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If it wasn’t for Ronnie Hillman going down prematurely in what was looking like a breakout season, this article may instead have Montee Ball or C.J. Anderson gracing the headline.
However, Hillman went down with a foot injury and Anderson snatched the job away. Anderson, now the starter with training camp looming, is the favored back of both quarterback Peyton Manning and head coach Gary Kubiak. What’s more is that Anderson looks to fit nicely within Kubiak’s zone run scheme. So, naturally, all signs are seemingly pointing to a big year for Anderson.
Try again.
The 2015 NFL season will be the year when Hillman fulfills expectations. Make no mistake, Anderson will still shine, but he won’t shine nearly as bright as his backfield contemporary.
First of all, this is a contract year for Hillman. While that doesn’t guarantee a spike in production, it does make him a candidate to see a jump in his numbers. In the past, those who have seen comparable jumps are either elite talents or have a sturdy supporting cast at their disposal. With Manning at the helm and a solid Denver Broncos roster around Hillman, it’s very tough to envision his production remaining at the levels it did last year or even regressing at all.
Also, and contrary to popular belief, the rise of Anderson will actually help with Hillman’s breakout campaign. Hillman is not a workhorse back and does not have the ability to carry an offense on his shoulders the way Anderson has shown in the past. Moreover, Hillman is a change of pace back similar to Darren Sproles. In short, Anderson’s gritty style of play will open opportunities for Hillman in the passing game and on the edges of the defense. Both of these are places where Hillman’s speed and quickness thrive.
It worked for Sproles when he signed on with the New Orleans Saints in 2011. Both Mark Ingram and Pierre Thomas did the majority of the dirty work which allowed Sproles’ particular set of skills to be maximized. Look for something similar in Denver this year.
Not to mention, Hillman has made the necessary adjustments and improved every year as a professional. This is best shown by the fact he is fumbling less. There was no bigger problem for Hillman when he broke into the NFL than ball security, but he has answered those critics and his stats reflect it. Last year, in 106 carries, he fumbled once.
Plus, all across the board, Hillman’s numbers are trending upward: touchdowns, targets, receptions, rushing yards and yards per carry to name a few.
As a team, the Broncos will turn a lot of heads during 2015 NFL season. Don’t be surprised if Hillman does too.
Mike Carlson is a Denver Broncos Beat Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @deejayactual or add him to your network on Google.
