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It was a common debate point in the preseason as to the pecking order of our running backs. Some of us were concerned about what seemed to be a mistaken approach, with Hillman as the perceived starter, followed by Ball perhaps, and then Moreno.
Those of us who saw it differently were unsure if it was because Moreno wasn't healthy, or that he wasn't the draft pick of the current regime, or that possibly Hillman was lighting things up in practice, while Ball was also making a case for the starting job. But as the preseason moved forward, it became clearer and clearer that Knowshon was the best of the backs, based on his ability to run, secure the ball, catch and run, and maybe most important, block. And if he was healthy, we believed he was the best RB as of last season's ending.
I digress.
As the season progressed, partly due to fumbling issues of the other two, Moreno grabbed the starting role with conviction. And his stats and overall performance have been noteworthy. 1038 rushing yards, for a 4.3 avg., and 10 TDs, along with 548 receiving yards on 60 catches, for a 9.1 yard avg. and 3 TDs. And in so doing, he was Peyton's good companion, throwing solid blocks game in and game out. And through it all, only 1 fumble, which he recovered as well.
And Ball became more prominent too, and finished quite strong, with a total of 559 yards rushing for a 4.7 yard avg. and 4 TDs. He also received 20 passes for 145 yards. And he seemed to learn the value of holding on to the ball, and protecting Peyton.
Hillman was benched for his fumbling issues, but is still very young and growing, and it was good to see him handle the ball again yesterday. He needs to improve his game, but he has time and coaching on his side. Both he and Ball will learn to be more secure in ball handling. Moreno has.
It's been a great season! And I love the way our RBs have contributed. It took a while, but it has come together. And outside of our comeback stud Knowshon, we have the luxury of two young men who will get increased opportunity in future, as Moreno's play diminishes. But in the meantime, get out of the way, because he's not showing much in the way of letting the starting job go.
Those of us who saw it differently were unsure if it was because Moreno wasn't healthy, or that he wasn't the draft pick of the current regime, or that possibly Hillman was lighting things up in practice, while Ball was also making a case for the starting job. But as the preseason moved forward, it became clearer and clearer that Knowshon was the best of the backs, based on his ability to run, secure the ball, catch and run, and maybe most important, block. And if he was healthy, we believed he was the best RB as of last season's ending. I digress.
As the season progressed, partly due to fumbling issues of the other two, Moreno grabbed the starting role with conviction. And his stats and overall performance have been noteworthy. 1038 rushing yards, for a 4.3 avg., and 10 TDs, along with 548 receiving yards on 60 catches, for a 9.1 yard avg. and 3 TDs. And in so doing, he was Peyton's good companion, throwing solid blocks game in and game out. And through it all, only 1 fumble, which he recovered as well.
And Ball became more prominent too, and finished quite strong, with a total of 559 yards rushing for a 4.7 yard avg. and 4 TDs. He also received 20 passes for 145 yards. And he seemed to learn the value of holding on to the ball, and protecting Peyton.
Hillman was benched for his fumbling issues, but is still very young and growing, and it was good to see him handle the ball again yesterday. He needs to improve his game, but he has time and coaching on his side. Both he and Ball will learn to be more secure in ball handling. Moreno has.
It's been a great season! And I love the way our RBs have contributed. It took a while, but it has come together. And outside of our comeback stud Knowshon, we have the luxury of two young men who will get increased opportunity in future, as Moreno's play diminishes. But in the meantime, get out of the way, because he's not showing much in the way of letting the starting job go.
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