How Ronnie Hillman Can Spark Broncos Offense Heading into Playoffs

The Denver Broncos have successfully run the ball with C.J. Anderson as the team’s starter. The power that Anderson runs with wears down opponents as the game goes on. Anderson can handle a large workload, but the Broncos could use a speedy change-of-pace player to complement Anderson.

Now, it looks as though the team will be getting Ronnie Hillman back for Week 17.

Hillman was a full participant in practice on Wednesday for the first time since he injured his foot in the Week 10 game against the Oakland Raiders. Troy Renck of The Denver Post provides an update on how Fox and the Broncos are handling Hillman's recovery:

"

They will watch and see if Hillman can go. Fox said looks good. Playing on grass helps coming back from foot injury #Broncos

— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) December 24, 2014"

Hillman can provide a spark for this team’s offense as it makes a run into the postseason. Here’s a few ways he can make an impact.

Pistol Formation

We haven’t seen much of the "Pistol" formation without Hillman in the lineup. In a Pistol look, the quarterback is lined up four yards behind the center with the running back lined up behind him. Unlike a shotgun formation that telegraphs which side a back is most likely to run to, in the Pistol a back can go either way at the snap.

In this play against the Arizona Cardinals, Hillman is lined up behind Manning in the Pistol. The defense doesn’t know if he’s going to go right or left. Hillman actually takes this carry up the middle for a 12-yard gain.

Credit: NFL Game Rewind

Draw Plays

When pass-rushers are bringing heat on the outside, the Broncos can use draw plays to gash them up the middle. Manning will briefly look like he’s scanning the field for a pass after he gets the snap. He’ll then quickly hand the ball off to the running back up the middle.

This play against the New York Jets goes for an 11-yard gain. This end-zone view shows how the middle of the field is wide-open. The rushers are coming from the edge, and this is an easy call for a sizable gain.

Credit: NFL Game Rewind

Hillman is not a power back, but he can swiftly pick up yards up the middle if he’s running off a draw play.

Toss Plays/Sweeps

His size prevents him from being a banger between the tackles, but Hillman can use his speed and agility as a runner to the outside. The Broncos can use his speed to attack the edge of the defense.

In this play against the Cardinals, the Broncos give Hillman the ball out of the shotgun formation. The defense knows that since he’s lined up on Manning’s right side, Hillman is likely to run to his left. He does just that—and the defense is ready for that—but his speed gets him a three-yard gain.

Credit: NFL Game Rewind

Attacking the edges of a defense requires the players on the outside to play with incredible discipline. If they keep contain on Hillman to haze him back to the inside, the play will be for a minimal gain. However, if Hillman can elude any defender on the outside to get to the corner, he has the speed to gash a defense for a big play.

Screen Passes

Hillman is dangerous in space as a runner, and those skills can be accentuated on screen passes too. Manning has been under a lot of pressure in recent weeks. A great way to slow down opposing pass-rushers is to utilize screen passes.

This picture shows a play against the Jets where the Broncos run a screen pass to Hillman. As you can see, the Jets defense has gotten to Manning just as he’s releasing the ball. Also note the blockers in front of the Broncos runner.

Credit: NFL Game Rewind

It only makes sense to use Hillman on at least a few screen passes per game. These short passes can turn into long gains with a speedy player like Hillman.

Split Out Wide

In addition to catching passes out of the backfield, the Broncos can use Hillman as a receiver split out wide in the formation. His speed makes him tough for defensive backs or linebackers charged with covering him in the passing game.

This play against the San Francisco 49ers shows the Broncos in a diamond formation on the left side. Hillman is the player at the back of the diamond, and this is an easy throw quickly to the outside.

Credit: NFL Game Rewind

The Broncos have no hesitancy when asking their running backs to line up outside as a receiver. Hillman will be asked to run routes from time to time in order to help him make plays in space.

Summary

Hillman proved that he could make big plays earlier this year. While not a full-time back, Hillman can be a fine change-of-pace runner and receiver out of the backfield for the Broncos.

Head coach John Fox wouldn’t commit when talking about Hillman’s playing status for Week 17.

“We’ll make that decision when we turn in that report an hour and a half before kickoff and get a chance to watch him all week participating. He’s obviously further ahead than he was this time a week ago. The fact that we’re on grass, not on Astroturf—[there are] a lot of variables, but I like what I see.”

At the very least, Hillman should be eased back into the lineup this week. Playing against the Raiders is a good warm-up game for Hillman.

As the Broncos work their way through the postseason, Hillman can help spark the offense on certain drives, plays or situations. His speed is a welcome asset, and it's one that can generate big plays instantly for the offense.

Now that Hillman doesn’t have to be the starter, working as a part-time player can help keep him fresher and more effective.

All quotes and injury/practice observations obtained firsthand. Record/statistical information provided via email from the Denver Broncos unless otherwise noted. Contract and salary-cap information provided by Spotrac. Transaction history provided by ProSportsTransactions.com.