Special teams
Denver’s Isaiah Burse made strides last week as a rookie return man. He is averaging only 5.2 yards per punt return, but he displayed less hesitation against Arizona. He had a 15-yard punt return in the 41-20 victory over the Cardinals. He is shifty, but he needs to show speed to outrun defenders after making the first tackler miss. Denver’s BrandonMcManus was 2-for-3 kicking field goals, including a clanker. Road kicks leave real impressions. This game could be closer than expected. When favored by at least seven points on the road with Peyton Manning, the Broncos have covered 13 times in 22 games, according to Bovada in Las Vegas. a groin injury, up popped Hillman. He ran 15 times against Arizona and earned the start (supposedly) against the Jets. In all three training camps, he’s been considered, according to coaches, a player on the brink of being a major contributor. Then he vanishes. What’sWith The Conundrum? Despite being in his third season, Hillman, at age 23, is one of the Broncos’ five youngest players. Six years ago, he was working full time at Applebee’s.
He’s short (5-foot-8½) and lean (180 pounds when holding a slab of concrete) and not durable. He isn’t a quality blocker. He doesn’t always comprehend the checkdowns, and he doesn’t fully utilize his running lanes.
He’s also immature. After the Broncos arrived for the Super Bowl, Hillman was photographed in a Bronx strip club. Rumors continue to swirl about what actually happened to Hillman and KayvonWebster when the Broncos played an exhibition at Dallas in late August. Both ended up at a hospital, and the reason was covered up by the organization. Neither played in the season opener.
Hillman isn’t one of the league’s badfellows. He just performs occasional stupid human tricks.
He has talent, with a burst of speed and elusiveness that can lead to big gains. In the second half last Sunday, Hillman produced impressive runs for 12, 16, 13 and 9 yards, andwasn’t overrun by the Cardinals’ blitzers. He averaged 4.3 yards per carry, which iswhat the Broncos’ prolific playaction passing game needs as a diversion against the Jets, who, like the Cardinals, have assembled a terrific pass rush.
Hillman had a very good half last week. The Broncos have seen the thrill-man sizzle in a half-dozen games and the Hillman fizzle in another half dozen. Hillman remains the unknown conundrum.
But he gets a fresh start Sunday.