All Broncos Backs in The Running - The Orange Mane

Bronco_Beerslug · 07-26-2008, 10:01 AM

Man, Pittman has some arms on him doesn't he

I'm a little pessemistic about our RBs this year so I hope one of them breaks out.

----------------------------------------------------------------
Competition open for No. 1 ballcarrier
By Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Friday, July 25, 2008

Frozen food section, the pharmacy, it doesn't matter.

Bobby Turner gets more than he's bargained for when he shops.

People want information from the Broncos running backs coach.

"I constantly get that," Turner said as training camp opened Friday. "Whether I'm in the grocery store during quote-unquote 'down time' or if I run to pick up a prescription or something like that. I'll run into someone and it's the usual questions - 'Who's going to be toting it? Who's going to be carrying the ball?'

"And everybody has their favorite."

Um, so Bobby, just one question: Who is going to be toting it this season for Mike Shanahan's crew?

"We don't know yet," he responded.

Denver Broncos running backs, from left, Anthony Alridge, Selvin Young, Ryan Torain, Andre Hall and Michael Pittman challenge each other during the opening day of training camp Friday at Broncos headquarters.

Turner got that message across to his group during Friday's first position meeting. He told them nobody's No. 1 and while there's an opening rotation in place, the top job is open.

Selvin Young, last year's leading rusher with 729 yards, opens the summer as the lead back. But given recent history, where virtual unknowns have emerged in August to eventually play a pivotal role in the backfield, it's hardly a lock several weeks down the road.

Young himself knows that either Michael Pittman or Andre Hall or rookies Ryan Torain or Anthony Alridge could surpass him if he doesn't play well in the next few weeks. Because last year at this time, he was one of the virtual unknowns just clawing to make the team, just like Mike Bell, the No. 2 rusher on the team in 2006, was the previous training camp.

"I was thinking about that (Thursday). And I have the same exact feeling I had last year. No one's told me, 'Hey Selvin, you're the guy that's going to be taking snaps against Oakland,' " Young said, referring to the Sept. 8 regular-season opener. "I still feel like I'm the guy that they're going to tell that to. But once you go to work every day, it doesn't matter if it's Year 1, Year 2 or Year 3, you try to keep the same mind-set. I'm still a rookie in one sense. I haven't done anything well enough to prove anything to anybody. I've still got proving to be done. So my mind-set hasn't changed one bit."

The circumstances, though, have changed.

The sudden release of Travis Henry last month added a further element of chaos to the proceedings.

But Turner isn't altering his approach. He'll coach them all up, watch them perform, then select his favorite in unison with Shanahan and offensive coordinator Rick Dennison.

"The thing that you want is to have a successful running game," Shanahan said. "I don't care if it's by committee or one guy who takes the opportunity to be the guy. The main thing I'd like to do is average over 5 yards per carry. We've had some backs here that have averaged over 5 yards per carry. If we can do that by committee, great. If one guy takes the opportunity and wants to get it done and can stay healthy, that's great as well."

Young averaged 5.2 yards on 140 attempts last year, which is a key reason why he currently is heading the pack.

Rushing numbers drop

But by Broncos standards, the running game hasn't been great lately, only good. The club ranked second in the NFL in rushing yards in 2005, but dipped to eighth and ninth the past two years. Denver hasn't had a 1,500-yard rusher since Clinton Portis in 2003. And the four rushers carrying the ball the most over the past four years (including Henry last year) have averaged 4.5, 4.2, 4.4 and 4.1 yards per carry.

"I'm upset if we're not No. 1 every year," Turner said. "That's what I come to work for."

The wide-open competition at Dove Valley seemed excited at the opportunity at hand.

On Friday, Hall followed Young in the rotation, with Pittman, Torain and Alridge next. But that mix will change frequently, depending on performance.

"It's definitely motivating," said Pittman, the most experienced player in the bunch with 10 years, 1,316 carries and 5,307 yards under his belt. "Right now, Selvin's slotted No. 1 and he should be. . . . But when coach comes in and says, 'Don't worry about the depth chart that comes out, we're going to play the best guy on the football field,' you know the job's open and if you go out and perform, you'll play."

CONT.

broncofan2438 · 07-26-2008, 10:26 AM

Wow, I am excited to see how this running back thing plays out. I am thinking Pitman might make a good case to be number one.....look at those arms!

lex · 07-26-2008, 10:39 AM

Another fluff piece that focuses on how smart our coaches are and emphasizes that we can get by with anyone as a RB and ignores that we could be better with someone who is of higher caliber thereby perpetuating the myth that is so prevalent on this and other boards. It just goes to show that if something is written and or said often enough people blindly start accepting it.

Bronco_Beerslug · 07-26-2008, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lex

Another fluff piece that focuses on how smart our coaches are and ignores emphasizes that we can get by with anyone as a RB and ignores that we could be better with someone who is of higher caliber thereby perpetuating the myth that is so prevalent on this and other boards. It just goes to show that if something is written and or said often enough people blindly start accepting it.

No sh*t, you mean we could be better if we got a better player?

Northman · 07-26-2008, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bronco_Beerslug

No sh*t, you mean we could be better if we got a better player?

worm · 07-26-2008, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lex

Another fluff piece that focuses on how smart our coaches are and ignores emphasizes that we can get by with anyone as a RB and ignores that we could be better with someone who is of higher caliber thereby perpetuating the myth that is so prevalent on this and other boards. It just goes to show that if something is written and or said often enough people blindly start accepting it.

We have our franchise QB...we have our franchise LT...(which is where the emphasis SHOULD be first)

Next year we can get the Mendenhall du jour if Selvin or the R-Train don't pan out.

Let it go. Breathe in. Breathe out.

Atlas · 07-26-2008, 11:50 AM

I think Pittman will be the opening day starter. A little Fairy told me...... OK it was Bob.

2KBack · 07-26-2008, 11:52 AM

If Pittman starts, all the confidence I've been showing in the RB's will go away.

yerner · 07-26-2008, 11:56 AM

I agree. Pittman has been washed up for two years. I can't believe he's even in the running and since he is I'm starting to think we don't have a very good group.

cousinal11 · 07-26-2008, 12:09 PM

I think it will be like the past few years and we'll probably see a little bit of all these guys.

- My Prediction -

Selvin - starts most of the games this year and gets about 12-15 carries a game.

Hall - nice change of pace back who gets about 5 touches a game, more when he is running well.

Pittman - gets a couple carries here and there but is used more so in the passing game.

Torain - The wild card who could end up getting a lot of carries as the season closes. I'm really not too sure what his role will be considering he is a rookie, but I really hope he steps up and becomes a beast in this league.

Aldridge - I have no clue, don't know too much about him.

2KBack · 07-26-2008, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yerner

I agree. Pittman has been washed up for two years. I can't believe he's even in the running and since he is I'm starting to think we don't have a very good group.

well, I'm not going to be too concerned until after a couple preseason games. I just have felt that Hillis and Torain make Pittman unnecessary.

long beach bronco · 07-26-2008, 03:23 PM

Hey cous, you don't know much about Alridge do you? Oh you will brother....you will.

PRBronco · 07-26-2008, 03:34 PM

I'm excited for Aldridge, I don't think we should view him exclusively as a running back, just as a kind of all purpose offensive weapon, kind of like how the saints SHOULD use reggie bush. Please don't misconstrue this as putting Quick 6 in reggie bush's, or even the nfl in general's, class, I just think he'd be better utilized in that capacity, if he does stick.

long beach bronco · 07-26-2008, 03:40 PM

I think Shanny has alot in store for Alridge. After the draft, Alridge was the first person the Broncos called. I can't believe he wasn't drafted. With this kid on the field he is going to open up so many other lanes for the other options. I hope he gets the playbook down.

broncofan7 · 07-26-2008, 03:53 PM

Alridge looks bigger than he lists too--my concern was with his size--perhaps he can be a glyn milburn type?

watermock · 07-26-2008, 05:10 PM

I saw some board with Alldrige 74 and Toyal 78 or something like that.

I still think Hillis might get 100 touches, well, including tackles of course on st, he might even carry short yardage... he's got guns like pittman and 10 years fresher legs. And he ccan catch. I'm telling ya, he is good.

If they stay healthy, mock predicts a Torian/Hillis set by week 10.

07-26-2008, 10:01 AM	#1
Bronco_Beerslug Angling in the Deep Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Texas Riviera, Southern Mountains Posts: 24,281	All Broncos Backs in The Running Man, Pittman has some arms on him doesn't he I'm a little pessemistic about our RBs this year so I hope one of them breaks out. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Competition open for No. 1 ballcarrier By Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News (Contact) Friday, July 25, 2008 Frozen food section, the pharmacy, it doesn't matter. Bobby Turner gets more than he's bargained for when he shops. People want information from the Broncos running backs coach. "I constantly get that," Turner said as training camp opened Friday. "Whether I'm in the grocery store during quote-unquote 'down time' or if I run to pick up a prescription or something like that. I'll run into someone and it's the usual questions - 'Who's going to be toting it? Who's going to be carrying the ball?' "And everybody has their favorite." Um, so Bobby, just one question: Who is going to be toting it this season for Mike Shanahan's crew? "We don't know yet," he responded. Denver Broncos running backs, from left, Anthony Alridge, Selvin Young, Ryan Torain, Andre Hall and Michael Pittman challenge each other during the opening day of training camp Friday at Broncos headquarters. Turner got that message across to his group during Friday's first position meeting. He told them nobody's No. 1 and while there's an opening rotation in place, the top job is open. Selvin Young, last year's leading rusher with 729 yards, opens the summer as the lead back. But given recent history, where virtual unknowns have emerged in August to eventually play a pivotal role in the backfield, it's hardly a lock several weeks down the road. Young himself knows that either Michael Pittman or Andre Hall or rookies Ryan Torain or Anthony Alridge could surpass him if he doesn't play well in the next few weeks. Because last year at this time, he was one of the virtual unknowns just clawing to make the team, just like Mike Bell, the No. 2 rusher on the team in 2006, was the previous training camp. "I was thinking about that (Thursday). And I have the same exact feeling I had last year. No one's told me, 'Hey Selvin, you're the guy that's going to be taking snaps against Oakland,' " Young said, referring to the Sept. 8 regular-season opener. "I still feel like I'm the guy that they're going to tell that to. But once you go to work every day, it doesn't matter if it's Year 1, Year 2 or Year 3, you try to keep the same mind-set. I'm still a rookie in one sense. I haven't done anything well enough to prove anything to anybody. I've still got proving to be done. So my mind-set hasn't changed one bit." The circumstances, though, have changed. The sudden release of Travis Henry last month added a further element of chaos to the proceedings. But Turner isn't altering his approach. He'll coach them all up, watch them perform, then select his favorite in unison with Shanahan and offensive coordinator Rick Dennison. "The thing that you want is to have a successful running game," Shanahan said. "I don't care if it's by committee or one guy who takes the opportunity to be the guy. The main thing I'd like to do is average over 5 yards per carry. We've had some backs here that have averaged over 5 yards per carry. If we can do that by committee, great. If one guy takes the opportunity and wants to get it done and can stay healthy, that's great as well." Young averaged 5.2 yards on 140 attempts last year, which is a key reason why he currently is heading the pack. Rushing numbers drop But by Broncos standards, the running game hasn't been great lately, only good. The club ranked second in the NFL in rushing yards in 2005, but dipped to eighth and ninth the past two years. Denver hasn't had a 1,500-yard rusher since Clinton Portis in 2003. And the four rushers carrying the ball the most over the past four years (including Henry last year) have averaged 4.5, 4.2, 4.4 and 4.1 yards per carry. "I'm upset if we're not No. 1 every year," Turner said. "That's what I come to work for." The wide-open competition at Dove Valley seemed excited at the opportunity at hand. On Friday, Hall followed Young in the rotation, with Pittman, Torain and Alridge next. But that mix will change frequently, depending on performance. "It's definitely motivating," said Pittman, the most experienced player in the bunch with 10 years, 1,316 carries and 5,307 yards under his belt. "Right now, Selvin's slotted No. 1 and he should be. . . . But when coach comes in and says, 'Don't worry about the depth chart that comes out, we're going to play the best guy on the football field,' you know the job's open and if you go out and perform, you'll play." CONT. Last edited by Bronco_Beerslug; 07-26-2008 at 11:51 AM..

07-26-2008, 10:39 AM	#3
lex Bowlen Sold Us Out! The Broncos have been DisemBowlened Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Chi-Town Posts: 10,253 Adopt-a-Bronco: None	Another fluff piece that focuses on how smart our coaches are and emphasizes that we can get by with anyone as a RB and ignores that we could be better with someone who is of higher caliber thereby perpetuating the myth that is so prevalent on this and other boards. It just goes to show that if something is written and or said often enough people blindly start accepting it. Last edited by lex; 07-28-2008 at 10:50 AM..

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07-26-2008, 10:26 AM	#2
broncofan2438 Faneco this... LETS TAKE BACK THE AFC WEST Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: California Posts: 6,302 Adopt-a-Bronco: ERIC DECKER	Wow, I am excited to see how this running back thing plays out. I am thinking Pitman might make a good case to be number one.....look at those arms!

07-26-2008, 11:50 AM	#7
Atlas Draft Defense Early&Often Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 18,526	I think Pittman will be the opening day starter. A little Fairy told me...... OK it was Bob.

07-26-2008, 11:52 AM	#8
2KBack Rumblin' Bumblin' Cake is delicious Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Wash DC Posts: 7,275	If Pittman starts, all the confidence I've been showing in the RB's will go away.

07-26-2008, 11:56 AM	#9
yerner Ring of Famer Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Charlottesville VA Posts: 3,304	I agree. Pittman has been washed up for two years. I can't believe he's even in the running and since he is I'm starting to think we don't have a very good group.

07-26-2008, 12:09 PM	#10
cousinal11 East Coast Bronco Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,203 Adopt-a-Bronco: Joel Dresseen	I think it will be like the past few years and we'll probably see a little bit of all these guys. - My Prediction - Selvin - starts most of the games this year and gets about 12-15 carries a game. Hall - nice change of pace back who gets about 5 touches a game, more when he is running well. Pittman - gets a couple carries here and there but is used more so in the passing game. Torain - The wild card who could end up getting a lot of carries as the season closes. I'm really not too sure what his role will be considering he is a rookie, but I really hope he steps up and becomes a beast in this league. Aldridge - I have no clue, don't know too much about him.

07-26-2008, 03:23 PM	#12
long beach bronco Registered User "I'm your Huckleberry" Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Long Beach Posts: 1,017 Adopt-a-Bronco: Peyton Manning	Hey cous, you don't know much about Alridge do you? Oh you will brother....you will.

07-26-2008, 03:34 PM	#13
PRBronco FML less Join Date: May 2004 Location: North Vancouver Posts: 4,206 Adopt-a-Bronco: I'm so alone	I'm excited for Aldridge, I don't think we should view him exclusively as a running back, just as a kind of all purpose offensive weapon, kind of like how the saints SHOULD use reggie bush. Please don't misconstrue this as putting Quick 6 in reggie bush's, or even the nfl in general's, class, I just think he'd be better utilized in that capacity, if he does stick.

07-26-2008, 03:40 PM	#14
long beach bronco Registered User "I'm your Huckleberry" Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Long Beach Posts: 1,017 Adopt-a-Bronco: Peyton Manning	I think Shanny has alot in store for Alridge. After the draft, Alridge was the first person the Broncos called. I can't believe he wasn't drafted. With this kid on the field he is going to open up so many other lanes for the other options. I hope he gets the playbook down.

07-26-2008, 03:53 PM	#15
broncofan7 AKA "THE STANDARD" BQ looks ALMOST as good as I do Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: BIG D Posts: 6,022	Alridge looks bigger than he lists too--my concern was with his size--perhaps he can be a glyn milburn type?

07-26-2008, 05:10 PM	#16
watermock "Hoodie Jr" "Hug me!" Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Hot Springs, Ouachitah Posts: 77,090	I saw some board with Alldrige 74 and Toyal 78 or something like that. I still think Hillis might get 100 touches, well, including tackles of course on st, he might even carry short yardage... he's got guns like pittman and 10 years fresher legs. And he ccan catch. I'm telling ya, he is good. If they stay healthy, mock predicts a Torian/Hillis set by week 10.