The Broncos are revamping their rushing attack

Last season, the Broncos didn't carry a fullback on the roster, and Receiver Brandon Marshall basically was the offense. That will change in 2010. In practice, Tight End Branson has lined up a few times as a fullback, and Spencer Larsen has moved from playing both linebacker and fullback, to just fullback. Though it is only June, it looks like Denver will be using more two-back formations this season. Giving some proof to that theory, the Broncos on Friday signed fullback Kyle Eckel, who will add some competition at the fullback position, again, a position the Broncos didn't carry last season.

The Broncos rushing attack clearly was most successful in two-back formations last season. Running behind a fullback (or a Tight End) especially aided Knowshon Moreno, who is poised to have a breakout year.

After being drafted 12th overall in the 2009 NFL Draft, Moreno (on paper) looked like the best candidate to become Rookie Of The Year. While Moreno didn't quite live up to those expectations, he accomplished much of what the Broncos asked of him. His rookie year started slow, as Correll Buckhalter handled a bulk of the carries. In nine games started, Moreno rushed for 947 yards and 7 rushing touchdowns, with an 3.8 yards-per carry average.

Six times last year Moreno managed only 50 yards or less rushing yards against opponents, with his best performances coming late in the season, while rushing behind a fullback. His under performance can't all be thrown on him though, the offensive line was plagued with injuries, and was ajusting to a new scheme. It's hard to run without good blocking.

Entering his second season, Moreno looks to improve, he showed flashes of brilliance last season, and will work off those. Head Coach Josh McDaniels had great things to say about him,

"He's smart - one of the smarter backs that I've had an opportunity to coach this young in his career. You can't put too much on him because he can handle it mentally. Physically, he looks good; he's got a burst to himself. He's got a confidence about him that I don't know that he had as a rookie because I don't know that you can as a rookie."

Using fullbacks will benefit the Broncos rushing attack considerably, look for it to especially aid Knowshon Moreno as he enters his Sophomore NFL season.