NFL Rumors: Denver Broncos to give Montee Ball shot as starting RB

Jan 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back Montee Ball (28) against the New England Patriots during the 2013 AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back Montee Ball (28) against the New England Patriots during the 2013 AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back Montee Ball (28) against the New England Patriots during the 2013 AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back Montee Ball (28) against the New England Patriots during the 2013 AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

The Denver Broncos had one of the most explosive offenses in NFL history in 2013, but that had everything to do with Peyton Manning and his passing attack and a lot less to do with any sort of ground game. That’s not to say that Knowshon Moreno didn’t have a breakout year, but the Broncos offense was heavily slanted towards the pass.

Improving the running game is something the Broncos want to focus on in the offseason and that means giving a new guy a shot at winning the starting role. With Moreno likely gone in free agency, second-year back Montee Ball seems poised to step up and take over the reigns of the running game.

Per the Denver Post:

"But if those backs hope to start from the moment they sign their contracts, the Broncos probably aren’t their team. The Broncos want to give Ball the first chance at becoming their No. 1 running back in 2014."

Ball had his rookie mistakes for the Broncos in the form of ill-timed fumbles, but he appears to be ready to compete for the starting gig. He carried the offense while at Wisconsin and he seems fit to transition that game to the NFL and become a starting running back behind Peyton Manning.