December 1, 2008 5:05 PM
Peyton's place up in air
Peyton Hillis knows his time in the spotlight may eventually end as a tailback, even if, as his quarterback put it, "he's sure looking like the man there."
The health at the position will improve. The roster will surely change this off-season.
But plunking big bucks into a running back or drafting one high may not be in the immediate future, given widespread defensive needs.
So Hillis, if his recent performance continues, has a shot to stick, though there certainly will be competition beyond Tatum Bell, Selvin Young , MIchael Pittman and P.J. Pope.
It's gone both ways in such matters in recent years in Denver when it comes to its 'hybrids.'
Two starting tailbacks went down in 2004, prompting the move of Reuben Droughns from tailback to fullback. He gained 1,240 yards on 275 carries, a 4.5 average, with six touchdowns and had six 100-yard games in 15 starts. Droughns then sought an opportunity either to compete for the No. 1 job in Denver - the Broncos wanted to move him back to fullback - or via a trade. He was eventually dealt to Cleveland for defensive linemen Ebenezer Ekuban and Michael Myers on March 30, 2005.
Before that, Mike Anderson in 2000 rushed for 1,487 yards as the starting tailback in his rookie season after both Terrell Davis and Olandis Gary were injured. But when Howard Griffith was unable to continue his career due to neck problems and Denver failed to land a free-agent fullback, Anderson switched positions to fullback. Anderson was suspended and hurt, later, in his final Broncos chapter, converted back to tailback. His 1,014-yard season in 2005 preceded his exit three months later.
"Guys want to play. And if you think he can't play the tailback position, you want to play the fullback position. You want to get on the field," Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said in assessing Hillis future beyond the immediate roster needs. "But at the same time, I think Peyton really enjoys the tailback position because he's played it before and enjoys it. ... We have flexibility to put him in both spots, which helps us."
That was the politically correct way of Shanahan saying it was too early to commit to Hillis long-term as a primary runner.
But he also didn't dismiss the idea out of hand, either, and shouldn't with the way the rookie from Arkansas appears to be getting more comfortable as a primary ball-carrier.
As for comparisions to the Droughns situation a few years back, Shanahan cited Hillis' receiving skills as a primary difference and one reason Hillis could potentially continue in his current role.
"He's got the best hands or close to the best hands on the team. I wouldn't ever go against (Brandon) Stokley with hands. But he's got excellent hands. So not only can he run the ball as a tailback, he can catch the ball as a tailback. Reuben Droughns did not have that type of ability to catch like a wide receiver. So that gives him a lot more value. Now, Reuben Droughns did a great job playing both the tailback and fullback position, very similar to what Peyton's done so far."
Shanahan even expanded the discussion by mentioning Hillis in the future could take on an H-back/tight end role similar to what Dallas Clark gives the Indianapolis Colts.
Hillis, who ventured that 99.9 percent of fans didn't believe he could be the tailback, is rolling with what he's given. He'ss averaging 4.8 yards per carry. He even showcased double, open-field spin moves on one run Sunday vs. the New York Jets, demonstrating his increasing swagger. He can run with power, as his four short TD runs attest.
But, true to his fullback roots, he largely tries to run through tacklers rather than around them. That may not be the best way to sustain a workhorse role.
"At 250 pounds, he's bigger than most of the linebackers," Shanahan countered. "So can hopefully take that punishment over the long haul."
--- By Lee Rasizer
December 1, 2008
8:09 PM
Anthony A writes:
This guy is talented he holds on to the ball and runs with heart. He is a throw back to the days of that tough white bruiser who played for the Miami Dolfins, Larry Czonka. I'm sure the O-LINE loves this dude he can wear down a defence...
December 1, 2008
8:16 PM
Shannon Koehn writes:
Keep Hillis in the lineup as the feature back. Throw in Bell from time to time as a change of pace back.
December 2, 2008
2:21 AM
Paul Haseman writes:
Peyton Hillis knows that his job is linked not so much to yardage as it is to not fumbling. Just watch him cover up with both arms as he is about to be tackled. Don't fumble; keep the job.
December 2, 2008
11:58 AM
Broncofan_in_Boston writes:
Long term, they will want more explosion from the tailback position, but with the makeup of the roster, he should continue to get the bulk of the carries.
I don't see any reason to cast him into any one role.
His versatility only helps the offense. When some backs are in, you will generally know what's coming. Some guys can't block. Some guys can't catch. Some don't carry the football.
This guys has all those skills which gives Denver an advantage when he's in. The defense can't guess. Hillis, as a rookie, seems comfortable handling these various roles, so use him all over the place. What a great 3rd down back. At 250, he can block anyone and he can catch and run downhill.
But long term, you want someone like TD or Portis who can get you your 4 or 5, but also take it to the house.
And great point Paul. They really want Peyton to get the yards he can, keep the defense honest, get the tough yards, but definitely HOLD ONTO THE BALL!
This is a passing team this year. They will try to balance it out more during the offseason, but we are what we are. They are not going to ride Peyton's legs to the Superbowl. Its Cutler's arm.
December 2, 2008
1:01 PM
Jack Lonergan writes:
I still remember the preseason. This guy runs well, but does anyone remember the catches he was making? I've liked this guy from day one. Next season when they have Selvin Young back he will be a great POW to Selvin's POP.
December 2, 2008
4:50 PM
MarcoPolo writes:
"he largely tries to run through tacklers rather than around them. That may not be the best way to sustain a workhorse role."
You mean like Larry Johnson?
And you obviously missed Peyton's second-half hurdle against the Dolphins earlier this year. The bottom line is, a smart coach will work with what he's got and if it ain't broke don't fix it. A not-so smart coach... well, we'll see what Shanahan does.
December 2, 2008
5:10 PM
r_u_shtn_me writes:
Did we forget to throw Torrain into this mix? We've have a pretty good stable of backs, mostly young, who will all be fighting for spots next year. I see Hillis as one who will stick no matter how we use him. The man just has too many skills and no one can question his character or heart. Keep it up Peyton, you've found a home!
December 2, 2008
5:28 PM
Jubei writes:
I LOVE the fact that we are back to a power running game with Hillis. While I don't see him as the long term solution at tailback, I know that he will be a threat at FB, whether blocking, rushing, or receiving.
And what's with so many fans getting down on Torain? The injury he sustained would have happened to any running back, so I don't want to hear about his durability. Besides, he had 68 yards on around 12 carries (5.7 ypc) before the injury.
Imagine Torain as the feature back, Hillis as the triple threat FB, and Alridge as the elusive COP back. I like that action...
For now, power running + explosive passing + decent defense = postseason threat!
December 2, 2008
5:37 PM
r_u_shtn_me writes:
Did we forget to throw Torrain into this mix? We've have a pretty good stable of backs, mostly young, who will all be fighting for spots next year. I see Hillis as one who will stick no matter how we use him. The man just has too many skills and no one can question his character or heart. Keep it up Peyton, you've found a home!
December 2, 2008
5:45 PM
r_u_shtn_me writes:
Something's wrong with my posting, first I get an error, then I see it posted twice! Please don't read the 2nd post, it just says the same thing as my first. If you already read it, I apologize and by the way, why are you wasting your time reading this?
December 3, 2008
9:16 AM
Andynonymous writes:
Yes, I wasted my time reading that!
I think the reason Torain dropped in the draft was because he was often injured, wasn't it? I'm not down on him, but so far, so bad.
I like Aldridge at running back and Hillis at fullback for next year. Talk about a defense not knowing Whut th'?!
A bit like Alstott and Dunn for a couple of years (only better pass catching with Hillis) or Duckett and, was that Dunn too?, in Atlanta.
So a base set of Marshall, R-O-Yal, Sheffler, Hillis and Aldridge. Me likey!
December 3, 2008
12:28 PM
5280salute writes:
There's a rb on IR who I think would blend well with Hillis next season Anthony Alridge who is the fastest and can carry the rock 20+ even though he's only 188 lbs. Very simular to Barry Sanders weight but strong and fast. He would also make an excellent slot receiver after Stokley retires. Alridge is player Broncos need to have on the field next year he's very talented. Hillis is an unusual rb who has just enough speed to hit the hole for important ball control and maybe even a great runner inside the 5yard line. I think we have enough talent on the offense to draft need players in the 2nd or 3rd of the draft. But our #1 has to be for the DEFENSE hopefully a DE. As far as Peyton it's his position to loose. Go Peyton!
December 3, 2008
4:06 PM
BigCheese writes:
Look, Hillis ran 4.58 at the combine
http://www.walterfootball.com/draft2008FB.php
Which really doesn't matter much:
http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20050418/news_1s18forty.html
The truth is that this guy makes plays. Even with McFadden and Jones it was clear that this guy was much more than just a good blocker. He didn't get a lot of carries, but he always made them count and he will make the big catch everytime.
Great player. Denver should let him keep carrying the rock as long as he's averaging 5.9 a tote.
December 4, 2008
10:44 PM
1denfan writes:
does anybody remember a guy by the name of rothman, thats who comes to mind when i see hillis
December 4, 2008
10:50 PM
1denfan writes:
does anybody remember a guy by the name of rothman? thats who i think of when i see hillis run the ball punishing defenders on his way, i say keep him at tailback.