Aug 22, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Denver Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman (23) rushes during the second quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Ronnie Hillman’s struggles with the Denver Broncos have been noted many times. Fans have been calling for his release since the 2013 season, when he had a fumbling issue and was eventually replaced in the starting lineup. From the looks of things, times sure do change.
With Ronnie Hillman entering the final year of his rookie contract, he is looking to make a huge impact in hopes that he can get some kind of deal done at the end of the 2015 season. He has looked solid since taking over Montee Ball’s spot on the roster last season.
He started for the Broncos against the New York Jets last season, where he rushed for 100 yards in his first career start and followed that up with a 74 yard, two touchdown performance against the San Francisco 49ers one week later. He would be injured in Week 10 against the Oakland Raiders.
During the Broncos two preseason games against the Seattle Seahawks and Houston Texans, he has quietly become the NFL’s best preseason running back. The fourth year running back has rushed for 120 yards on 16 carries. That is an average of 7.5 yards per carry. Quite impressive.
Average 7.5 yds/carry in 2 preseason games?
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) August 25, 2015
That'll earn you more reps in Kubiak's offense: http://t.co/ujfNvXp9rc pic.twitter.com/yYMKURPsL7
With his performance in the past two games, Ronnie Hillman has rightfully leaped over Montee Ball on the depth chart. That was a given with how much Montee Ball has struggled so far this preseason. With his performance, we could see Ronnie Hillman as the change of pace back.
Having C.J. Anderson and Ronnie Hillman leading the way, the Broncos running game could get quite the boost. Both players were playing well in Montee Ball’s absence. This is something quite interesting that we are seeing with Ronnie Hillman. Perhaps he has found his stride.
With the performance he has had this preseason, and even for some time during 2014, fans are hoping that Ronnie Hillman’s production is no fluke. Because I believe having a solid running back behind C.J. Anderson is going to play a key part in 2015.
It will be interesting to see how Ronnie Hillman does in the preseason game this Saturday against the San Francisco 49ers. With it being a dress rehearsal for most players, Ronnie Hillman’s stat line after that game could be the smoking gun to how the team goes about the final roster.