Broncos report: Pittman makes case for more time

By Jeff Legwold, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published October 6, 2008 at 6:03 p.m.

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Michael Pittman runs during the second quarter against the Buccaneers. "When I get the chance to carry the ball, I want to show them I've still got the speed, still got the power," he said.

Photo by Matt McClain / The Rocky

Defensive tackle Marcus Thomas fumbles after trying to return an interception Sunday against Tampa Bay.

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When the buck that is the depth chart stops at your desk, one word can mean a lot.

And when Broncos coach Mike Shanahan was asked Monday if Michael Pittman could power his way deeper into the team's rotation at running back, Shanahan quickly responded: "Sure."

Pittman already is the Broncos' third-down back because of his ability as a receiver and pass blocker. He also is the choice in short-yardage situations. But he continues to hope for more.

"I always want to show I have a lot left in me," Pittman said. "I'll play whatever role they want me to play, but when I get the chance to carry the ball, I want to show them I've still got the speed, still got the power."

The 33-year-old has shown both in recent weeks, turning a short pass into a 41-yard gain against the Chiefs, as well as some bruising runs against the Buccaneers on Sunday.

Pittman was the lone back in the lineup Sunday as the Broncos closed the game in the final minutes, getting the team's final first down on back-to-back 6-yard runs through the middle of the Buccaneers defense.

He finished with 39 yards on six carries and caught two passes for 22 yards. He leads the team with four rushing touchdowns.

"He played very well. I think everybody saw a tough, hard-nosed runner who made some big-time plays," Shanahan said. "He ran over some safeties, ran over some corners. Obviously, the better you play, the more time you're going to get."

The Broncos have been using Selvin Young and Andre Hall on a five-play rotation on running-down situations, but Pittman's play could make that rotation even a little more crowded.

The crowd will get bigger in the coming weeks, with rookie Ryan Torain, who Shanahan has said had a chance to be the team's starter before he fractured a bone just above his left elbow and suffered ligament damage in the joint during training camp, set to return to practice as soon as next week.

"(There is) a chance he could start practicing next week," Shanahan said. "I would say the earliest he could would be after the bye week. That's my gut."

The Broncos' first game after their bye week (Oct. 26) is Nov. 2 against Miami at Invesco Field at Mile High.

Question marks

The Broncos are closely monitoring the injuries of receiver Eddie Royal and tight end Tony Scheffler. Both players, who are second and fourth in catches for the Broncos, were sent for magnetic resonance imaging exams Monday.

Royal, who had X-rays of his left ankle Sunday, said no fracture showed up, but an MRI would give the Broncos a better idea of any ligament strain or other damage.

The injury was bothering Royal through the week leading to the Buccaneers game before he was helped off the field after a third-quarter punt return. Similar injuries have been difficult to shake for other players and take a while to heal.

"(It's) one of those nagging injuries you have to deal with," Royal said.

Scheffler suffered what the team said was a left groin strain. There were indications he also was being evaluated for a sports hernia, which is a more chronic problem in the muscles in the pelvis and groin area.

It sometimes can require surgery to repair. The Broncos were concerned enough about Scheffler's condition to bring back Chad Mustard. Mustard, who was waived at the end of training camp, was waived and signed by the team on three occasions last season.

He is expected to sign a contract and be on the practice field Wednesday. To make room for him on the roster, the Broncos released guard Dylan Gandy.

Defensive end Ebenezer Ekuban also was treated for a groin strain.

Jump in

Receiver Glenn Martinez was signed Sept. 30 when the Broncos placed Clifford Russell on injured reserve, but the team had to toss Martinez into the lineup when Royal left the game.

Martinez played some snaps in the offense and also returned two punts.

After being away from the team for a month - Martinez was among the last cuts at the end of training camp - he said the returns were a little more difficult to handle.

"When I was off, I got a chance to run routes and catch a couple balls, but I can't simulate catching a punt and guys coming down full speed at me," Martinez said. "I'm glad they had the confidence to put me back there, and I could knock the rust off with that first one. We'll see from here."

Added Shanahan: "He stayed in good shape. . . . He's practiced (punt returns). He's done a good job when he was here."

Etc.

* Shanahan said Spencer Larsen, who started at fullback, is in the mix to start more. Rookie Peyton Hillis had been the starter for the first four games.

Larsen got noticed with two explosive special-teams hits, one against New Orleans and another against Kansas City.

"We gave it to Larsen . . . so we could give him an opportunity to show us what he can do," Shanahan said. "Anybody that hits like that on special teams can obviously hit those linebackers. He did a good job."

* With the Broncos having used plenty of three-man defensive lines of late, defensive end Jarvis Moss might have to try his hand at outside linebacker to get on the field more. Moss, the team's first-round pick in 2007, has been a game-day inactive three times this season, including Sunday.

Asked if the use of the three-man line would limit the snaps Moss could play because he isn't as big as some of the team's other defensive ends, Shanahan said: "I think Jarvis has the ability to play as a linebacker and a defensive end. He's in that 240 (pound) range and still has his speed, so you may see him some as a defensive end and some as a linebacker. . . . We've got the ability to do something with Jarvis we haven't done in the past."

• October 6, 2008

  9:58 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  deezBroncs1127 writes:

  Why Not? Our running game is lacking something? It's missing something? Why not give some more carries to Pittman. He deserves it. From what I've seen so far, Pittman has been the most consistant out of the three. Selvin Young & Andre Hall have done a good job, don't get me wrong (minus Andre's penalties) both have not turn the ball over, not trying to do too much, but we need more of the TOUGH yards & Pittman has the ability to get those 2 or 3 extra yards that Young can't get.

  What is it gonna hurt, Jax defense is tough and we need to match their toughness & Pittman can do that.

• October 6, 2008

  11:34 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Dusty_Piniella writes:

  Watching Pittman play against the Bucs reminded me of the old days of John Riggins and the Redskins in the early 80's. He's a bruiser and runs over people, not try to finesse around them. I say make him the full time starter and get him at least 30 carries a game!!

• October 7, 2008

  5:08 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  angryman1n writes:

  Pittman, Pittman, Pittman.... (but then again, I'm partial. He's on my fantasy team.)

• October 7, 2008

  8:28 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  El_Braino writes:

  Jarvis as a Linebacker! I love it! I posted that same opinion a couple of weeks ago and was ridiculed! I hope he excels and makes an impact on Denver's Defense. Go Broncos!

• October 7, 2008

  8:34 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  DeimosJB writes:

  Pittman needs to be kept fresh, but based on his performance, he can probably be bumped up to about 10 carries a game.

• October 7, 2008

  8:52 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  Squatch writes:

  The Broncos need to use Pittman to punish the defense like Davis and Mike Anderson did. Right now the running game isnt demanding the linebalers to commit to stopping the run since they now if Hall and Young hit the pile they most likely we go down or be knocked backwards then the LB's can make the tackle. Pittman changes the way the LB & Safeties sit back in coverage.

• October 7, 2008

  11 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  BigRedCelt writes:

  El_Braino...I remember that. I too think this would be a good move at this point. Has that Simon Fletcher feel..the guy is not getting on the field anyway. He is a exellent athlete and finding a spot is crucial for him and the team. Pre-draft that was the opinion of most of the gurus is that he might be best suited for LB in a 3-4 set. He's got the speed. Moving him back gives him the opportunity to work in space. At 240 he's a good sized LB. I like it!

  And Pitman...give him the d--- ball. I know Young's got the big per carry ave, but does nothing when the other team "knows" they are going to run. He's a great "change of pace guy". Pitman makes defenders pay the price for a tackle. The high flying offense is fun to watch, but that running game that imposes it's will is what wins deep in the playoffs. Torain and Pitman..mmmmm..defenses are in for a hurt.

• October 7, 2008

  11:37 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  Squatch writes:

  The Jags need a very large dose of Pittman so Jay will be able to sling it.

• October 7, 2008

  12:15 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  blaw0013 writes:

  BigRedCelt is a friggin' genius. couldn't have said it better.

  The second coming of (dare I say) Elway at QB and my new Simon Fletcher! Thank you Pat Bowlen and Mike Shanahan for making the Broncos a life passion that isn't miserable (*nugs?*)

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