"The constant focus on Manning’s passing exploits is natural because he and the Denver Broncos are so proficient at throwing the ball. Manning set another single-season NFL record with 55 touchdown passes, as Denver had four players with at least 10 scoring receptions. Manning attempted a league-high 659 passes and his completions (450) outnumbered the attempts for current playoff QBs Russell Wilson and Colin Kaepernick.
But as ESPN.com presents an “NFL Confidential” package beginning this week, we take a closer look at an overlooked secret to the Broncos’ offensive success. Their ground game is No. 1 on my list of five NFL secrets heading into the new year.
The Broncos have dropped back to pass 56.3 percent of the time on first and second downs, the 13th-highest rate in the NFL and right near the league average (55.1). The dropback rate climbs slightly to 60.8 percent, which ranks eighth, without plays when Denver was leading by double digits and more likely to run. Though overshadowed by Manning's prolific arm, the Broncos rank sixth in rushing yards on early downs over their final seven games, up from 17th over their first nine games. Their per-carry average has spiked from 3.7 to 4.6 in the process, with Knowshon Moreno and Montee Ball providing a 1-2 punch.
“It’s easy to see Moreno and what he brings: a pads-over-toes, violent run style,” a defensive coach said. “The hidden gem is the development of Ball. He’s showing signs of becoming a tough, slashing back, which was his M.O. at Wisconsin. [Broncos offensive coordinator] Adam Gase and that staff seem to be getting them ready for winter football. They've now got a two-headed rushing attack, and both are also dangerous on short passes and screens -- smart by the offensive staff...
Continued at http://insider.espn.go.com/blog/mike...119&src=mobile
But as ESPN.com presents an “NFL Confidential” package beginning this week, we take a closer look at an overlooked secret to the Broncos’ offensive success. Their ground game is No. 1 on my list of five NFL secrets heading into the new year.
The Broncos have dropped back to pass 56.3 percent of the time on first and second downs, the 13th-highest rate in the NFL and right near the league average (55.1). The dropback rate climbs slightly to 60.8 percent, which ranks eighth, without plays when Denver was leading by double digits and more likely to run. Though overshadowed by Manning's prolific arm, the Broncos rank sixth in rushing yards on early downs over their final seven games, up from 17th over their first nine games. Their per-carry average has spiked from 3.7 to 4.6 in the process, with Knowshon Moreno and Montee Ball providing a 1-2 punch.
“It’s easy to see Moreno and what he brings: a pads-over-toes, violent run style,” a defensive coach said. “The hidden gem is the development of Ball. He’s showing signs of becoming a tough, slashing back, which was his M.O. at Wisconsin. [Broncos offensive coordinator] Adam Gase and that staff seem to be getting them ready for winter football. They've now got a two-headed rushing attack, and both are also dangerous on short passes and screens -- smart by the offensive staff...
Continued at http://insider.espn.go.com/blog/mike...119&src=mobile
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