Denver Broncos Must Commit Fully to the Running Game

Jan 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos offensive tackle Orlando Franklin (74) 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

In the two plus days since the Denver Broncos lost a hard fought game to the Seattle Seahawks, the number one concern has revolved around the running game. I’m certainly not here to dispute the fact that the running game is a concern, but some of the thoughts about it are completely misguided.

One of the primary things I’ve seen and heard is this; the Broncos should just forget the running game and let Peyton Manning drop back and throw it 60 times a game. If you don’t believe that those thoughts are out there, then get on Twitter for just a few minutes.

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I’m not going to argue with the belief that the Broncos were too consertative in the first half versus the Seahawks. I actually liked what they were trying to do but thought they were far too predictable on first down. However their commitment to the running game is something that should continue.

There are numerous problems with throwing the ball 60 times a game as some desire starting with the fact that Manning would be done by midseason. Defenses would tee off on Manning if they knew the Broncos weren’t even going to try and run the ball. Secondly if the passing game is going to be as effective as it needs to be, then a running game is vital.

Having said that, I understand that the running game needs work but there are a few things to remember. Let’s not forget that the Seahawks are a great defense and there are many teams who cannot run on them, especially in Seattle.

The bigger issue is this, the offensive line is still learning to play together. Orlando Franklin is playing a new position and Chris Clark has moved from left tackle back to his natural position on the right side. On top of those position changes, the line has a unit has only played three regular season games together.

Much like I expect the defense to get better as the season goes on, I also think it’s fair to expect the offensive line to be better by midseason. Offensive line play, especially in the running game, demands that five guys play as one unit. The Broncos have the talent up front to get it done but they are going to need some time to develop that rapport with one another.

As for the argument that the Broncos offense is too consertative, give me a break. They set records for passing touchdowns, passing yards and points last season. Those are not records you set by running the ball 50% of the time.

If anything the Broncos need to run the ball more, not less. That’s one of the problems for the offensive line; they get so used to pass blocking that when it comes time to fire off the ball on a running play, it’s not there. Pass blocking by nature is a passive act, you are catching the defender. Run blocking promotes an aggressive attitude and when you don’t do it enough, it’s very tough just to turn on that type of aggressiveness.

The Broncos are never going to be a 50-50 run-pass team with Manning at quarterback, but they need to be closer to 45-55 than 40-60. It’s the only way they are going to accomplish their ultimate goal of a World Championship.

The running backs have to play better as well but until I see some better play from the offensive line, it’s far too early to make any judgments on Montee Ball or CJ Anderson.

It’s going to be frustrating at times as it was on Sunday but the Broncos have to stick with the running game. They don’t have to run for 150 yards a game but it has to become a threat or there will be no parade in February.

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Why the Denver Broncos Must Commit to the Running Game

By Joe Morrone | Sep 23, 2014