The Denver Broncos acquired Running Back Lance Ball November 3rd, 2009 when he was signed to the team's Practice Squad. That was where he finished the season. At the beginning of 2010, Denver signed him to a Futures contract, but Lance got cut in Training Camp and ended up on the Practice Squad to start the 2010 NFL season. He was promoted it to the Active Roster on November 10th and appeared in 10 games during the 2010 campaign. He was 3rd on the team in rushing with 158 yards on 41 carries for a 3.9 average. Lance has held on to his roster spot ever since. After completing his 3rd season in the league, Ball is currently an Exclusive Rights Free Agent. Let's take a close up at the young Running Back.
OVERVIEW:
Ball ranked third on the club with 402 rushing yards in 2011. In Week 8 vs. Detroit, he had Denver’s longest play from scrimmage, a 34-yard run four plays into the game’s opening series. Lance ran a career-high 30 times for 96 yards in the Broncos' Week 10 win over the Chiefs while pacing a Denver rushing attack that racked up 244 yards. Willis McGahee (hamstring) and Knowshon Moreno (knee) left the game early on and Ball was the only back left to carry the workload. The Broncos ran on 22 of their first 23 plays, and passed the ball just eight times in the contest. He got his first NFL Rushing Touchdown during Week 15 against the New England Patriots on a 32-yard burst in the first quarter. That marked the second-longest rush of his career. As a receiver, he caught 16 passes for 148 yards including a 9-yard Touchdown pass from Kyle Orton in the Monday Night season Opener against Oakland, the only Broncos score of the game.
Ball also contributed on Special Teams with one 9-yard Kick Return and 4 Tackles.
Lance made $405,000 in 2011. As a player entering his 4th year, he will earn at least $700,000 in 2012.
Ball is a Journeyman type Running Back who is capable off the bench. After Knowshon Moreno's ACL injury and his recent show of immaturity, Ball should receive a tender to earn the back-up spot to Willis McGahee in Training Camp.
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0 recs | 80 comments
Re-sign him yes.
Truth be told though I hope he doesn’t make the 53 man roster. I hope he is cutable when it comes to final cuts.
Digger24 - February 10, 2012
Very deftly stated, Dig.
And I agree with all parts of your statement, wholeheartedly. Ball strikes me as a good dude, and a “try hard” type. But hopefully new talent makes him expendable during the cut to 53…
ncm42 - February 10, 2012
Agreed
I was surprised to see he averaged over 4 yards per carry, though.
Bronco Rob - February 10, 2012
Ditto, Diggy!
Fabio Broncos - February 10, 2012
There are numerous freakish athletes from Maryland in the NFL
Vernon Davis, Torrey Smith, etc., Lance Ball is not among them. However, UM alum Bonnie Bernstein is a cutie
the new Bradfather - February 10, 2012
Yes, but
He finished his career as the 4th leading rusher and 4th all time touchdown list.
Hondolo - February 11, 2012
One thing about Lance is... He is durable and has progressed each year in the league.
400 yards rushing as a backup isn’t anything to sneeze at, but I know there are some on here who would have done away with him long ago. Re-sign him and let him fight ot out in TC with Knowshon, Fannin, Johnson and others they will bring in.
bfree2bronc - February 10, 2012
I still hope we have 4 RBs on the roster better than him
1. McGahee
2. a 2nd rounder
3. Moreno
4. a prospect we find late in the draft or UDFA who shows a better level than Ball/Johnson/Omon/Fannin
Fabio Broncos - February 10, 2012
Only 4?
Digger24 - February 10, 2012
On the final-53 I mean
I’d like to have 4RBs and 1FB… and 1 more RB as practice squad.
Fabio Broncos - February 10, 2012
Do you think we will re-sign Larsen?
Digger24 - February 10, 2012
Tolbert
McGahee
Moreno
draft pick
Larsen
Fanin and Johnson on PS
Digger24 - February 10, 2012
I like Larsen
And I can’t see he going worse than Sylvester in TC, but who knows…
I don’t know if you made an order, but if so I think Tolbert would be our #2 behind McGahee… and if the ‘draft pick’ is a 2nd rounder, Moreno goes behind him also.
RB: McGahee / Tolbert / 2nd rounder / Moreno
FB: Larsen
PS: Jonhson (assuming Ball would sign as a #3 or #4 elsewhere) and Sylvester or Fanin
Fabio Broncos - February 10, 2012
And btw...
What a 1-2 punch it would be
McGahee + Tolbert
2nd rounder + Moreno
Possibly the best unit of HBs in the NFL imo.
Fabio Broncos - February 10, 2012
I was thinking
more along the lines of 4th round.
Rainey or Hillman. Speedy guys.
Digger24 - February 10, 2012
Hillman is a wise investment
San Diego State alums are always swift, Marshall Faulk, of course, but also Az Hakim, Darnay Scott, even Haven Moses was an ex-Aztec!
the new Bradfather - February 11, 2012
Agree with Digger, re-sign him for cheap to compete in camp and hopefully we have someone better that makes him expendable.
BroncoMath101 - February 10, 2012
I'm shocked
that so many people want Ball to be resigned.
The dude is an average runner at his best and offers very little in the pass game or special teams.
I say let the guy go and let Willis, Knowshon, Jeremiah Johnson, Mario Fannin and whoever we sign/draft battle it out for those spots
Nick Cast - February 10, 2012
I think most of us dont want to start over with someone else.
But as far as running backs go, you can plug just about any of them into any system. A good RB is a good RB. If we get a good FA or a good draft pick…cut Ball.
alkatraz76 - February 10, 2012
Nick, to resign him doesn't mean to have him on the final roster....
Just don’t give him guaranteed money and keep looking at better backs.
Fabio Broncos - February 10, 2012
Then what’s the point of signing him if you are looking to upgrade him anyway? I say just let him go. It won’t be hard to find a replacement for him.
Nick Cast - February 10, 2012
But
if we have him in camp, cut him, no one else picks him up, we have him available to us if say we have a bunch of RB injuries.
Digger24 - February 10, 2012
Come to think of it an UDFA will do the same thin for us.
He would be on our PS.
Digger24 - February 10, 2012
Exactly
At the very least, Lance Ball will add more competition beetwen our veterans, drafteds, UDFAs, FAs, and whoever we sign at h-back.
Fabio Broncos - February 10, 2012
What year was that
with all the RBs going down and we got Bell in at the end?
Digger24 - February 10, 2012
It's the issue of being a run-first (and the best rushing offense in NFL) team...
Injury is always a “must have a plan B, C, D, E” when we talk about HB.
Fabio Broncos - February 10, 2012
That was the the Travesty of 2008
When we all fell in love with Hillis, then the Jets put him on IR. Larsen even got in on the action!
CH74 - February 11, 2012
Dolphins put him on IR.
Actually, CUTLER put him on IR during the Dolphins game. Hillis popped a hammy hauling in a high throw. I only say that because the Jets game was one of his best games. He tore those fools up!
ncm42 - February 11, 2012
I double checked, it was actually the Chefs game in Week 14 (The week after da Jets)
I was a week off, it’s hard to keep all those injuries from 08 straight!
CH74 - February 11, 2012
LOL!
Especially in the RB corps. The year of the infamous “rescuing Tatum Bell from the cell phone kiosk” move.
So that year Hillis went for 100 rushing against the Jets, 100 receiving against the Dolphins, and then hurt on that great catch against the Chiefs?
ncm42 - February 11, 2012
Thats what his Wikipedia says, I knew it was towards the end of the season
It seemed like there was a curse going on that year in the backfield. That Jets game was big because much like 2011, no one gave us a chance. Snatching Tatum Bell up off the street out of pure desperation is a very sad chapter.
CH74 - February 13, 2012
Insurance?
CH74 - February 11, 2012
Considering how he has proven to be a better runner than Johnson or Fannin
I see no reason why not to keep him at least through camp since we know he’s better than those guys, but if he falls behind Moreno and any other RB’s we bring it, that’s fine, but thinking that Fannin or Johnson will outplay him is a bit shocking considering both have showed limited promise.
Topher Doll - February 10, 2012
He hasn't proven to be better than Fannin
from anything I’ve heard. Fannin got hurt as he was starting to turn coaches’ heads in TC.
ncm42 - February 11, 2012
Actually it seemed Fannin was struggling in TC
According to those who attended TC. Fannin is fast, but seemed lack vision and would generally head to where there wasn’t a hole. Add in his struggles in terms of actually breaking or bouncing off tacklers isn’t a good sign. I’m not saying he’s going to just be a failure, but Ball has proven NFL ability, Fannin was average in TC.
Topher Doll - February 11, 2012
I hadn't heard the stuff about his vision and decision making problems.
Thanks for the info.
ncm42 - February 11, 2012
It's fine
And it is a limited setting since TC was shortened. We’ll see more of him this TC so we can get a better picture of his abilities.
Topher Doll - February 11, 2012
When it comes to running the football, I will take Johnson over Ball every day of the week and twice on Sunday. I am still pissed that he didn’t get more opportunities because I like his game a whole lot more then Lance Ball’s.
I’ve seen everything there is to see from Lance Ball. I think there are a ton of guys who can do exactly what he does which is run the ball for 3-4 yards on 10 or so touches.
Fannin hasn’t proven anything, but his ceiling is higher then Ball’s. Coming out of college, there was talk of moving over to fullback due to his great blocking. He could be a RB/FB hybrid who happens to have incredible speed. I’ll take a guy with upside like that over Ball.
Nick Cast - February 11, 2012
I really wonder what backup there is for your comments
Outside of just personal desire or opinion.
Topher Doll - February 11, 2012
You’re a stat guy, but I certainly am not. There are a lot of things in football that can’t be explained by facts. I know what I see.
I see Lance Ball consistently getting 3-4 yards. He’s not fast, he’s not a grinder. He’s got okay vision. He can catch passes, but don’t expect him to do anything with the ball in open space. He’s decent in pass pro.
When I watch Jeremiah Johnson, I see a guy with some burst to his game. He’s got above average vision and instincts. He’s a guy who can make some plays with the ball in his hand. Catches passes well.
I am still baffled that Johnson didn’t get more touches after Moreno went down.
Nick Cast - February 11, 2012
What you described about Ball
Is exactly what I expect from a #3 RB, Nick.
Fabio Broncos - February 11, 2012
I was just about to write the same thing
Topher Doll - February 11, 2012
Getting 3-4 yards and being decent in pass pro? That’s what you expect from a #3 RB?
I guess I just have higher standards.
Nick Cast - February 11, 2012
I really doubt you can find a much better #3 RB...
I know you don’t like stats and etc, but you can’t deny it provides us some concrete stuff to have a better idea comparing 2 players. And I’m sure if you look at every single team in NFL and look at their #3 RB, you’ll realizes Ball is very decent and serviceable.
Fabio Broncos - February 13, 2012
The reason Johnson isn't given more touches
Is because he’s the type of back who doesn’t seem to be the guy who can handle a lot of touches, add in there must be a behind the scenes issue as well, if he is as good as some here think he is, but from all reports out of Denver, and in the games, he’s getting about the right number of touches.
Topher Doll - February 11, 2012
It may all just come down to Special Teams play too.
Ball is a contributor there, which is what you expect from a #3. Jeremiah hasn’t shown anything on ST’s.
Just a thought.
KaptainKirk - February 11, 2012
You’re right about one thing and that is that there is something going on behind the scenes because it makes no sense that someone with his talent and skills isn’t getting more touches.
Nick Cast - February 11, 2012
how does Jeremiah Johnson not get more reps?
the new Bradfather - February 10, 2012
Great question.
This disparity in reps between Ball and Johnson frustrated me throughout last season.
Agent Jerry Fletcher - February 11, 2012
I'm not shocked that so many want him gone
There is an expectation for a back to be over the 3.5 – 4.0 yd/carry mark. Lance hit that. Even when Moreno was playing Lance would be in passing downs. So, I believe the coaches are comfortable with him in the pass package. He got first downs in short yardage situations.
I guess he doesn’t have the flash, so it’s easy to forget the production.
Hondolo - February 11, 2012
Sign him for cheap and have him be a backup.
Lance Ball is nice to have around just in case the broncos have what happened during the Chiefs game.
tiderfootball09 - February 10, 2012
No need to sign Ball
He is mediocre. Showed nothing this year. If we need bodies for camp, pick up an undrafted rookie – can’t do worse than Ball.
si_ice - February 10, 2012
I think he might be sub-mediocre.
He’s easy to upgrade.
Agent Jerry Fletcher - February 11, 2012
Settling for Ball would mean we failed at one of the prime need offseason acquisitions....
I’d lick pavement for 400K a year….. I don’t see paying almost a million for Ball.
Broncotodd - February 10, 2012
Ball earned 405K this year...
We can offer him the same contract with no guaranteed money. He would be on the bubble and add competition for the final 53 roster.
Fabio Broncos - February 10, 2012
+1
Maybe a little more even.
Digger24 - February 10, 2012
The minimum salary for a 4th year player in 2012 is $700,000
He will make at least that. That is decent value for a 3rd string RB.
KaptainKirk - February 10, 2012
700K is a lot of money....I guess we need to see how KM recovers before shutting the door on Ball.
Sadly, I can name many backup RB’s better than Ball. Sproles, McCluster, Tolbert, Bush, to name a few…..
I still have hopes for Fannin, but that may be a pipe dream. We’ll see in camp!
Broncotodd - February 10, 2012
McCluster isn't really used as a pure RB
He’s actually a WR who lines up as an H-back similar to Harvin. Bush is actually a starter and Tolbert is a fullback rather than a running back and usually has as many snaps as a starting RB.
Topher Doll - February 10, 2012
Great call, Kaptain
But the point is: if he shows he deserve a spot on the roster, great! pay him the minimum.
If not, that’s ok… We move on with a better hback.
Fabio Broncos - February 11, 2012
I don't think he will make that much
Hondolo - February 11, 2012
He has to.
That is the league minimum per the new CBA.
KaptainKirk - February 11, 2012
I'd lick pavement
but cherry-flavored chalk is much sweeter
the new Bradfather - February 11, 2012
I have a Love/Hate feeling about this time of year!
I love the excitement. I hate the waiting. Post like this help, thanks KK.
ThorpeBroncosfan - February 10, 2012
Lol
I hear you. I can’t wait for Training Camp, but the Combine and the Draft are fun too, even if they are only teasers until the season starts once more.
KaptainKirk - February 11, 2012
People seem to forget a #3 RB shouldn't be fantastic
The fact some fans believe we need a strong, starting quality QB that deep in the depth chart is a mistaken idea. A player at that spot is expected to be able to average over 3 YPC, carry 5-10 times a game and be a balanced runner, Ball actually does all those things with a better YPC.
No one is saying he’s great, we’re saying he’s a #3 RB, which is what we need.
Topher Doll - February 10, 2012
ultimately
we should try and find someone else who’s better. If that doesn’t work, there are worse prospects than Ball, but I would like an upgrade, if at all possible
the new Bradfather - February 11, 2012
RB is a hard one for me...
I think the WHOLE running back stable needs an upgrade!
boydy2669 - February 11, 2012
Totally agree boydy.
If we are going to be a run first team, we need a running game. It didn’t look good when Willis went down. I don’t think having your QB be your #2 RB shows dedication to your running game.
ThorpeBroncosfan - February 11, 2012
Yep...you need 1st or 2nd round guys man...marquis guys.
boydy2669 - February 11, 2012
McGahee is a marquis guy.
The question then becomes who he will split time with and be our #1 if Willis goes down? Is that still Moreno? If Moreno is considered a 3rd down back now, does that mean he is #2, or is he #3 and we need a #2 who is similar to Willis? Ball would not be that guy in my eyes.
Digger24 - February 11, 2012
McGahee WAS a marquis guy man...I have severe doubts about his age and durability.
boydy2669 - February 12, 2012
Boydy's right.
We need to revamp the whole stable. Keep McGahee, but make him 1b. The rest are all replaceable and should be upgraded.
Agent Jerry Fletcher - February 11, 2012
I'm also in total agreement with Boydy
But if the FO doesn’t make those upgrades it doesn’t hurt to keep Ball
Arctic Bronco - February 11, 2012
Yes
I would resign him just to give him a shot in camp and keep continuity.
SteveUK - February 11, 2012
That is pretty much where I'm at.
Mario Fannin, Jeremiah Johnson and Xavier Omon will have something to say about it, along with any FA or draft picks. The ERFA situation pretty much means he’ll be back.
KaptainKirk - February 11, 2012
competition makes this country great (and Canada :)
and it will make our Broncos great!
the new Bradfather - February 11, 2012
I don't understand the liability
Yes he was UDFA, yes he has been on several teams. But this year he had 500+ total yards in his first year of extended play. He’s solid at pass protection and blocking(plus a number of pancake blocks), he has decent hands (but needs to focus more on catching) and he was solid on special teams (blocking, coverage, and running).
I’m not too sure why everyone is trying to kick the kid out of Denver. Ball is a Blue Collar player and has brought some grit to the Broncos. The experience he got this year will only make him better next year. He reminds me of Mwelde Moore from the Steelers, a good backup RB who was reliable.
Hondolo - February 11, 2012
Let ball compete in camp.
OrangeRhino - February 11, 2012 via mobile
Hit the button before I finished my post.
Let ball compete in camp and I think if we get 1 good RB in FA or the draft we’ll be good. Let’s not forget that TT will get at least 5-10 carries a game also. Also, I like Larsen but a true sledge hammer FB would do wonders for the younger TB’s like Ball.
OrangeRhino - February 11, 2012 via mobile
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