I’ve always believed that we will go as far as Cutler will take us. If he plays well, our running game benefits…if he plays poorly, our running game will suffer. It’s strange to say this, because in years past our passing game depended on how well our running game performed…in 2008, the opposite is the case.

Nice post Guru.

The thing that worries me the most is that the coaching staff will see the loss of Hillis as a major setback and in reaction cutback on running the ball. I hope they keep hammering away with the running game and don’t give up on it because of this injury.

We’re witnessing a paradigm shift in the Broncos offense as we move into the Bates/Cutler pass-first era and away from the classic Kubiak/Elway era of run-first football. This offense is predicated on throwing the ball first. Hell, even with Hillis we ran him primarily out of 3wr sets against NYJ and out of the shotgun last week.

This is a classic example of a coach coaching to his strengths. Shanny has a young, innovative, pass-happy OC, a strong-armed, confident young QB, the best WR and TE tandems in the league, and the best pass-blocking O-Line in the league. Couple that with the lack of an every-down beast at RB, and it’s no wonder Shanny’s changed the identity of this offense.

Hillis was on his way to becoming that every-down beast, imo, and would have turned this offense into an unstoppable force down the stretch. It’s a bummer that that’s not going to happen, but it doesn’t mean all hope is lost. If Jay plays well, we can beat anyone, and if Jay lays an egg in the first round of the playoffs we’re one and done…

as long as the line opens holes. When they don’t open holes, there will be no running game. It doesn’t matter who is back there. When a RB loses yardage or runs for little or no gain, that is because defenders are there waiting for them.

Hillis can get those two, three, four extra yards that others can’t get, but Tater or whoever else is back there will still be able to run, based on what the O-line does. And Cutler and his awesome supporting cast in the passing game will take care of the rest.

is a huge blow for this team. Yes, they won football games before Hillis was even on the depth chart, but they won better games with him and it has given Jay the ability to throw the ball around more. Hillis is a guy that gives it everything he’s got and that’s what we needed. The team was vastly improved from previous weeks when the ball only went from Jay to a receiver. I’m not sold on Tatum Bell and I think the loss of Hillis really hurts. I think there’s a relationship between the revival of the running game and the new play of the offense.

I don’t think the season is a wash, but I do think that Hillis was one of the big positives for the offense these past couple of weeks. I don’t want to see the return of the “No Run” offense for the Broncos.

We started the year with a no-name stable of RBs and have been plugging them in as necessary. They’ve done an admirable job, and the 0-line has allowed for success, for the most part. We will continue to do that, as there is no choice. It’s all about the playoffs now. Never fear! I was glad to see Carolina win last night; maybe they will be a little complacent when the Broncos come to town. But don’t underestimate our team. I’m sure there are more surprises in store, since they are steadily improving. They can outscore the Panthers in a shootout, if necessary. If not, then we’re going after the Bills, cuz it’s all about the playoffs at this point in time.

1) I agree with Guru. We don’t have to have Hillis to win. If we can commit to the run, our excellent OL, and our HB’s coach, our system will help us move forward. I’m not saying that just any RB will do. I am saying that our system is a great fit for a one cut runner, and we can get by and still win.

2) At the same time, we are a much, much better team with Hillis. Hillis gives us several things we miss without him. We are better in short yardage, we can wear down defenses, we would run more knowing that Hillis can get the job done, and teams would have to move their LBs to the center, and not cheat SAFs outside, knowing the threat of a run up the gut. Opposing MLBs would also have to play close to scrimmage in man instead of back in a mid zone, because of the virtual assurance of at least a couple of yards Hillis gives us.

What I like about Hillis is that he makes the passing game more effective, and less risky for INTs. With his contribution to the time of possession battle, it would take a lot of pressure off of our defense.

Hillis is a major loss, but Guru is right. We’ll adapt, and we’ll overcome.

…if Cutler audibles it to a bootleg or 3 step drop and slings the ball where he feels he wants to sling it. =-)

I think that Denver’s system and their head coach (game planning, knowing when to run) can get around a 4.5 yard average with any young man that can run hard.

As long as 6 is back there, we’re good.

if Boyd, Pinnock or even Larsen shows the opposing D that hey have to fear runs between the tackles. Perhaps it’s just a belief, but I think that one of the huge things about Hillis was the ability (and thanks to the MHR faithful one who put up the great stats chart) to consistently hammer out good yards up the middle.

I was reading the comments section regarding the single wing. I think that we’ve talked about this, but is the wildcat type formation a varient on the single wing. There seem to be similarities

We’re putting our faith in unproven, undrafted players who we’ve never seen run the football. Torain, anyone? Hillis was a good back, better than Selvin Young and much better than Tatum Bell. We need someone like him, but I’ll hold my tongue until we see what the other backs can step up and do.