McGahee Out So Broncos Depend On Moreno, Ball

With Willis McGahee missing 1-2 weeks after hand surgery, the Broncos need to rely on Knowshon Moreno and Lance Ball to keep the ground game rolling and the chains moving.

McGahee is averaging 76.7 yards per game this season, good for 10th in the league. The Broncos face the Lions’ 28th ranked rush defense this week and the Raiders’ 16th ranked rush defense the following week. It’s certainly not unreasonable to ask Moreno and Ball to pick up where McGahee left off.

Moreno is averaging just 13.5 yards in his four games with the team. He’s also averaging 23.0 receiving yard per game. He’s had some great break out runs, but it’s clear that he’s not the primary back that the Broncos intended on drafting with their 12th overall pick in 2009.

Lance Ball was a spark third string back when Moreno was sitting out earlier this season. He’s averaging 3.6 yards per carry, and like Moreno, he’s used as a receiving back as well.

Against the Lions, it would be nice to see Ball used as the team’s primary back. He’s 15 lbs. heavier than Moreno and doesn’t dance around behind the line of scrimmage. Moreno’s multiple carries for negative yards show that he is

walking

running to the beat of his own drum and not following his blockers.

Ball is in his 3rd year after signing with the Colts as an undrafted rookie. He’s averaged 4.3 yards per carry in 17 career games. No one is going to pay for a billboard for Ball, but many would like to see him more than Moreno in the Broncos backfield.

It’s not like all of the pressure would be placed on Ball. Tim Tebow is a running QB that can move the chains with the best of the backs.

Give the ball to Ball this Sunday. Give him his chance, just like Tebow was finally given his.

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