Hillis and Larsen, “Thunder and Thunder”
The injury bug again bit the Broncos at the running back position on Monday with Ryan Torain being placed on injured reserve. With Torain joining Andre Hall, Michael Pittman and Anthony Alridge on IR, fullbacks Peyton Hillis and Spencer Larsen are preparing as if they could again lineup together in the Broncos backfield as they did on Thursday night.
“You can’t have thunder and lighting – we are both kind of thunder,” Larsen said about what the tandem should be called. “We would like to call it a tsunami or something like that.”
Both Hillis and Larsen said they don’t really have any idea what their assignments will be on Sunday, but both players said they are preparing for every possible scenario.
“You have to prepare like you are going to do anything, everywhere,” Hillis said. “As of right now we are pretty thin in the running back and fullback area. We brought a couple new guys in. You really don’t know right now.”
Haynes Added to Running Back Corps
One player that might be able to provide the Broncos with some added depth at the running back position is Alex Haynes.
Haynes was signed by the Broncos today after spending training camp with Baltimore. He has also seen time with Carolina.
Haynes said he was at home watching the Broncos game against Cleveland on Thursday and when he saw Ryan Torain go down with an injury and that he hoped he would get a call.
That call came and Haynes got his workout. He said it is hard to stay in football shape when you aren’t on a team because it is not like you can round up some pads and some guys and go out and hit one another.
“It is pretty hard,” Haynes said about trying to join a team midseason. “No matter how much you run, it doesn’t compare to football – actually being on the field hitting, tackling, running and blocking.”
Haynes is Central Florida’s all-time leading rusher, posting 3,356 yards on 742 carries and his 27 career rushing scores rank him second in UCF history.
He said he thinks a couple former Golden Knights may have helped his cause in becoming a Bronco.
“The Central Florida guys – Brandon Marshall and Matt Prater being here – I guess (the coaches) took a chance on me hoping I would be the next gem,” Haynes said.
Haynes said he is determined to make the best of his shot, whenever it comes.
“Every running back’s dream is to be in the Broncos system,” he said. “Now I have an opportunity to go and play.”
-Jake Grilley, DenverBroncos.com
Here are some pictures from today’s practice.
Tags: Alex Haynes, Jake Grilley, Mike Shanahan, Peyton Hillis, Spencer Larsen
how about the hillis-larsen combo being called the “avalanche”?
look at foxworths number and hes the #1 in atlanta
The Avalanche – I like that. I hope that Haynes can help fill in, and avoid the injury bug that’s going around…
The Avalanche – thats great! These next few weeks will be fun! It will be a mix between the NCAA’s spread offense and the old-style smashmounth running game from the before the 1980′s!
AVALANCHE… I like it.
Haynes should do well.
i feel u bailey the bronco foxy should be a bronco
how bout the mile high thunder!
I definitely like the Avalanche – perfect for the Broncos since they are in Colorado (best state ever by the way)!! And at the rate Royal flies by a defender we need to add him to that as well.
I hope Haynes can produce some great things for this team and I can’t wait to see the Hillis-Larsen Avalanche run over everything in their site for the next month. And I really really hope Champ comes back soon ready to help our D get better. We looked pretty weak in the first half and they did step up BIG time in the 2nd half but we need to work on stopping the run so bad its not even funny. We’ve improved so much I’m kind of in shock but then again its a reminder of what our defense should be like all the time – the only problem is we aren’t a rock solid defense all the time in a game. We’ve got some youngsters on our D that are doing good for being less experienced but we do need a veteran’s touch like what Champ does for us.
Atlanta better be ready for some COLD weather when we come to town… the Hillis-Larsen-Royal Avalanche is coming!!!!!!!
GO BRONCOS!!!!!!
maybe the HillSon twins hahah
As much as I like the thought of Hillis and Larsen in the backfield together I still don’t think it is in the best interest of the team.
WE NEED LARSEN AT MLB!!!
Our Defense is first priority in my opinion and if Larsen is the best man for the job, then that is where we should put him.
I think we would Be fine with Hillis at FB and Larsen at MLB; their natural positions.
It really makes sense if you think about it…..why do we want to put people out of there natural positions?
I think Foxworth is doing well this year, but I never thought he played that well. Spent a couple years gettings burned as badly as Bly is this year, memories just fade with time so we forget. A lot of CBs come from Denver and flourish elsewhere, whereas some come here and do worse..maybe its the system?
One corner I didn’t like that we lost was Lenny Walls. He currently plays in the CFL for the Calgary Stampeders (where I live) and has had a pretty good season for us.
Jack-O..coaches do stuff for a reason. There is an obvious reason we don’t know about that he currently isn’t playing MLB. Nate Jackson’s natural position is WR..think he’s done way better as a TE. I trust Denver’s coaching staff enough to let them do their jobs.
I think corry boyd should get a chance He played in the SEC and did well
Isn’t the Avalance a hockey team in town? They’ll probably both be injured before week 12 anyway. With all these teams that have 3 or 4 RBs deep, it would be nice if we could trade for a Lamont Jordan or Justin Fargas. Maybe Jerome Harrison, Patrick Cobb or Leon Washington? There are RBs all over the place, just not in Denver.
We’re past the trade deadline. We’re stuck picking up whoever’s available. And that would be Haynes. Who knows what he’ll turn out to be. We’ll have to wait and see.
As for Hillis, there’s something about him. He just makes you feel like he’s gonna get something done–make something happen. I’m all for him getting the ball, either as tailback, fullback, or whatever. He seems like a huge find for the team. I bet we’ll be hearing about him for years to come. He seems like a solid leader too–for a rook.
I’ll be there in Atlanta to cheer you on. I’m working in South Carolina and managed to get visitor side seats along the 25 yard line.
Go get em guys!
Any cornerback is going to get burned when he is on the other side of Champ frickin Bailey. I mean come on. Bailey is amazazing so every one else will be burned.
Yes, Haynes will work out AND Jim Rome interviewed Jay Cutler in the jungle Monday, so we’ve got karma on our side. The jungle karma is unstoppable so we should get the Falcons!
Man get off of the damn Larsen wagon! I mean he is a good player but there is a reason he is on the depth chart BEHIND 1. Nate Webster 2. Niko Koutivides
We don’t know what the reason is, maybe he just needs a little more time before we throw him out there to learn to read defenses a little more. You aren’t out there at practice are ya Jack-O-Lantern or West Coast??? So let the coaches do what they are paid to do. I mean how about I come down to Micky Dee’s and tell you how to shake the salt on them french fries huh boy?
We move Larsen to MLB we only have 1 FB, so then what if Hillis gets hurt? Move Niko there? That fits perfectly in your plan of having people play their natural position huh? We DRAFTED LARSEN AS A FB! HE KNEW WHAT HE WAS GETTING INTO, HE WANTED IT, SHANNY WANTED IT! I love that TDforreal brought up Nate Jackson, we have a lot of people we have converted over the years to different positions that have done well. Chad Mustard, Litchenstieger, Pears, Foster, who was the huge TE we used in goal line sets as an eligible receiver with Plummer?
And don’t argue oh Royal got his shot at WR when we drafted him for special teams, because he out performed even Marshall during training camp and pre season. He earned his spot in the very few moments he was given the chance.
Also don’t argue that Woodyard got a shot and look how he stepped up, yes Larsen could be phenomenal, or step up like that too, but the fact is he didn’t show enough to the coaches in the chances he has been given to be that guy yet! Give Niko a chance now because he is that guy, he played 2 1/2 quarters and you bail on him! Way to be fan……
Just remember DJ and Champ said they love Niko at MLB because he sets them up to make plays!
“The greatest impact on a game, is the one that you don’t notice!” a great quote by Jace Higgs Remember that one!
Keep the faith fans, hold onto the ball offense, and maintain your gaps defense. Also fans, just support the team we have in place!
07elway, I suggest you go read Coop’s blog “Turnovers Hurt, No Magic Against Jags”
hey guys , the avalanches is the name of my hometown team !! And , sorry but they really sucks !
Not hating on either of you guys, and West Coast I know you haven’t commented yet, but you call for Larsen each time “cuz we have no play makers on that side of the ball” as you call it.
Just jumping the gun, but I love most of your points you make, good points, just sick of hearing the calls for Larsen when to me he hasn’t proven much. Most of the games Jordan scored tons of points the Bulls lost. What I’m saying is you can go out and get 15 tackles in 1 game, that’s nice and all, but I am more impressed with the plays that a player doesn’t give up then the plays they make!
Past the point of caring who carries the ball. Whoever it is needs to hold onto it, make something POSITIVE happen and stay healthy.
Man, I absolutely love these rookies. Clady is a future pro bowler, Woodard looks to have some potential, but Royal, Hillis and Larsen are just really good football players. The kind of blue-collar, hard working, gel guys that you need to win football games. Future is so bright!
2champ4pickSIX…. Dude your killing me. Our coaches thought that Boss Bailey, Niko and Webster were going to be these all pro linebackers. Guess we got that one right. We plug in undrafted Wesley and he had the best performance of anyone of our linebackers this year. He would have never gotten a shot if it werent for injurys. Guess the coaching staff has been playing the best players on defense all along? Maybe that is why we give up 400 yards a game. This team needs a middle linebacker and if Larsen plays and performs like Wesley or even better than our defense improves overnight. Fullbacks do not impact a game like the mike position
2champ4pickSIX….. The reason I call for Larsen is he is a playmaker. Remember the KC game and our onside kick? Who broke through and when up and almost made that play while everyone else stood and watched him. Our offense is full of playmkers and we love it but our defense is full of guys who would not even start for most teams. We were terrible on defense last year because our players were average at best and we kept hearing we will get better. Guess what, we never did get better and its the same tune this year. Give the kid a shot and see whos right….Orange and Blue baby!!!!
Denver hasa way with turning full backs into RB’s lol. actually i think a spread with Hillis held back would be a good option right now hillis has great hands and when u wanna go goal line O bring out larsen. i wouldnt be surprised if Clady doesnt get looked at this year for pro bowl. i know if it was really done by stats hes 1 of the best if not the best LT in the NFL rite now. I couldnt be more happy with our line. i was scared when nalen went down and lepsis left then we got rid our utility line man for a horrible draft pick i though we were gunna be F’ed. Ive never seen this new RB run so i have no opinion but good luck whoever you r. even though ur press confrence sounded like u were outa shape u were kinda breathin hard lol. Broncos fans i think our Offense is set (with the exception of our IR RB’s weve got what 4 on there now lol). now if we get our Defense to start clicking on all cylinders we’ll be fine
I hope Haynes makes the most of his shot. He said that being in a Broncos system was every running backs dream: maybe hell make some magic. As for the Niko-Larsen issue: Let them Play!!!
If the defense is better with Niko setting up others fine! If he is constantly missing tackles that is reason to pull him out but since he is not leave him in. I will admit that i wonder about what Larsen would do but he will get his chance sooner or later. Lets not panic!
Go Broncos!!!!!
2champ4pickSIX Says:
Listen up dude! Your instincts are balled up like your thinking. You are idiot if you think Larsen was drafted as a FB. You also are NOT at practice, therefore you should keep your harsh, degrading comments to yourself, and stay the uckf off other peoples backs.
If you read anything about Larsen, you’d know he rec’d many votes as PAC 10 def player of year, not offensive, but defensive, and finished 2nd behind Sedrick Ellis. He was 2x Defensive Cpt in college. Shanahan only uses him to block. Hey, maybe you think Lichtensteiger is a FB too? Get a clue rookie! You’re no genius… Peyton will be a FB, that’s what he does. Larsen WILL be a MLB…you better believe that!
Selvin needs to get healthy. There is soooooo much more that a RB does besides run the ball that just can’t be picked up in a day or two of practice. They pass block, run routes etc… Hillis is pretty impressive, but I doubt he can pick up all of the subtle nuances of being a RB in a week of practice. We are in trouble when it comes to “bust you in the mouth clock burning 4th quarter running” that is where games are won. On the bright side: There isn’t a defense in the nfl that can cover our spread offense package. If we see more shotgun 4-wide 1 rb sets or shotgun 5-wide sets, it can only mean good things for our offensive production. Lets put the ball in Jay’s hands and hope he makes good decisions.
Well lets get a few things clear. Wesley Woodyard looked incredible and I personally would like to see him starting…perhaps over Boss but I wont jump to conclusions. Larsen at Mike is not a bad idea but we could not afford to give up another back to play linebacker just yet at least until Haynes get into football shape. Niko has shown me nothing up until now. He looked real dumb when he missed the gap on a Joshua Cribbs run. He was supposed to seal the edge but he ended up just trying to make an arm takle and couldnt do that. Then he got crack backed by a freakin wide-out and looked stupid again. What I can say is this. Larsen is playmaker and even if he lacks somethings we can be sure he deliver crushing hits to anyone comming his way. It is very easy to miss people on kick coverage cause your running full speed and they have the upperhand but he has made people pay so I know he could do the same and since we have been getting torched we might as well add some intimidation or attitude that he could bring. Hopefully gets his shot. Aslo I would love to see 220lb 4.3 40yd dash Safety Josh Barrett get his shot too. At least he would bounce of Kellon Winslow like Lowry and Manuel did.
How about Rolling Thunder? That is if you really think Hillis and Larsen will actually be in the backfield at the same time. Personally, I think it just might work, but I’m not holding my breath.
Hey West Coast and 2champ4pickSIX, chill out (or as my wife would say;”chill, Tony Robbins”). You both have good and valid points, but unless Larsen can be cloned, he’ll probably stay at FB. I’d rather see him at his natural position of LB too, but back in OTAs and training camp, he was tried out as a FB, since he did some of that back in HS (as you know). I think it’s just the direction Shanny decided to go with at the time. He ended up being needed more as a FB than a LB. Not that he’s any less valuable as a LB. I figure someday he’ll make an awesome MLB when, and I do mean WHEN, he gets the opportunity, but we’ll probably have to wait until next year before we see it. I hope I’m wrong, though.
GO BRONCOS!!!! BEAT THE DIRTY BIRDS!!!!!
where is selvin young?!?
we need him to get healthy quick!!!
But i do like Haynes coming in…. we always seem to find good RB out of no where
Tatum Bell is working out this week with the Broncos. We’ll see if he makes the Team or not.
I’m a huge fan of Hillis, he plays with a lot of heart. Selvin young wasn’t doing what i thought he’d do this season, he showed a lot of promise last year but didn’t do much damage this year
I would like to have Tatum back, as long as he learns to hang on to the ball…unlike he last year here.
With Tatum signed, I think we’ll have more Thunder and Lighting than a Tsunami… I wonder if Tatum will play at all this week and if he does, how much he’ll play.
I have no problem with Larsen at full back and I’m not saying that he is the best option at MLB. I’m not at their practices and make such claimes.
However, Larsen was drafted as a MLB and was a good one in college. We have little depth at both FB and MLB. My question is; at which position are we more in need?
Our offense is in the top ten and our defense ranks near the bottom. I personally would say that defense is the top priority.
If Larsen is our best option then we should put him at MLB, plain and simple. I don’t know if he is, but he looked better than Niko in the preseason and is probably more developed at this point in the season.
If we keep Hillis at FB, then have Alex Haynes back him up at FB then we have our depth there. We can then have Larsen at MLB with Niko or Mario Haggan backing at the MLB. It seems we would have the depth we need right there.
Like I said, I want the best man to win the job. If that means Niko is the better man so be it. I just hope Larsen gets a fair shot at playing as our MLB.
I just knew we were gonna bring in some old denver blood back into the backfield….. Hopefully Tatum can get the job done for us
yeah tatum back is good i just he does good for us. we need a balanced offense and hope bell can be the answer at rb for the rest of the yr.
I’m glad that we signed Tatum Bell back, he was great when he was with us. Now if Young can get healthy, our back field will be good to go.
Like I said WestCoast you always have some good points, and I didn’t get to see our onside attempt because of the way the game went, good ol’ CBS Utah switched games, and the live feed you had posted wouldn’t work for me. Which by the way thanks agian for always helping.
As for you HOGblog I am not seeing where my rude remarks you are reffering to were, so point them out. I never claimed to be on the side lines at practice either, just said that the coaches are so lets let them make the decision. I have enough faith in Shanny that even if Bates was completely missing Larsen that Shanny would over ride the decision and put him in. Good job on making yourself hypocritical though buddy!….
Yeah it is the same tune this year, maybe I just have too much faith. But against the Browns even with Woodyard and Winborn in there we still gave up 400 yards or very close to it. So I don’t think one player is single handedly accountable for that, not saying Larsen wouldn’t have done better or worse but I don’t see that making much more of a difference. I say give Niko one more game atleast before the bashing, I mean he only got nocked for missing one tackle, and only gave up 2 plays? Which didn’t go for much more than where he would have stopped it.
Jack-O-Lantern I didn’t really emphasize my real point in the previous post, and you did it for me. I’m right there too that who ever is best at the job should get the job, but we really are light at both spots, and until we are more solid at RB Shanny will use what he can there. After all he is an Offensive Minded coach.
Also HOGblog I don’t get any PAC10 games so I couldn’t claim anything there, but remember back to when Shanny talked about the draft picks and he flat out said they drafted Larsen as a FB, they called and clarified with him his role for that position and he approved, now ofcourse they will give him a shot at MLB, everyone gets a shot at their natural position but until we have more depth at RB especially FB now I don’t like the move of him over. Next year, all for it unless Niko excells because young talent is driven talent, and bound to improve!
I’m not the idiot you called me out for, but think what you want. Don’t even see why you asked about Litch being a TE, learn to read in context and you would see I was referring to the TE we had with Plummer that we moved to Gaurd or Tackle, he was involved in the trade to Detroit with Bell. Anyone help me with his name?
Anyway glad to see Tatum back, we need someone with the break away speed.