Fansided

NFL players poised to break out in their second season

By Andrew Garda

Aug 8, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) catches a pass against the Oakland Raiders for a first down in the first quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. Vikings win 10-6. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 8, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) catches a pass against the Oakland Raiders for a first down in the first quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. Vikings win 10-6. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 23, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back Montee Ball (28) leaps over Houston Texans defensive back Brandon Harris (26) as outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus (59) watches in the first quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 23, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back Montee Ball (28) leaps over Houston Texans defensive back Brandon Harris (26) as outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus (59) watches in the first quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

Montee Ball, Denver Broncos

After years of mediocrity, Knowshon Moreno showed up to the Denver Broncos’ 2013 camp in shape and ready to go. The resulting career year meant second-round pick Montee Ball didn’t get a ton of consistent snaps his rookie year.

Aside from Moreno, Ball also had issues with pass-protection (like many rookie running backs) and ball security issues early on, so it took some time to overcome Ronnie Hillman (who ended up with his own case of fumblitis) for the second spot on the depth chart.

This year is Ball’s time to shine. Moreno took his talents to South Beach while Ball spent the summer showing better patience as a runner, good instincts and greater ability in things like pass-protection.

As the lead back, Ball will be facing defenses which have to be concerned first and foremost with the passing offense and Peyton Manning. He’ll see very few stacked fronts, because the moment a team shifts to prevent Ball from running the ball down their throats, Manning will hit Demaryius Thomas for a long bomb.

Ball is a very good back with plenty of opportunity and a great situation in which he can excel.

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