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ENGLEWOOD, Colo. – After sitting out the majority of 2014, running back Montee Ball **returns to the field with a new-found fire and excitement for what's to come for the Broncos offense.
With the addition of a new balanced offense under the helm of Head Coach Gary Kubiak and Offensive Coordinator Rick Dennison, the Broncos running back corps will look to see more snaps in 2015. Ball is expected to share time with running back C.J. Anderson who stepped up after Ball suffered a groin injury and tallied 849 rushing yards and eight touchdowns.
"I'm really looking forward to splitting carries with him," said Ball. "I think we're two really good backs in a system that we love to keep the ball on the ground. So we love this system. As a running back you have to thrive in this system because its what we love. It's smash-mouth football."
The Broncos continued with their Organized Team Activity practices on Monday, finally joined by Shane Ray.
New tackle Ryan Harris and guard Louis Vasquez watch practice.
QB Zac Dysert throws a pass during practice.
WR Nathan Palmer and CB Kayvon Webster battle for a pass.
T Michael Schofield during OTAs
S Darian Stewart at practice during OTAs
QB Brock Osweiler makes a pass during practice at OTAs.
CB Lorenzo Doss at practice during OTAs
NT Darius Kilgo during practice at OTAs.
DeMarcus Ware instructs Shane Ray on some of the finer points during practice at OTAs.
Special Teams Coordinator Joe DeCamillis prepares to blow his whistle to start a kickoff drill.
CB Kayvon Webster during OTAs.
T Chris Clark looks to block against G Andre Davis.
Offensive Coordinator Rick Dennison participates in Monday's practice.
C Dillon Day (62, right) runs toward T Michael Schofield (79, left)
CB Tony Carter stares intently as he waits to start a footwork drill.
T Ty Sambrailo and C/G Max Garcia square off during a drill.
Tight Ends coach Brian Pariani grins as TE Marcel Jensen jogs over.
CB Kayvon Webster (36), S Josh Furman (41), S Darian Stewart (26) and CB Tony Carter (32)
New T Ryan Harris looks on during offensive line drills.
LS Aaron Brewer during OTAs
Former Broncos DB Nick Ferguson, one of the coaching hopefuls of the Bill Walsh NFL Minority Coaching Fellowship, throws a pass during defensive back drills.
Shane Ray and other Broncos edge rushers look on as OLB Gerald Rivers performs a drill.
In 2013, Ball totaled 559 yards on 120 carries and punched in a two touchdowns in his 16 game appearances. To open the 2014 season, he racked-up 172 rushing yards on 55 attempts in five games before sitting out the remaining season from his injury.
Dennison's new offense makes the need for two running backs even stronger. Through the first week of organized team activities, both Anderson and Ball have each split carries, seemingly being pegged in a similar respect on their own offseason depth chart.
"That's how we look at it: 1A and 1B," said Ball. "But you need two backs in the NFL. It's a long season, so we most definitely understand that we're going to have to keep battling and keep fighting for the position, which will make the offense better and the team better. Healthy competition is important."
The success of Dennison's new offense lies in the balance of the passing and rushing offense, with balance being the key. Ball knows that while he and the running back corps looks forward to an increase in carries, he also know that the team will do whatever it takes to win – whether that be in the air or on the ground.
"It's an easier playbook from last year, but we're most definitely going to put the ball in the air," said Ball. "We're going to do what works. If the pass game's working that game, we're going to pass the ball. If the run game's working, we're going to run the ball. But as far as running backs right now, we're looking to chop."
In addition to his excitement to return to work, Ball also relishes in his opportunity to be back training with his fellow teammates.
"I love working with this team, working with the players and sweating together," said Ball. "It's a great feeling to definitely be back with them and contributing in any way that I can."
