We are Going to Be A Running Team?

Under McDaniels, the run-pass balance was tilted heavily to the passing side of the ball, especially in 2010 when our running game struggled, largely due to injuries to all three of our primary backs (Moreno, Buckhalter and White) and to three of our offensive line (Clady, Harris, Kuper).

Our first five games in 2010 were pitiful in terms of the run, and it would be helpful to remember that during that span: Moreno was inactive for games 3-5 and we did not start the same five guys in the same position on the o-line any two weeks in a row. The oline stabilized in games 6-8 and Moreno returned and we saw the rushing average jump from 51.8 yards per game (Games 1-5) to 93 yards per game (Games 6-8). There was one more line change that then kept the o-line stable for Games 8-16. In those 8 games, the rushing average improved to 125.75 yards per game, with only a single game (Game 9) having less than 100 yards rushing.

Not great, but was definitely improving by the end of the season.

In our first preseason game of 2011, 30 out 58 plays (52%) were rushing plays and netted Denver 119 yards. Not a lot of yards, but not bad either given the fact that the Broncos had no OTAs, mini camps or other off season workouts — and so were limited to just 2 weeks of practice prior to the game.

Also it might be encouraging to remember that against Dallas, only 1 out of those 30 rushes went for negative yardage, and only 2 went for no gain.

I’m guessing we’ll see a more balanced attack and the Dallas game showed some flashes of what might be.

Slowshon? Seriously dude? -1

whoops my bad

This guy has speed, watch these highlites, I will tell you now, he will have 1000 plus yards this season.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWhvFsttcqY

Here is that we need speedy backs to have an effective running game, thats simply not true. Terrell Davis wasn’t one of the fastest backs ever, but he thrived behind a line and receiver corps that loved run block. An effective run game needs only to net 4 yards per carry to keep the chains moving, it doesn’t require a home run every time the ball is handed off.

Any running game is going to start with the five fat guys up front. Being an old O-lineman, I can tell you, our guys are licking there chops. Nothing gets a guard or a tackle more reved up than the chance to fire out of a three-point stance and put a hat on someone. The running game is further enhanced by receivers that are able and willing to block for their backs. Eddie Mac and Rod Smith were great pass catchers, but they also mixed it up heavily down field blocking to spring our backs for more yardage.

Linemen are just like skill players in the fact that they have to get into the rhythm of the game. They need time to figure how who is coming from where. One of the problems we faced early in 2010 was McD would abandon the run before our line could get into a game rhythm and figure out the defense. With a run first mentality, this is not going to happen. From what I seen in the Dallas game, our running woes are going to be a thing of the past. Fox has a committment to ball control offense, the last thing he is going to do is abandon the run. That alone speaks volumes about the direction our team is going!

Hey I think we have fun with whatever reference is made to our team. particularly when it is made by one of us, I think true fan would roll with it, not get all offended. Question my love for our team all you want. I have forty years out of forty two that have paved the way. But Alkatraz your one post was sure impressive.