Oct 5, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman (23) runs the ball during the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 41-20. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Ronnie Hillman was in the Denver Broncos doghouse last year for fumbling issues and inconsistency. He has worked hard during the preseason in 2014 and may have a big chance to show what he can bring to the Broncos.
Montee Ball will apparently miss a few weeks with a groin injury. But fear not Broncos Country. After Ball came out of the game, the running game picked up quite a bit. This is saying a lot since the Arizona Cardinals are in the top five in running defense. Ronnie Hillman alone rushed for 64 yards, which is close to what the Cardinals allow on average in a game on defense. Maybe there is more to the running game that not a lot of people were seeing.
Perhaps it is time to give Ronnie Hillman a second chance as the primary running back.
Ronnie Hillman figures to be the starter for the next few games, starting with the New York Jets. This could be the perfect chance for Ronnie Hillman to have a solid game. I was impressed with his running game on Sunday as he was able to find the hole in the line. There was one run he had that if he broke at least one more tackle, he would have gone all the way. The Broncos are presented with a great chance to improve their running game. There is no need to go out and sign a veteran running back. The probable answer to their running back problems was on the bench this whole time.
Granted, I assume that Ronnie Hillman will split the carries with C.J. Anderson (who was actually doing well himself) and Juwan Thompson, (who recorded his first touchdown against the Cardinals) Ronnie Hillman could provide the spark in the Broncos running game especially with how well he can cut in the open field and his speed is remarkable.
Unless he starts going back to the Ronnie Hillman of old and fumbles, why shouldn’t we all give him another chance? John Elway clearly saw something when he drafted Ronnie Hillman in 2012 out of San Diego State. Hopefully for Ronnie Hillman, he can make fans forget about last season’s problems with a strong campaign during Montee Ball’s absence.
Here is your chance Ronnie Hillman. Make Broncos Country proud!