Moreno should improve as Broncos' season continues

ENGLEWOOD • Knowshon Moreno should be better in the second, post-bye phase of Denver's season.

That’s good news, considering the Broncos’ rookie running back has already been pretty impressive.

Moreno missed most of training camp and all but a handful of plays in the preseason because of a contract holdout and a knee injury. After a shaky debut, Moreno has played well enough to put himself in the early conversation for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.

“It would be a great honor, but I haven’t really thought about that,” Moreno said.

Moreno, who was inserted as the Broncos’ starter before their fifth game when Correll Buckhalter was out with an ankle injury, is on pace for 1,016 yards rushing. He has 169 more yards on the ground than any other rookie. And he said he can improve.

“At times I feel like I’m trying to make too much happen, not letting everyone else do their part first and then I come in,” Moreno said. “Hopefully it gets a little slower.”

Although Moreno has played well, he hasn’t been perfect. His 3.8-yard average isn’t spectacular, he has had problems converting in short-yardage situations and has only one rushing touchdown. Still, considering the time Moreno missed, the 12th pick of the draft is coming along fine.

“He’s made his fair share of mistakes, but he’s learning more and more every week about how the line is blocking certain things, protection issues, certain keys we give him before games,” offensive coordinator Mike McCoy said. “The more playing time he gets, the better he’s going to be.”
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