Kickoff is fast approaching in downtown Denver, and the Broncos are keyed up, few moreso than kickoff returner and running back Andre Hall.
Hard work and extra work usually yields results. That’s why every day, Andre Hall is one of the last players off the practice field — if not the last player outright, working on his kickoff returns with special teams coordinator Scott O’Brien.
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, I stay out here,” Hall said. “He gives me pointers so when it’s game time, I already know what’s going to happen; I already know what to expect and I already know how it’s going to go. I’m comfortable because of ‘Scotty O.’”
Prior to this season, it had been three years since Hall handled any kind of full-time kickoff coverage work, with that coming during his junior season at South Florida. But in spite of his inexperience with the work, he’s replied like a seasoned veteran, averaging 26.8 yards per return. That places him sixth among all kickoff returners with at least five runbacks since Week 8.
But of greater significance is Hall’s impact on the entire team’s return output.
In Weeks 1-7, the Broncos averaged 23.4 yards per kickoff return, ranking them 18th in the league. Since Week 8, when Hall became the primary kickoff returner, the Broncos rank fourth in the league, averaging 25.8 yards per return.
Hall’s style of returning may seem simple — just sprinting forward, without hesitation — may make his success seem like a triumph of simplicity, but it’s much deeper than that.
“It seems like I’m just running up in there, but I set it up before I do that,” Hall said. “A lot of people don’t see it. Hopefully the kickoff (coverage) team doesn’t see it. But I set it up before I get to my hole, and by the time I see my gap, I hit it. That’s all it is.”
And while O’Brien has worked with him on the nuances of returning, it’s longtime running backs coach Bobby Turner who has influenced Hall’s style, emphasizing the tried-and-true “one cut and go” philosophy of ball-carrying.
“It teaches me not to stutter-step, not to wait around for something to happen,” Hall said. “Hit it. It’s hard for a defender to tackle someone when they’re going full speed.”
Hall came close to breaking a return for a touchdown. He thinks he might break through tonight.
“I think this might be the week,” he said. “Monday Night Football; everybody’s going to be pumped up. They’re going to be coming down so fast.
“I want to set it up just perfect and get up and out of there.”
Tags: Andre Hall
ANDREW MASON! Update the front page of blogs! No one knows that there are newer ones! It’s still showing Friday’s blog!
Let’s hope Hall is right. Go Broncos!
Can’t wait to see him score a TD!
I am very glad to see hall on returns i like his style and I think tonight is his night to put 6 on the board
It’s working fine for me….
Anyways, Andre has been great back there returning KO’s. I hope he does break one this week, it would really put a charge in the team I think, plus it’s always so demoralizing for a team to have to get on the field after a runback.
Andrew- Did the Broncos practice this Saturday? If so, any changes in statuses (stati?)?
–Jason
Well, beast#7, based on your posts here and on the previous entry, let’s see if I ever answer any questions you have in the future. I don’t like to put the self-indulgence stuff out front unless there’s a lack of other content … which was not the case this weekend. Subscribe to the RSS and you’ll get it all.
poorboywilly:
They came together for a light practice at the stadium on Saturday night … no change in statii. Teams are required to submit three days of injuries and status reports a week; the Broncos did theirs on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, so there was nothing on Saturday. Just waiting for the inactives now.
Andrew – thanks for the update. As soon as you know, can you post our starting tailback? I have Lendale White, Travis Henry, Selving Young, and Brandon Stokely (and the Titans Defense) on my Fantasy team. The defense is my only one, but I have a running back slot open and a W/R slot open. Which two do I play (I’m down 14 points)? I’ll take pointers from everyone!!!
Andrew – when do they post the inactives? (how much time before kickoff?)
Dude do you really care that much about your fantasy league that you would go against the Broncos? Some fan you are.
They have to be submitted to the officials at 90 minutes prior to kickoff — so that’s 5:10 p.m. MST for a 6:40 toe-to-leather time. I’ll post here and in a new blog entry when it happens.
We have the best Web Site Manager in the League – Thanks!
I’ve been a pretty hardcore Broncos fan from over in Australia for about 5 years now… dont recall seeing us return a kickoff for a touchdown in that time… when was the last time it happened?
beast#7 – Fantasy football is all about taking the best players available in a draft (16 teams in my league) – you might give it a try, it may be a stress release for you and cure some of your negativism.
kinna, I could be mistaken but I believe Deltha O’Neal in 2000 was the last Broncos kickoff return for a touchdown.
beast – Let’s just hope the Broncos are right tonight – I’d take a Bronco win over a fantasy win any week, but like any sensible man, winning is more fun in any game you play. I Cheer Broncos, but I also proudly play fantasy football; there are worse vices…
Henry is out, so Selvin Young will start.
Better a fresh Selvin than a hobbling Henry, I say. Would be nice if Travis could play next week vs. Chicago, though; maybe the NFL will wait til next week for their decision anyway… go Broncos!
AHDRE HALL IS SICK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Andre Hall scores on a 68 yard TD run. How awesome is that he practically called it right before the game!
Go Broncos!!!
Todd Lokken from Strategic Fantasy Football forecasts the 2006 NFL Draft.
Free agency has changed much of the NFL draft projections. Additionally, the scouting combine changed the fortunes of many prospects, dropping some and moving up others on draft boards.