Ronnie Hillman, Juwan Thompson Spark Running Game

Oct 12, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Denver Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman (23) runs against the New York Jets during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

It appears that the running game might have finally found its groove. And it all starts with the two headed beast in Ronnie Hillman and Juwan Thompson.

The Denver Broncos got the running game going well in Sunday’s win against the New York Jets. Hillman got his first 100 yard rushing game of his career. In fact, it was the first individual 100 yard game for any running back this season. Whether it was the offensive line or the change in running backs, it sure did help the Broncos in the running game. The emergence of the run game helped out Peyton Manning and the passing game as well. Having Ronnie Hillman and even Juwan Thompson getting yardage on the ground will help not only move the ball down the field but also keep the offense on the field longer.

And if Manning has the football for an extended period of time, it will not be good for the opposing defenses.

There have been many reasons as to why the running game has taken so long to get going. I think it took the right running back tandem to get the offense going on all cylinders. With Ronnie Hillman and Juwan Thompson’s production in the run game, (100 yards and 38 yards respectively) they helped out Manning in a big way. As a matter of fact, both running backs averaged close to five yards for each carry. Taking half of the yards away on a new set of downs makes life easier on the offense.

With Montee Ball still sidelined with a groin injury, the tandem of Hillman and Thompson should help out until his return. If Hillman and Thompson continue to impress in his absence, the coaching staff should take a long hard look at the possibilities and maybe change the running game. The Broncos might not have as much success next week against the San Francisco 49ers run defense, but you have to like what you saw in New Jersey on Sunday from the running game. I know I did.