Peyton Manning believes in Broncos’ young running backs

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Nov 10, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) hands the ball off to running back Montee Ball (28) during the second half against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. The Broncos won 28-20. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 10, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) hands the ball off to running back Montee Ball (28) during the second half against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. The Broncos won 28-20. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

Denver Broncos have found their primary running back in Knowshon Moreno. They also have found quality backs to rotate in with second-year player Ronnie Hillman and rookie Montee Ball.

“All those guys are always ready to play each week, no question,’’ quarterback Peyton Manning said, via ESPN. “ … Whoever’s called on to be in there, we’re calling the same plays, we expect them to go in there and do their jobs … they have to.’’

Manning quizzes the younger running backs in practice to make sure they know they’re assignments on plays.

“We try to treat practice like a game,’’ Manning said. “Maybe you try not to help him out as much during practice as you would in a game to kind of find out … what you might need to help them with come game time. The test is kind of during the week in practice. Sunday is not a test. I’m not going to not tell you something, hoping that you get it right. That’s a hard way to find out he didn’t know it.’’

It all comes down to confidence though.

“[It’s] just having confidence in yourself,’’ Ball said. “Because you are playing against grown men, it is a different level than college. But it just comes with confidence, just doing your assignment, knowing what to do and playing fast.’’