right.
JohnCalvinKnox - January 23, 2012
Not to knock you...
but aren’t there more backs out there than the ones you mentioned? Most of the guys you talked about don’t seem like they’d be available to us. Either because they will resign, cost us draft picks, or get more money from a team that likes to over pay (raiders, Skins, etc.)
Triz06 - January 23, 2012
Knock all you would like Triz
I mentioned just over twenty running backs. There are more available through free agency, I’d say close to sixty. I did not feel that all were worth me mentioning, but that doesn’t mean that they won’t get a roster spot.
Between those I mentioned and what will be available through the draft and following in the undrafted free agency there are too many to mention.
IanHenson - January 23, 2012
Its Cool...
Obviously I didn’t expect you to name every single back (actually… thank you for not doing that). I trust that you have narrowed it down to the cream of the crop.
I guess I was hoping, and praying, that there were more options out there. It looks like we may need to spend some money or some draft picks if we want to upgrade the backfield.
Triz06 - January 23, 2012
I would love to get Bush, if he doesn't have any baggage.
I would also like to see us get a diamond in the draft…..but, we have only so many draft picks, and have bigger needs to fill, especially on defense, to use a draft pick. Unless Richardson is available, which he won’t be.
azbroncomaniac - January 23, 2012
I think the end of the season presser
Is a big indicator that we’ll see a defensive heavy draft again this April. I see EFX drafting D early and often. Drafting a RB high is a risky proposition.
CH74 - January 23, 2012
I agree
Look at the Broncos current roster of running backs. Only two were drafted at all and it remains one of the stronger positions the Broncos have on their roster. I do see them getting running backs via free agency and undrafted free agency.
However, I see another defense heavy draft. Offensive line is set, drafting receivers is very hit or miss (as are drafting running backs), Broncos drafted two tight ends last season… I just don’t see them picking many offensive players up via the draft aside from maybe quarterback.
IanHenson - January 23, 2012
Well Fox is known for taking 1st round RBs
but unless Richardson drops I also see a Def pick.
dustfan - January 23, 2012
2 in 9 years....
bfree2bronc - January 23, 2012
2 in a span of 3 years
before that he already had Stephon Davis, he took DeShawn Foster and a few other guys in the 2nd
Scotty Payne - January 23, 2012
What I meant Scotty was he only drafted 2 RBs in the first rd during his 9 years as head coach at Carolina.
bfree2bronc - January 23, 2012
A lot of us forgot about Fannin
We have a pretty stout group returning. I’d like to add a homerun threat to that group, if possible.
CH74 - January 23, 2012
I would be surprised is Fannin does anything
he was undrafted, and tore his ACL and already had injury concerns coming out of college. We would be lucky to get anything from him. He is one of the most Overrated guys on this site, everyone thinks he’ll be able to contribute. He’ll have to compete with other UDFA’s and possible FA signing and draft picks
Scotty Payne - January 23, 2012
other backs with injury history
Didn’t Foster with HOU have injury issues in college, which was part of the reason he wasn’t drafted, right? What about Terrell Davis? He had multiple hamstring problems in college if I recall correctly.
Not saying that Fannin will be a contributor, but he is 210-215# and ran a 4.3 40 at the combine. That guy will get a shot.
brettden - January 23, 2012
Not if he's hurt
and not every UDFA ends up like TD or Foster. Fannin was only on the team for a week, he’s coming off a major injury and might not be fully recovered yet. He might just start on the PUP if they feel like keeping him around.
Scotty Payne - January 23, 2012
Odds aren't good for sure
that he will ever make an impact. I doubt he starts on PUP though he was hurt in the first week of camp I think, and if you are on PUP I don’t think you are allowed to practice. I don’t have the details of his injury, but I was under the impression it was the standard ligament issue, which is typically a 9ish month recovery, I think. So he should be good to go to prove me right or wrong :)
brettden - January 23, 2012
Thats plenty of time for OTAs
CH74 - January 23, 2012
They had to see something
To put him on IR after he cleared waivers, otherwise, they would have let him go and wouldn’t have had to pay him. They basically gave him a redshirt year. I haven’t seen anything definite on the seriousness of his injury. The last I heard, it was a sprained knee.
CH74 - January 23, 2012
Mario Fannin deserves a chance
the new Bradfather - January 23, 2012
Diamond...
Don’t sleep on Mario Fannin. If he heals up completely, I think he has a real chance to be special. He’s big, he’s fast, he’s tough…
ncm42 - January 23, 2012
AND
I posted this before I saw the discussion above. Just ignore me. :-/
ncm42 - January 23, 2012
Lynch does make a lot of sense
But I doubt Seattle lets him walk. I wouldn’t be too suprised if we stood pat with the backs we have and re-signed the Stormin Mormon. I am still curious about Mario Fannin and would love to see what we got there.
CH74 - January 23, 2012
I wouldn't expect Seattle to let him wonder
but if teams already are sending word to agents (which isn’t within the rules, but is happening), maybe he will see what he can get via free agency.
IanHenson - January 23, 2012
We can all dream, Ian!
It would be a nice pickup and a coupe for certain.
CH74 - January 23, 2012
Bring back Spence!
the new Bradfather - January 23, 2012
Before this season I would have shouted HILLIS all day long
But something doesn’t sit right with me and how the season went for Hillis.
I want the team to continue to be built as a TEAM.
trumanj - January 23, 2012
And how he interacted with his teamates
I doubt Fox wants that guy in his locker room.
brettden - January 23, 2012
I think
Our goal should be to have a good enough running back crew that we can (or need to) cut Lance Ball. He’s solid, but there’s nothing special about him, and he can’t catch.
tunesmith - January 23, 2012
This
Nothing against Ball but if we are going to be top rushing team again we need to upgrade.
dustfan - January 23, 2012
I like Lynch a lot
But I doubt he leaves Seattle, he’s mentioned he wants to stay and is loved by the fans there. I don’t like Hillis because he’s struggled in returning to his 2010 form and some serious character issues have come to light. I’d rather we spend our resources elsewhere instead of breaking the bank on a RB.
Topher Doll - January 23, 2012
Im saying go via the draft
McGahee isnt going to carry the load next year, fox already stated he doesnt want McGahee getting 15-25 carries a game.
I honestly think Moreno will be cut, he fell out of favor with Fox when he was healthy. Ball was getting carries ahead of him. Im okay if lance ball is still around as a third stringer, he fits what fox wants, a straight ahead powerful runner.
Johnson and Fannin wont be around.
There’s a few guys in FA who intrigue me, but i dont want to spend all that money that they will be looking for. If we do go after a few guys, Michael Bush or Mike Tolbert are the two guys id like. Tolbert can be the FB/RB guy and he can also catch the ball. I like bush, but he wore down considerably the last part of the season, and i think Oakland will try to retain him, McFadden is always hurt.
But my main targets would be via the draft, Fox loves to draft RB’s early and often. I’d love to draft 1 or maybe even 2 backs this draft. 3 Guys that are my favorites are Lamar Miller, Doug Martin, and LiMichael James. Miller can be our back that carries the load, he has alot of speed and explosion and would be a perfect compliment to McGahee. James would be perfect if we continue to option in our offense, speedy little guy, who’s also tough. Doug Martin a Boise St guy reminds me alot of MJD, Ray Rice type guy. So id like to get one of those guys in rounds 1-2 and look at a guy like Terrance Ganaway, Vick Ballard, Brandon Bolden
Scotty Payne - January 23, 2012
Bush & Tolbert
are both guys I would like to have on the team. Big physical runners, and never hear a bad word about them. I also think us drafting a RB is likely, but I think it will be later. Maybe it is just me, but it seems that position, or the draft position of the RB, has been diminished over the last several years. It would be interesting to look around the league and see where the draft position is for each starting back.
4-5 round for a RB is my call, after we already have gotten DT/DE, CB, OL & MLB/CB.
brettden - January 23, 2012
A good running game is the best defense.
Scotty Payne - January 23, 2012
what do you think about the draft?
Aren’t we seeing less high picks for RBs? I’m not an nfl scout, but I think it is realistic to expect to find a guy that can contribute in the 3rd or 4th round. Less likely to find a pash rusher in the 3rd or 4th round.
brettden - January 23, 2012
draft is a crap shoot
depends each draft. Trent Richardson will be a top 5-10 player this year. End of the first and beginning of the 2nd is when most RB’s go. I’d be okay with trading out of the first and picking one up that way
Scotty Payne - January 23, 2012
What is our priority?
If we have a choice between a pash rusher or a RB which do you choose? I am going to go with the pash rusher every time. I really like the way the NYG operate, and look at their draft history. An large percentage of the #1, #2 picks over the past 5 -7 years are defensive players. It is no accident that they have such a tremendous pash rush, or DBs and LBs that can play all three downs.
I’m with Brian Billick, lock up the offenseive staff for the first two rounds, then let ’em participate. Every few years you grab a special offensive talent to balance it out, and a FA here or there to round it all out.
I really will be surprised this year if we dont go DT/DE followed by CB in the draft. It is our greatest need and I think the value at our picks will meet the needs.
brettden - January 23, 2012
Okay then who's our running back next year?
McGahee isnt going to carry the load, anything you get from Moreno is a success. Ball/Johnson/Fannin arent going to do squat.
Sure and go draft a later round guy, he might make it, but the odds are against him. Ideally i’d like to go… RB in the 1st, DT/DE/CB in the 2nd, or vice versa. I believe EFX will target a veteran CB in free agency though
Scotty Payne - January 23, 2012
What I would do
if I were the decision maker is this: first bring back the group that we already have, second look for a college back that has versatility and target round 3-5, third bring in a mid level FA guy that won’t break the bank. My first choice would be tolbert and my second choice would be bush. IF those guys were too mcuh, I would look at the next tier, a back who has not done much yet, but has shown some signs of growth (is that vauge enough?)
brettden - January 23, 2012
Doug Martin all the way
Also I like wlison over miller. Wilson has the size and shiftiness to be successful up the middle. From what I have seen he is much more effective all around.
jshaw546 - January 23, 2012 via mobile
I think RB will be one of the top priorities this offseason
I think if we’re going to continue with Tebow at QB, we need to have a talented group at RB. Everyone on here keeps saying “We should draft a guy later”, i disagree. Mike Shanahan and Bobby Turner arent here, we arent making no name guys into 1200-1500 yard rushers.
In this offense we need talented RB’s, why i think we will target a RB early in the draft and might even sign one too.
Also remember fox drafted 2 1st round running backs in a 3 year span, so it’s not out of the question that we’ll take a RB early.
Scotty Payne - January 23, 2012
good point on Fox draft history
But I think the guys on the roster are going to make more hay than you are giving them credit for and I think the noise from the other side of the room (defense) is going to be loud enough to dominate the top of our draft board.
brettden - January 23, 2012
What Fox did in Carolina
In the past is not really relevant to here and now. They are different teams and different scenarios and you have to ask yourself, did he make those moves or did the front office play a role? The front office in Denver will have some say and a lot of sway in what happens. Elway has said you can win in this league if you are dominant on one side of the ball and merely good on the other. Right now, our Denver Broncos are a lot closer to being dominant on the Defensive side of the ball. I think Elway will continue to build on that. The Broncos were the number one rushing team in the league; largely with a depleted group of Running Backs. We have a strength there, even though it isn’t readily apparent. I think it is more feasible to maintain that strength with a value pick up than to roll the dice on a high pick. I think EFX will continue to build on the Defense and try to maintain the talent level on offense. I’d be shocked if they don’t pick D in both the first and second rounds.
CH74 - January 23, 2012
I agree
Which is why my call is defense in first two rounds (best pash rusher 1st and CB 2nd). I could see us going defense again in round 3 or maybe Oline. Reason I say OL is because I think we need to continue to enhance our line depth. I doubt we stay as healthy next year on the line as we did this year, and we need more depth. I like Harris being back, but we need antoher interior guy.
brettden - January 23, 2012
I think his draft history is relevant
Fox loves running the ball and controlling the clock, if fox ball is going to work, we need to control TOP. Running the ball is how you do that, and this past season showed, the run game is our offense. Now i agree, we need to focus on D, But controlling the TOP is a major factor in how your D plays.
Look at the teams in the playoffs this year, Steelers, Ravens, Niners and Us. Neither team(outside of Pitt argueably) has a dominant passing game. They win with defense and running the ball. We lack at both sides. Running game will be suspect this year, and our D is suspect and young. I can see us targeting both early and often.
Scotty Payne - January 23, 2012
I think running game is more than the back
I say a great running game is 60-70% on the Oline and 30-40% on the back. McGahee certainly gets more than the line gives him, but the better we are in the tranches, the better any back will look.
brettden - January 23, 2012
The Broncos would have been a lot better at controlling TOP
If they were better at picking up third and medium, that means more balance and better passing. Could a Back help us there? Maybe, but not likely. It would have been nice to have the screen game we had with Moreno in some of those instances. As much as we don’t like it, Knowshon is still very much in play in 2012. He played well up until he was injured. He might not live up to his pick, but he can still be a contributor. I’d rather see him as a Tebow’s pitch back than Eddie Royal.
CH74 - January 23, 2012
TOP is overrated
We won TOP over Patriots, but we were blown out without a chance. For every our 3 and out posession they answered with a quick strike for TD. Sure, we kept Brady off the field, but as soon as he got on, he killed us. We need defense.
si_ice - January 23, 2012
I agree, to an extent
If a team can sustain drives and score at the end of them, then it is a pretty relevant stat. If you look above, this thread is trying to convince Scotty Payne of your exact sentiment. We. Need. Defense.
CH74 - January 23, 2012
Scotty I agree. Brian Xanders and Matt Russell have a big board ready.
GM and Scout Director are the two point men in the draft.
Yes John and John will be heard but it would need ‘outstanding’ review
I like the coach (outside looking in) because he get tunnel vision.
Last year was good. Von, Rahiim will show, Orlando is solid, Nate will be ready, Quinton is a keeper, and Thomas will be back healthy.
DLMyers - January 23, 2012
There's a caveat
I presume none of us really know what Carolina’s defensive needs were the years they took 1st round RBs. I know I have no idea. Maybe the need at RB was a more glaring need for them. I think the NE loss proved that, even if we have a RB having reasonable success, our D needs major work if we’re going to stay competitive with the Bradys of the world.
To me, D is the overwhelming priority this year. Notwithstanding that, go best player available.
ncm42 - January 23, 2012
Look at the NYG
which is where Fox did the work to get the Carolina job. Their drafts the last five years are 1, 2 and oftentimes 3 on defense, then mixed bag the rest of the way. here and there an offensive player at the top of their draft, but typically defense. Great QB, balanced offense and killer D. That is what I think we are shooting for, so with our first pick we get the best pash rushing DT/DE we can. Then we get more defense.
brettden - January 23, 2012
+1
ncm42 - January 23, 2012
getting more defense seems wise
the new Bradfather - January 24, 2012
Also
the Carolina owner needed to sell tickets. First round draft picks sell tickets. Unless they weigh 300 lbs and are ugly.
yibberat - January 23, 2012
I think if there is any RB who will fall in to football obscurity after signing a fat contract it's Lynch, not Forte
Outside of the last 20 or so games he’s played in as well as his rookie season, he’s played some rather mediocre football and looked disinterested and unmotivated while doing it. If their is a player that screams “I’m only playing to my potential right now to get a big paycheque”, it’s Lynch. I do think he is worth it but buyer beware, he’s had motivational issues in the past and if he leaves Seattle for a much larger contract could be a big red flag.
I also think Bensen will fall into obscurity as well but this will happen whether he signs a big paycheque or not. I just don’t think he has much left in the tank after basically being the only RB in Cincy for the past couple years.
AlbertaBronc - January 23, 2012
I really hope KnoMo can get it together this season and live up to his potential. I’ve been a huge fan of his for a long time, and it sucks that the guy can’t stay healthy. The potential’s there as well as the talent. While most everyone’s given up on him, I hope he can break out this season. I know it’s highly unlikely, but we’ve seen crazier things happen.
jbbroncosfan27 - January 23, 2012 via mobile
Tuton is gone now.
Maybe Knowshon’s injury riddled seasons have something to do with conditioning.
Digger24 - January 23, 2012
Agreed, I still believe in Knowshon
waterboy31321 - January 24, 2012
I'm with you...
… but health is a skill, and KnoMo hasn’t been able to show it yet.
But yeah, when healthy he’s looked far better than folks give him credit for…. he’s just rarely been healthy.
Regardless, at this point his rookie contract is likely pretty cheap/good value, so he’ll be around. If others can beat him out for touches, so be it.
cjfarls - January 24, 2012
I love the idea of
Ben Javarus Green. I can see him wanting out of New England because of the lack of carries he receives. I also believe we could get him for cheaper then Hillis and he is less injury prone and less of a cancer. I say go for him!
RichardBonco - January 23, 2012
And he has never fumbled in his career. For that reason alone though I think Pats will re-sign him.
BroncoMath101 - January 23, 2012
Doug Martin
He’s a MJD type back(5’9 219 lbs) can return kicks( returned the opening kickoff for a TD in the Las Vegas Bowl) and can even play Nickle back on Defense if pressed
Charlie Kirkpatrick - January 23, 2012
I'd be ok with drafting this guy. Can he be had in rd 4?
BroncoMath101 - January 23, 2012
NO, after the combine he may be the #2 draft back.
DLMyers - January 23, 2012
If we go after a FA back I want Tolbert as the top priority. He is a bowling ball and can catch.
He’d be great if we incorporated some 2 back sets. We’d have the option to give it to McGahee, or Tolbert, Tebow keeps it and runs or Tebow keeps it and passes.
I"d love even more if they incorporated a screen game and got Tolbert involved that way.
BroncoMath101 - January 23, 2012
Willis McGahee was a REAL FA find. One in 200.
Ask yourself why is the team letting the RB go? Injury, money, contribution, hum. None of these sit well. The FA backs that I look for are those of their rookie contract. These usually show-up when they realize that the paycheck is about to stop.
DLMyers - January 23, 2012
BUSH...
nough said…
AlwaysRightSometimes - January 23, 2012
As always, I bring up the name Toby Gerhart. Perfect back for our running game philosophy. Not a
FA but is under-used because of AP. Should be explored as a trade possibility. Love the Gerhart.
rubincarterrocks - January 23, 2012
NEW BRONCO BACKFIELD FOR THE NOW AND FUTURE
We should go all in on Micheal Bush 6’1’’ 245lbs bruiser adding him with Willis would be crazy and only 27 with little wear and tear! Also Mike Tolbert 5’9’’ 245 with hands! If we going to commit to the run go ALL IN! We kill 2 birds with 1 stone add to our team and hurt the raiders and chargers also! We draft LaMicheal James in the 3rd round as a 3rd down/pr/k r and our backfield is set for years to come! Willis, Bush, James 3rd down back, Tolbert fb/rb and Ball, Fanin( PS)! Cut Moreno, Johnson dont resign Larsen.
BRONCOFAN4LF - January 23, 2012
The Broncos aren’t going to cut Knowshon Moreno unless the medical staff determines that he will be unable to play this season or for the rest of his career due to his knee injury. All reports indicate that he is healing and rehabbing well from his ACL surgery. Additionally, cutting Moreno makes little sense; Moreno has been paid the majority of his rookie deal. Keeping Moreno as a situational back—particularly to help resurrect our screen and short passing game out of the backfield would be prudent.
RSH089 - January 24, 2012
Need More of This in the Offense Next Season
RSH089 - January 24, 2012
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/09000d5d822fb05f/Tebow-hooks-up-with-Moreno
RSH089 - January 24, 2012
Loved his bicycle dance at the end
Plays like that could have helped out third down conversion rate. Hope Moreno can get and stay healthy this season.
CH74 - January 24, 2012
Great Play, Also Glad to See Moreno Could Make Fun of Himself a Little Bit
RSH089 - January 24, 2012
Kregg Lumpkin
Seriously. He’s a big back who has gotten lost in TB behind LeGarret Blount. He went undrafted in 2008 because it was the deepest RB class in history and his skills have never been feature back type but zone-block one-speed one-cut type. So he was viewed as a tweener RB/FB.
He’s got really really low mileage too. Is great between the tackles (averages 6 yds per carry up the middle) and short yardage and red zone – but TB has Blount for that. They’ve been using him for receiving (more receptions than carries) and end runs (where he sucks) instead. Never had fumble problems. Would fit a zone-blocking system well IMO. He’s probably a minimum price type RB (for a FA) too.
yibberat - January 23, 2012
go get him
the Bucs are stupid enough to let him go, Lucky the Leprechaun ERRR Malcolm Glazer, cares more about Man U. anyway
the new Bradfather - January 23, 2012
And by "cares" you mean saddle them with half a billion dollars of debt
must resist getting on high horse……
mikebirty - January 24, 2012
McGahee averaged a whopping 0.8 yards per carry against the Raiders in Week 1 when Knowshon Moreno started. Moreno wasn’t stellar, but he did average 2 yards more per carry (2.8) than McGahee in that game.
McGahee had a great season, but in Week 1 against Oakland, McGahee was ineffective. I don’t think the Broncos would have won that game merely by having started McGahee instead of Moreno. Mike McCoy and John Fox said they also went away from the run too early in that game.
Now, if the Broncos had started Darren McFadden or Michael Bush in that game, then they more than likely would have won.
Source: http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/boxscore?gameId=310912007
RSH089 - January 24, 2012
If? If?
if my aunt had a package, she’d be my uncle…
the new Bradfather - January 24, 2012
Agree... our oline was getting completely DOMINATED in that game
there was no room for any running back… unless we had Barry Sanders (who needed no oline), it wouldn’t have mattered.
cjfarls - January 24, 2012
If the Broncos don't sign one, expect an early pick to be spent on a RB
boanst - January 24, 2012
I like Tolbert.
I think that would be a good pick. That’s assuming said individual is going to be McGahee’s eventual replacement. I didn’t see a change of pace back that fit the bill, but maybe that’s my ignorance. Hopefully, we become a desirable destination for RBs, and we can land a good one — for the same reason we might not be so desirable for FA WRs.
Orange Rush - January 25, 2012
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