In the race for Denver's starting running back, only one thing is certain: It cannot be Ronnie Hillman.
Knowshon Moreno, one of those much-maligned first-round draft choices of former coach Josh McDaniels, might not be an inspirational choice to start the season opener against the Baltimore Ravens, but his experience probably would allow coach John Fox the least reason to stare with apprehension at the ceiling at night.
After Hillman's fumble at the goal line resulted in a 106-yard return of his turnover for a touchdown by Seattle a week earlier, St. Louis defenders were obviously targeting Hillman's tender ego. Sharks smell blood, and the Rams ripped the football from Hillman after he caught a pass from Manning in the second period. Linebacker Alec Ogletree turned the mistake into a St. Louis touchdown.
With a 1-yard touchdown run during the third quarter, rookie Montee Ball again demonstrated legs that keep churning when tough yardage is required. But, according to the story, Ball also dropped an easy pass in the red zone, and his ability to protect Manning on pass plays is a work in progress. It seems like a process of elimination that Moreno could end up getting more looks. We currently don't have any of the Denver backs ranked higher than 30. We do have Ball the highest for now (31st), due to having the most upside. At the moment, all of them are risky draft picks.
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