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Horse Tracks: Making the case for Juwan Thompson

Good Morning Broncos Country

By Scotty Payne
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Outside of C.J. Anderson being the starter, the Broncos running back position is wide open.

You have two former early round picks Ronnie Hillman and Montee Ball and last season's undrafted free agent Juwan Thompson battling for snaps behind Anderson. All three have had some success so far in their careers, but with a new coaching staff in place, they will be trying to win over the new staff.

One back who I think will separate himself from the group is Thompson.

I see a lot to like in Thompson. He's a physical runner who will run right through you, and will always fall forward to gain the extra few yards. He also has shown good vision and decisiveness early in his career. He is explosive when he first gets the ball and he quickly finds the hole and enters the second level.

He is also a great scheme fit. He's a one-cut/downhill runner who fits perfectly in Gary Kubiak's zone-blocking offense. I think these traits will stand out to Kubiak, and Thompson could quickly become a favorite of Kubiak's.

In limited action in 2014, Thompson put up some solid numbers. He had 54 carries for 272 yards and 3 touchdowns. That's a very healthy 5.0 yards per carry for the rookie. He also had a 47 yard run against the top notch Buffalo Bills defense. Could we see more of this from Thompson is 2015?

Peyton Manning is good people:

While other "great quarterbacks" are cheating and being suspended by the NFL, Peyton continues to be an MVP on and off the field.

Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning's PeyBack Foundation donated more than $1 million dollars to youth based organizations in Colorado, Tennessee, Louisiana and Indiana.

Take that Brady.

Denver Broncos News:

Takeaways from the Broncos' first OTA: Peyton Manning under center, OL competition and more
Some big plays for the defense, on-field standouts and an update on Brandon Marshall highlight the takeaways from the first OTA of the Kubiak era.

Emmanuel Sanders embraces new balanced offense
Wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders is ready to embrace the Broncos' new balanced attack for 2015.

Film room gives injured Shane Ray mental advantage
Despite sitting out the beginning of the 2015 offseason, first round pick Shane Ray has found a way to take mental reps with the team.

Manning interacts with PeyBack grant recipients
Peyton Manning took time after Wednesday's practice to meet with organizations and youth impacted by his PeyBack Foundation Grants.

Broncos implementing changes on offense and defense at OTAs
The Broncos' new offense and defense are taking their next steps and adjustments with the beginning of OTAs on Wednesday.

Broncos' Shane Ray recovering from toe injury, expected back next week - The Denver Post
Gary Kubiak, Denver Broncos, Shane Ray, Danny Trevathan, Brandon Marshall

Peyton Manning Sporting a New Helmet at Broncos OTAs
Peyton Manning is sporting a new helmet, giving away a million bucks, and generally being his usual awesome self at Denver Broncos OTAs.

Broncos OTAs: Manning, Teammates Want Demaryius Thomas Back
It's no secret at this point that Peyton Manning and his teammates want Demaryius Thomas back on the field. How soon will that be?

Horse Tracks:

Texans will star in 10th season of HBO's 'Hard Knocks' - NFL.com
The Texans announced Wednesday that they will take part in the 10th season of the acclaimed HBO documentary series "Hard Knocks", which offers an inside look at NFL training camp.

Zimmer: Adrian Peterson can play for us, or not play - NFL.com
Vikings coach Mike Zimmer made it simple for Adrian Peterson: He can either play in Minnesota or not play at all. Zimmer also said his star running back won't play anywhere else.

Adrian Peterson wants to secure future with Vikings - NFL.com
Adrian Peterson released a statement Wednesday, insisting that his absence from OTAs is about securing his future with the Vikings -- not pushing for a trade.

New York Jets not handing Geno Smith starting QB job - NFL.com
Geno Smith is in the pole position for the New York Jets starting quarterback job, but coach Todd Bowles said come training camp there will be an open competition for the job.

George McCaskey addresses Ray McDonald situation - NFL.com
Bears chairman George McCaskey opened up about the Ray McDonald situation on Wednesday. Find out if McCaskey regrets signing McDonald, who has a history of domestic violence allegations.

Rolando McClain missing OTAs after knee scope - NFL.com
Cowboys coach Jason Garrett announced Wednesday that linebacker Rolando McClain is not participating in this week's OTAs after undergoing a recent knee scope.

Redskins release Tracy Porter, Chris Chester - NFL.com
The Washington Redskins reportedly released cornerback Tracy Porter and guard Chris Chester. Porter, the former Super Bowl hero with the Saints, played in just three games in Washington.

Marcus Mariota, Titans to emulate Eagles, Dolphins? - NFL.com
Ken Whisenhunt studied the offenses of the Eagles, Dolphins and Bengals before drafting Marcus Mariota. Does that mean the former Oregon star will continue to run a spread attack in the NFL?

Missouri lawmakers file lawsuit against Governor Jay Nixon over St. Louis Rams stadium money
The efforts to build a new football stadium and keep the Rams in St. Louis hit another obstacle, as six Missouri lawmakers filed suit against Gov. Jay Nixon over money for the proposed stadium.

Matt Forte of Chicago Bears plans to show up for training camp on time
Former Pro Bowl running back Matt Forte confirmed on Wednesday that he will report to training camp on time despite the Chicago Bears refusal to extend his contract.

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