News Pittman Makes Case for More Carries

[lawdog93]

Broncos report: Pittman makes case for more time
By Jeff Legwold, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

When the buck that is the depth chart stops at your desk, one word can mean a lot.

And when Broncos coach Mike Shanahan was asked Monday if Michael Pittman could power his way deeper into the team's rotation at running back, Shanahan quickly responded: "Sure."

Pittman already is the Broncos' third-down back because of his ability as a receiver and pass blocker. He also is the choice in short-yardage situations. But he continues to hope for more.

"I always want to show I have a lot left in me," Pittman said. "I'll play whatever role they want me to play, but when I get the chance to carry the ball, I want to show them I've still got the speed, still got the power."

The 33-year-old has shown both in recent weeks, turning a short pass into a 41-yard gain against the Chiefs, as well as some bruising runs against the Buccaneers on Sunday.

Pittman was the lone back in the lineup Sunday as the Broncos closed the game in the final minutes, getting the team's final first down on back-to-back 6-yard runs through the middle of the Buccaneers defense.

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[Texecutioner]

So in Bronco's fans eyes who has been the best RB there this year? I still say that overall I think Andre Hall is the best all around back over there. Selvin has done pretty well when he gets his holes. I'm not quite sure why Pittman was annointed the GL back over everyone else.

What is going on with Torrain? When he is coming back?

[myshkingfh]

They're none of them particularly reliable. Torain might get his cast off this week, and the current plan is for him to be ready 11/2 v. Miami. I can't tell the difference between Hall and Young - they're the same guy. Pittman is the guy who can go hit a safety or a CB and knock him over. He really salted the TB game away for us, when TB couldn't stop him from running up the middle on the last drive. Hall and Young can't run up the middle. Word in Denver is that Pittman will move into the starting rotation now, and if Young is out, Pittman is likely to split time with Hall this week. That would make Pittman the most valuable fantasy back, because he'll get the goal line carries too. I still expect Torain to be the starter and feature back by the end of the year.

[Parrish]

Who is Torain and why have you guys been talking so much about him?

[lawdog93]

Originally Posted by Parrish

Who is Torain and why have you guys been talking so much about him?

Rookie out of ASU. Shanahan loves him. He was really pushing for the #1 slot before he broke his elbow. He's a big guy (6'1" 225) and has decent speed. Shanahan thought he was the best back overall in the draft. Got him in the 5th. We shall see.

[Texecutioner]

Yeah, but Shanahan has that same disease that Gruden has with QB's but with RB's. He always thinks he's got some new and improved Terrell Davis. That guy's season might be the worst thing that ever happened to the Broncos considering how Shanahan won't stop trying to find that guy.

And what is up with the O line? How come they can pass block so well but can't open up a hole in the running game this year to save their lives?

[lawdog93]

Originally Posted by Texecutioner

Yeah, but Shanahan has that same disease that Gruden has with QB's but with RB's. He always thinks he's got some new and improved Terrell Davis. That guy's season might be the worst thing that ever happened to the Broncos considering how Shanahan won't stop trying to find that guy.

And what is up with the O line? How come they can pass block so well but can't open up a hole in the running game this year to save their lives?

And that, sir, is the $64,000 question.

[myshkingfh]

I think the problems with interior run blocking are the result of backs who aren't good between the tackles. They looked fine opening holes for Pittman. Torain is hyped because he's the only guy on the roster who can run inside and outside. When Pittman's in, the other team knows it'll go up the middle; when Young or Hall are in they know it'll go outside. Putting Torain in will (ideally) stop tipping off the defense to what the play call is. He's big enough to run up the middle and fast enough to run outside. He's played one-cut systems and should adapt well. He's been injured his entire life though; I think he got turf toe in the delivery room.

[lawdog93]

Originally Posted by myshkingfh

I think the problems with interior run blocking are the result of backs who aren't good between the tackles. They looked fine opening holes for Pittman. Torain is hyped because he's the only guy on the roster who can run inside and outside. When Pittman's in, the other team knows it'll go up the middle; when Young or Hall are in they know it'll go outside. Putting Torain in will (ideally) stop tipping off the defense to what the play call is. He's big enough to run up the middle and fast enough to run outside. He's played one-cut systems and should adapt well. He's been injured his entire life though; I think he got turf toe in the delivery room.

I heard it was a pulled hammy.

[myshkingfh]

Some people wanted to give Torain's mom a #1 Mom mug, but come on! it was a short labor.