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NFL Network has been profiling 25 players in the league who have the potential to "make the leap" and become solid NFL Starter. Well making that list is Denver Broncos second year starting running back Montee Ball. Ball was handed the starting running back job after they let Knowshon Moreno walk in Free Agency.
Next up in our Making The Leap series, No. 7 on our list, Broncos RB Montee Ball: http://t.co/eO7lBg4a4Y
— NFL: AroundTheLeague (@NFL_ATL) July 2, 2014
Dan Hanzus of NFL Network believes Ball could have a breakout year in 2014.
With Ball playing in the same backfield as Peyton Manning, it will give him a great opportunity to have a breakout season in 2014. Ball will face many five to six man boxes with the Broncos in their three receiver sets. Also Ball finished the season on a high note. In the Broncos final six regular season games, Ball totaled 337 yards on 52 carries (6.48 yards per carry) and he added 15 catches for 102 yards. Ball showed that he's a powerful downhill runner who improved his pass protection during the year, and showed he has the potential to be a weapon as a receiver as well.
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Hanzus see's Ball continuing his success at the end of last season carrying through the entire 2014 season. He believes Ball is in a perfect scenario to put up a total of 300 or so touches, 1,300 yards rushing, 10 touchdowns and 50 receptions. Basically Pro Bowl type numbers.
Pete Prisco has 9 Denver Broncos in his top 100 players in the NFL:
According to @PriscoCBS the Broncos have more talent than the Chargers, Chiefs, and Raiders combined: http://t.co/mcd6yUGilK #Broncos
— Broncos News (@TheBroncosNews) July 2, 2014
Quarterback Peyton Manning tops the list at number one followed by linebacker Von Miller at 26, receiver Demaryius Thomas at 40, offensive tackle Ryan Clady at 52, Safety T.J Ward at 76, Defensive End DeMarcus Ware at 80, cornerback Aqib Talib at 86, guard Louis Vasquez at 89, and defensive tackle Terrance Knighton at 95.
Again cornerback Chris Harris is still being overlooked. Prisco did put Harris on the "just missed list" but I believe he deserves to be on this list.
Your first look at DeMarcus Ware and Von Miller in Madden 15:
This one is for my fellow video gamers here on Mile High Report. Here's our first look at DeMarcus Ware and Von Miller crashing the pocket on Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith
QB's nightmare - @DeMarcusWare and @Millerlite40 in pursuit for the @Broncos: http://t.co/vKhJK3a8sV #Madden15 pic.twitter.com/haN8j8XZKH
— EA SPORTS Madden NFL (@EAMaddenNFL) July 3, 2014
Jon has more on the virtual virtuosi here. I can't wait to see this in real life on Sundays!
Horse Tracks:
- Buffalo Bills stud linebacker Kiko Alonzo has suffered a torn ACL. A tough break for the Bills.
- In a typical Jerry Jones move, the Dallas Cowboys have traded for linebacker Rolando McClain. McClain has retired twice, and has had many off the field issues.
- NFL Network takes a look at the top five plays of the 2000's.
- Andrew Mason takes a look at week 8 of the 2014 season where the Broncos will take on the San Diego Chargers