Knowshon Moreno The Broncos’ Ol’ Reliable

Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno (27) runs against New England Patriots during overtime at Gillette Stadium. (Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports)

In a game of Peyton Manning vs. Tom Brady, who would have ever thought that we’d hear Manning say, “Knowshon was hot so we were riding him.”

The Broncos put the rock in Knowshon Moreno’s hands early and often thanks to undesirable weather conditions (6-dgree windchill). On the first play of the game, Moreno ran 11 yards for the first down. It was a sign of things to come.

Moreno sits a top the week’s leader board with 224 yards and a touchdown on 37 carries. Adrian Peterson was the week’s next top runner with 146 yards just to put it in perspective.

Moreno’s career performance is the third-highest single-game rushing total in team history. He put forth such a big effort that he was seen leaving Gillette Stadium on crutches.

To be honest, the only time I felt comfortable was when the ball was in Moreno’s hands. He finished off his long runs with both hands on the ball. The Broncos fumbled five times, losing three, and Moreno wasn’t part of that at all.

Ronnie Hillman rode the pine thanks to his fumbling issues. Montee Ball fumbled Sunday night for the third time this season. Moreno, over the course of years of growing pains, is ol’ reliable now. He’s the workhorse, the one that moves the chains, and the one that brings energy to the offensive side of the ball.

While the Broncos lost their second game of the season, Moreno’s performance tells us that the Broncos can put themselves in position to win a very cold playoff game. The game plan is simple: Ride Moreno.

Make sure to follow Predominantly Orange on Facebook and on Twitter.