Broncos secret weapon for the play-offs?

by JesseDForrer on Dec 14, 2009 8:59 AM MST

So I have a theory, please keep in mind it's just that a theory. Peyton Hillis began the season in the Dog house because of some fumbles in the preseason. There may be other factors in practice as well that we don't know about but was virtually irrelevant until last week when he played in junk time. Last season he showed skill at running back and as a receiver from the fullback position, and McDaniels knows this as well.

Regardless of some questionable play calling in a few games McDaniels game planning has been superb, the wild horses in New England is an excellent example, and you have to assume he has a trick or two planned for the play-offs. Perhaps one of those planned tricks is to release Hillis, not as a running back unless injuries force him to because we have Moreno and Buck, but possibly in the fullback receiver position.

Him being in McDaniels doghouse early doesn't mean his talents will be ignored, we saw that with Marshall, who started the season in the dog house, even being benched, yet yesterday set an NFL record for receptions (which would have been way better had we won).

So now that its late in the season, perhaps McD has decided to wait 3 weeks before unleashing Hillis, as it seems likely that we will make the playoffs as a wild card. I don't think the offense will revolve around him in any means, but he could be a huge 3rd down/red zone option that may increase the redzone/3rd down performance.

Again, Just a theory, maybe I am wrong, but what if I am right, how awesome would it be if when we reach the playoffs Hillis can help us win a game or 2? Remember his sudden appearance as a receiver against Miami last year?

Jesse D Forrer

This is a Fan-Created Comment on MileHighReport.com. The opinion here is not necessarily shared by the editorial staff of MHR

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Personally

I think he showed a lot in the last minutes of the KC game. You may be on to something. I remember during TC and OTAs, McDaniels had a gleam in his eye every time he talked about Hillis’ talent.

All I know is I sure hope he is still in a Bronco uniform next year, let alone see him score some TD’s for us in the post-season!

First team to three consecutive SB wins!!!! and then some, right? I think four and someone else oughtta have a 'fair' shot ( =

by PearlJamBroncoGFunk on Dec 14, 2009 9:58 AM MST reply actions

I was also thinking the same type of thing

With plays designed specifically for Eddie. We will surely see!!!!

First team to three consecutive SB wins!!!! and then some, right? I think four and someone else oughtta have a 'fair' shot ( =

by PearlJamBroncoGFunk on Dec 14, 2009 9:59 AM MST up reply actions

Sorry folks

Yesterday, with buck gone and larson hurt we needed Hillis in a big way. Not only to relieve the exhausted Moreno, but to lead the way for him as well. Hillis did not respond. Hillis is an all heart 150% effort kinda guy you just have to love – but I think his replacement will be high on McD’s offseason list of things to do.

by Flunkie on Dec 14, 2009 10:06 AM MST reply actions

McDaniels is all about winning.

Puts me in wonder why he is not playing him!

Each week that brings us closer to the ultimate prize,

by Punkin Head on Dec 14, 2009 10:21 AM MST reply actions

I think Hillis would have trouble

if the O line is allowing contact in the backfield. He takes a moment to get that tank rolling! IMO, he needs his blocking to improve, then he is in there more often, and gets more touches.

by idahobronc on Dec 14, 2009 11:02 AM MST reply actions

I think he has not picked up on the blocking at all.

With Knowshon, Correl, and Lamont, he would be the 4th running back. After Larsen, he is the second fullback. He has not pushed hard enough to be the first fullback to be out there to begin with. When Larsen went down, he played in his place and did not do well.

I don’t think McDaniels trusts him to execute for the team. I hope he gains it soon so he can get out on that field and show his stuff.

by precisiontint on Dec 14, 2009 1:45 PM MST reply actions 1 recs

Secret weapon talk

While optimistic, just doesn’t seem realistic to me. I’ve said before, if coach wanted to save a secret weapon, I think he would’ve unveiled it against SD for the division lead. Wouldn’t make sense to save it for the playoffs when there are no guarantees we would even make the playoffs at that point.

- Nick

"We got 'em right where we want 'em!" - Keith Bishop, right before John Elway orchestrated The Drive. 'Nuff said.

by ncm42 on Dec 14, 2009 2:36 PM MST reply actions

Most of us felt he would of been a big part of the playbook yesterday but it wasn't to be.

So, I don’t know what will be his roll in the end.

by bfree2bronc on Dec 14, 2009 2:55 PM MST reply actions

Hillis and Pride

I don’t understand the logic in waiting to use such a powerful weapon. He may have gotten us a few of those short yardage first downs in Indianapolis, and made the difference in the game. Then we’d still be in position to catch the Chargers. However, I don’t believe this is about a secret weapon, or even Hillis’ skills as a running back. I firmly believe McDaniels has a lot of pride, and thinks Hillis was a fluke from the Shanahan era. Shanny had a way of making mediocre running backs look magnificent. McDaniels most likely doesn’t see Hillis’ potential as a short yardage running back, or he would have used him more often this season. Our new coach’s biggest pitfall is his pride, and the Hillis situation is a perfect example of that. He never believed Hillis to be the answer at running back, even with thousands of fans clamoring for him to be used. It’s likely he won’t have any choice but to use him now, with Buck being gone and Moreno not picking up the short yards. I don’t believe Hillis to be a product of the Shanahan scheme. I truly believe Hillis is a diamond in the rough, and hope we see his talents before some other team does. Why wait for the playoffs to use the talent we have? Ask McDaniels…

by danielsanchez06 on Dec 17, 2009 5:41 PM MST reply actions