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NFL: Cordarrelle Patterson, players sure to breakout in 2014

By Brad Rowland

NFL --- General view of the Super Bowl logo on Super Bowl Boulevard. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
NFL --- General view of the Super Bowl logo on Super Bowl Boulevard. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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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
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 /

Montee Ball, RB Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos produced one of the best offensive seasons in the history of the NFL in 2013, but there were a few major changes to their personnel in the off-season, and the most significant shift is set to take place at the running back position. Veteran Knowshon Moreno had the best season of his career under Peyton Manning‘s tutelage, putting up more than 1,500 total yards from scrimmage, but the 26-year-old is now with the Miami Dolphins, leaving the door wide open for 2013 second-round pick Montee Ball to carry the load.

After some speculation that Ball would be “the guy” as a rookie in Denver, he slotted in nicely behind Moreno and was productive. The former Wisconsin Badger accumulated 559 rushing yards on 4.7 yards per carry, and in addition, he caught 20 of the 27 passes that he was targeted with to affirm his ability in the passing game. As the primary running back in a high-powered offense, there is no reason to think that Montee Ball could not rack up a similar, 1,500-yard season to that of Moreno in 2013, and that would certainly qualify him for “breakout” status.

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