With the Pieces in Place, Broncos' Running Game Puzzle Becoming Clear

Before the draft, I previewed the impact Moreno might have on this team if drafted. I said that "The one thing this group does not have is a true star back. A guy who will be the starter every week and who will definitively lead the team in overall rushing."

This is exactly what Knowshon is expected to be for the Broncos. Barring any injury, it is very plausible that #27 on the Broncos will be the AFC West's second most feared running back (LaDainian Tomlinson is still #1) by the season's midpoint.

He has all the elusiveness, versatility, and intelligence that is required to be an every-down back. It is even noted that he's a better receiver out of the backfield than he gets credit for, and will be a valuable weapon for McDaniels on the field. 

In the locker room, there is no shortage of praise for this young man. He was a team captain at Georgia, and according to scouting reports, is an "Extreme competitor who can put the team on his shoulders. Wants the ball with the game on the line."

Moreno looks to be a smart draft choice in every sense, and should quickly make his way into the top running backs in the NFL.

In his first season, he will be eased into his duties with a strong group backing him up. As I mentioned earlier, J.J. Arrington will spell Moreno in third-down situations and Jordan on the goal line.

Peyton Hillis will be slicing a path through the opposing defense as the primary fullback, and the stellar offensive line of 2008 is returning all five starters.

Running backs coach Bobby Turner was one of two holdovers from the Shanahan era, and he will undoubtedly be a mentor to Knowshon, as he was to Terrell Davis in the late 1990's.

All signs point to a revived Broncos rushing attack in 2009, one that will once again make Denver one of the most feared running teams in the NFL.

Preliminary Predictions:

Moreno (Starter) 1,000-1,200 yards rushing, 8-10 touchdowns, 30-40 catches for 300 yards.

Buckhalter (Primary Backup) 250-300 yards rushing, 2 touchdowns, 10 catches for 100 yards.

Arrington (3rd Down) 150-200 yards rushing, 1 touchdown, 20 catches for 250 yards.

Jordan (Goal Line/Short Yardage) 200-250 yards rushing, 4-5 touchdowns, 5 catches for 40-60 yards.

Hillis (Fullback) 100-150 yards rushing, 2-3 touchdowns.

Torain (Situational Back) 200-250 yards rushing, 2 touchdowns.

Team rushing totals: About 2,200 yards, 22 touchdowns.

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