Willis McGahee

[CanDB]

No doubt about it. He will be a target. He needs to fix it. I've gone on record to say I believe Moreno should start, Hillman getting secondary carries and Ball being utilized on short yardage and in the redzone for the 1st game. However, I don't think it would be a mistake just yet to start Hillman. I think he is going to learn from fumbling these first few games. I think outside of those fumbles he has ran pretty solid. I also feel as if he will start the game just based off of how long he's held that #1 spot and that Fox has expressed confidence in him and I mean, McGahee wasn't benched after an absurd amount of fumbles last year so I agree at times the coaches can be somewhat stubborn but I'm not implying hillman is as talented as McGahee. I think he is very talented and can shine as a runner sooner than later but he of course has more work to do.

But here's my biggest concern. Hillman's a young back, who is still lacking in some ways. Even if he didn't fumble, he's still a bit of a project in my books. He's definitely not like some other players who make a big dent in their rookie season. But he does have some of the skills we can use.

But as to my concern........we are in tough early this season, and say Hillman loses a ball or two, which cost us some points. Are we in a position to take that added risk, given that we are really going to have to play well as a team to get off to a positive win/loss record. There's no guarantee early in the season, minus Dumervil and Miller, against Baltimore and The Giants. A few mistakes and we could be 0 and 2.

Not saying other Backs won't lose the pigskin....hey, it happens. But why add unnecessary risk. As you agreed, let Knowshon start the season, and use the time to properly gauge the upside of Ball and Hillman.

[dizzolve]

If it was my choice, I start knowhson, work Hillman in heavily and week to week increase balls reps but use him primarily in the red zone and 3rd and shorts for now

I think this is how most of us would go about it based on what we've seen.

If things went swimmingly and better than expected this preseason, Denver brass probably would have liked MBall to have been further along in his development. Not a knock on Ball. It's not uncommon for a rook to not have it all down this quickly. It's actually uncommon for a Doug Martin to come in as a rook and play like HE did.

I believe the brass doesn't think KnoMo can be relied on to be the 'bell cow' as they say. Not because he cannot produce - but can't stay healthy. If history is any indication, what else can you surmise

If Hillman appears to continue to have issues early in the season and KnowMo IS the man, I think our coaches hope Hillman can handle #1 spot should KnoMo get injured again- () And that's probably why we took 2 RB high in the draft for 2 consecutive seasons. However, they probably would like to end up having Montee Ball being THE man, and have KnoMo and Hillman spell - then by next offseason have the luxury to not NEED KnoMo - but have the choice to resign or not.

This is what appears to me to be the situation. But I'm just a fan looking from the outside in.

[Broncos-R-Great]

I think this is how most of us would go about it based on what we've seen.

If things went swimmingly and better than expected this preseason, Denver brass probably would have liked MBall to have been further along in his development. Not a knock on Ball. It's not uncommon for a rook to not have it all down this quickly. It's actually uncommon for a Doug Martin to come in as a rook and play like HE did.

I believe the brass doesn't think KnoMo can be relied on to be the 'bell cow' as they say. Not because he cannot produce - but can't stay healthy. If history is any indication, what else can you surmise

If Hillman appears to continue to have issues early in the season and KnowMo IS the man, I think our coaches hope Hillman can handle #1 spot should KnoMo get injured again- () And that's probably why we took 2 RB high in the draft for 2 consecutive seasons. However, they probably would like to end up having Montee Ball being THE man, and have KnoMo and Hillman spell - then by next offseason have the luxury to not NEED KnoMo - but have the choice to resign or not.

This is what appears to me to be the situation. But I'm just a fan looking from the outside in.

Martin didn't have his breakout game until week 9 last year, prior to that he was averaging less than 80 yards a game. During the preseason last year, he had similar stats to Ball.

For anybody here that wants to dig up an old washed up vet, how about Michael Turner instead. Personally I'd rather role with what we have.

[rst08tierney]

Martin didn't have his breakout game until week 9 last year, prior to that he was averaging less than 80 yards a game. During the preseason last year, he had similar stats to Ball.

For anybody here that wants to dig up an old washed up vet, how about Michael Turner instead. Personally I'd rather role with what we have.

How are 1000 yard backs washed up?

[ERoyal248]

Not happening.

[dizzolve]

Martin didn't have his breakout game until week 9 last year, prior to that he was averaging less than 80 yards a game. During the preseason last year, he had similar stats to Ball.

For anybody here that wants to dig up an old washed up vet, how about Michael Turner instead. Personally I'd rather role with what we have.

Just looking up stats isn't sufficient to understand the entirety of what confidence a team has in a player. For instance After the first game of the season, straight from nfl.com Recap:

Doug Martin is officially El Hombre in Schiano's offense. The rookie was the bell-cow back on Sunday, rushing 24 times for 95 yards. His final run -- a 15-yard burst with just over two minutes to play -- sealed the game

There is no question who the RB was for TB. I stand by my analogy. Stats alone do not tell the whole story. Martin's stats may not have impressed, but watching him run instilled confidence in just about anyone who watched him -throughout the season.

I had him on my fantasy team last year too - so I did follow his rookie campaign. Martin was outstanding in his rookie year as a rookie. And that is not common for a rook to be that impactful. It wasn't a historic rookie campaign but it was outstanding. Ball can still be just as impactful if he can garner the trust from the coaches to give him the snaps. The only way he'll gain that confidence is if he can protect Manning. By doing that is to understand what his job is in our scheme. Takes a bit of time. Once you learn it - there is no shortcut to being seasoned. He'll just get better and better.

No matter who the RB is, protecting Manning is responsibility #1. Manning is the single most important producer in our offense.

So having said this - I do think you and I are on the same page regarding the topic of this thread - there's no need to go looking for a veteran to fortify our RB corps. We have what we need. They just need experience. Bringing in a Vet will in fact prevent the young rb's from getting that all important experience.

[trenchwar08]

Willis" phone number is on Elway's speed dial. An injury or two and he could well get a call.