Broncos Shouldn’t Pursue Running Backs Tate, Blount

Nov 6, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Ben Tate (44) carries the ball during the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

The running back position for the Denver Broncos has not been the favorable position so far, but just because the unit has been struggling does not mean that the Broncos should go out and get a veteran back.

The Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers have released Ben Tate and LeGarrette Blount respectively in less than four hours of each other. According to the Browns, Tate was not living up to the hype that the franchise had hoped and were getting more production out of their two rookie running backs. Blount’s situation was that he left the field during the Steelers Monday Night win over the Tennessee Titans. Blount was probably warming up the bench because of Le’Von Bell’s performance in the running game.

Should any of these players be on the radar for the Denver Broncos, who have so far dealt with two injuries to the running back position with Montee Ball and Ronnie Hillman? I do not think the Broncos should be worried about adding another back to the roster. In my eyes, the running game is not too much of an issue as it is the offensive line and the lack of utilizing the running backs in the game plan.

Oct 26, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back LeGarrette Blount (27) runs a Indianapolis Colts kick-off out of the end-zone during the second quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 51-34. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Broncos only had ten running plays in the entire game against the St. Louis Rams. I repeat, Ten! That is not going to win ball games for any team. The Broncos fell behind from the start and became one dimensional. If the Broncos are not even going to run the football, why bring in unnecessary space with signing Tate or Blount? Besides, Ronnie Hillman could potentially return next week and he was the reason why the Broncos had success in the running game. C.J. Anderson has also proven that he could shoulder the load not only running the ball, but in the passing game too. Juwan Thompson can be the bruiser and I’m interested to see what Kapri Bibbs has to offer after what I consider a successful preseason.

I think the Broncos have bigger problems in the offense to worry about. No need to focus on signing a running back that you are not really going to utilize. The backs they have now are okay for the time being. Focus on improving the offensive line and the other issues. Once the line is taken care of, the running backs on the roster now can take advantage and move the ball down the field. Sorry Ben Tate and LeGarrette Blount, your services are not needed in Denver.