Broncos still waiting for Knowshon Moreno to break out

Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno has yet to crack 100 yards rushing in a single game. (Paul Cloud Photography)

Where are you, electrifying, game-changing Knowshon Moreno?

Last April, the Broncos drafted Heisman Trophy candidate Moreno out of Georgia with the 12th overall selection in the draft. Needless to say, the Broncos and fans had high expectations for the 23-year old running back. His rookie year, hampered by injuries, had its ups and downs. Not able to produce a 100-yard game in his nine starts, he finished the season with 947 yards and 7 rushing touchdowns – respectable numbers that were expected to be put to shame by his sophomore campaign.

This season however, it’s been more of the same for Moreno. After sustaining a hamstring injury in Training Camp, Moreno never fully recovered and re-injured it in Week Two against the Seahawks. After missing a few games, he was back in action for the Broncos the last two weeks. He’s looked good, one of the few – strike that – the Only bright spot in last Sunday’s loss. Knowshon rushed for 53 yards on 14 carries and added 37 yards off three receptions that went for two scores.

The Broncos however, didn’t draft him to be a good running back. He was a first round draft pick, and those are always meant to become great running backs. It’s time Knowshon Moreno started playing like one.

Now, the kid is still very young, so it’s way too early to cast many judgments on his career as a whole, especially when you consider that many other running backs who have gone before him struggled early on, only to go on to have great careers. But the Broncos need to see a potential for greatness.

Did they get their first taste last Sunday?

Known for his spunky and confident personality, Moreno only had two runs of 20 plus yards last season, and hasn’t broken 17 yards on a single carry this season, though he has missed three games due to injury. He’s rushed 65 times this season for 212 yards (a 3.3 yards-per-run average) and has proved to be a good receiving back, catching 8 passes for 108 yards and 2 scores, giving him four touchdowns on the season.

The Broncos rushing attack is ranked 32nd (dead last in the NFL), and could really use the big play Moreno that we all watched play in college. Having a big day against the 49ers 14th ranked run defense would certainly aid Knowshon’s résumé.

I know you’re hiding in there somewhere, former 2,736 yard, 30 touchdown Georgia Bulldawg Knowshon Moreno. We’re all waiting for you to break out, don’t hold back, release the beast!