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Will Torain be able to meet Broncos' expectations?

By Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published October 23, 2008 at 3:10 p.m.
Updated October 23, 2008 at 3:11 p.m.

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FROM BRONCOS 24/7 BLOG:

There are expectations galore for rookie Ryan Torain as he prepares for his possible NFL debut on Nov. 2.

That's to be expected after his head coach favorably compared him in training camp to Terrell Davis' and called him "one of the most gifted running backs I've been around for a long time."

But consider this: Torain has yet to participate in even a pre-season contest. And there's a huge difference in the speed of the game from training camp practices, where the fifth-round pick did look like a possible starter, to a real NFL Sunday.

A case in point is right tackle Ryan Harris.

Harris' preseason debut this year yielded four penalties. The tackle is in his second year, but he missed most of 2007 training camp after back surgery and never played in a game, exhibition or otherwise, before taking on special-teams duties and extremely limited work in goal-line formations towards the end of his rookie year.

Harris has adapted well over time after that tough start.

But the point is it may be too much to ask for Torain to simply be inserted into the lineup against Miami and to just let it roll. It may take a few weeks to get acclimated before taking on larger responsibilities. And, truth be told, Michael Pittman isn't exactly the team's biggest problem right now as the backfield starter.

What the Broncos can aspire to with Torain, though, is exactly what they haven't received from Pittman, Andre Hall and Selvin Young - big plays.

Click here to read more of this story in the Broncos 24/7 blog.

Comments

  • October 23, 2008

    3:37 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    can_am_broncofan writes:

    it would be foolish to look to torrain as a saviour to this team,but another weapon for cutler,definately.a boost to the broncs is much needed to this point. a change of pace back is always good & gives the other team that much more to think about.

  • October 23, 2008

    4:56 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Squatch writes:

    Pittman needs more carries if they are expecting "big plays" the only big play the Offense has been looking for have been Cutler to Marshall. Young isnt going to break big plays running between the guards like they have been running him every time he would build momentum they were putting in Andre Hal. If the pull that crap with Torain he wont be breaking any big plays either. Torain if he is as good as they say will still be 3 full games from being acclimated to Regular season NFL games.

  • October 23, 2008

    6:55 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    R8R_H8R writes:

    There's alot of media hype / expectations, but I dont have any expectations for Torrain. It's illogical. Give the guy a break. Let him get some carries this year, but Pittman is a beast. Pittman, if healthy, should be the featured back the remainder of the season. He runs harder than ANY back this offense has ever seen. And he does a great job of blocking blitzing Safeties. Give Torrain a taste, get him healthy and ready to roll next season.

  • October 23, 2008

    7:16 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Swick writes:

    You can't compare Harris to Torain. RBs play much earlier than OL unless you're as good as Clady seems to be. I don't see Torain carrying the load at first, but somebody needs to give Pittman a break. The tough running style he plays with is great, but you can't expect any RB over 30 to last very long taking the hits he does. He should be used the way Marcus Allen was at KC to keep him fresh and continue his success for more than just a few more games. It only takes one injury at his age and it's all over.

  • October 23, 2008

    9:04 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Dynamicdave writes:

    Swick, one thing to keep in mind about Pittman, though, is that he wasn't a starter in his career. He didn't lug the rock as often. His body stayed in good shape with very little pounding. I think he's more durable then people would think.

  • October 23, 2008

    10:39 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    aragornzxl writes:

    The thing with Pittman is that he runs hard, he runs over people, but he doesn't run past people. I think that is what we really need. Like it or not, we need a playmaker. Cutler makes the play sometimes, but he is getting pikced off way too many times than he should. Barshall makes play almost everytime he touches teh ball, that is if he doesn't drop the ball first. Other than that, there is no one on the O-line capable for a quick six. Royals might, and so could Scheffler, but their injury problems is a little more than just a concern. This looks like last year all over again. Win close games at the beginning of the year, then lose big due to injuries in the middle of the season.

  • October 23, 2008

    10:52 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Brain writes:

    Let Ryan play "football" his first game out, he will be great. His second game will not be the same; I bet he is still worth at least 1 win this season though.

  • October 23, 2008

    11:01 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Dynamicdave writes:

    Brain, I just don't want to see him come back too hard, too soon, and re-injure his elbow. Let him get used to being hit again. Regardless, he'll be a plus.

  • October 24, 2008

    10:23 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    topdog4350 writes:

    Does he play Defense??? It's going to be nice to have another back. I really like Pittman, but think he doesn't have breakaway speed. Hall might have the speed, but it don't take much to bring him down. It will be nice to see if Torrain has both.

  • October 24, 2008

    10:37 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    jugdish writes:

    Torain or not Torain, that is the question. Starter or time share?
    Probably the latter until he busts off some big plays. Any galloping down the sidelines ala Terrell Davis and the job will be his. But Bronco fans, I think we'll see a nice 1-2 punch with Torain and Pittman. Both are bigger guys who run hard and can get the extra yardage.

  • October 24, 2008

    2:31 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    kansasbronco writes:

    The timing is sweet let him have a few carries against Miami, then crank it up Thursday night in Chilly Cleveland against a fairly weak defense, especially against quick backs. That will take tons of pressure off the passing game, which should cut down turnovers and increase time of possesion. The defense seems to play well early but gets overwhelmed when they have to hold teams after turnovers and too many quick possesions due to crappy calls and or drops like we saw last week.

  • October 24, 2008

    8:37 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    tjirish34 writes:

    Disagree with the slant of article. I am expecting Ryan to produce immediately big time! Why you ask? What merits do I have to form this opinion. I will tell you why. Ryan is a back built like Pittman. He is big and fast. Shanny didn't make those comparison to Davis for no reason. The RB's on this roster other than pittman are average at best. Pittman can produce but at his age. Pittman is not a full time back. The door is wide open for Ryan to start. Pittman may take away goal line carries. A good running game will keep that bad defense off field. While opening up the passing game to bigger plays. I am in Indy. The Bronco's team looks alot like those Colt teams earlier this decade. Great offense no D. Peyton was able to get those teams in playoff's a few times. But another comparison is E. James career. Edge barely played in preseason and right from the start Edge was great for Colts. Ryan did not have knee problem or back problem. It was a broken elbow. So if elbow healed Ryan should be in game shape. Plus the offense can be set up with the pass setting up the run. The running holes will be there. I totally expect Ryan to be a solid player rest of season. Now no not saying he is next Davis. I am saying Ryan will produce and if Bronco's lucky they may get themselves another clinton portis type player. BTW I still rather have a feature all pro RB then an all pro shutdown CB. How did making that Portis/Bailey trade make the Defense today? I say Redskins have gotten better end of that trade today.

  • October 24, 2008

    8:42 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Brain writes:

    Running the ball is defense; if Torrain can help the Broncos maintain possession that will help the D as well as the O because teams will have to play more players in the box to stop him and force less pass coverage.

  • October 24, 2008

    8:47 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    tjirish34 writes:

    I don't know what some of you are whining about. Hey guess what? This Bronco team is all around not that great this year because the defense is lousy. This team will not make playoffs unless they win division. But I still think San Diego will win division. Having said all that! The future is very bright for bronco's. Cutler looks like a franchise QB, Marshall All Pro WR with Royal, Scheffler and vets rounding out a nice Receiving group. O line not bad and if Ryan Torain lives up billing (I think he will) plus a good K'er in Prater. This offense in future could look like the Elway offenses. So next season Denver needs to start building a decent defense. I have never been the biggest fan of Shanny's coaching prowess. But I admit his personel department have done a great job finding talent. Especially on offense. Bottom line the future looks bright in Denver.

  • October 24, 2008

    11:31 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    CyberHostage writes:

    I think it's more important that Ryan Torain meets MY expectations.

  • October 26, 2008

    10:15 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Bronco_Billy writes:

    So, Ryan Torain looks like Terrell Davis at practice. A high school back might look like TD against the our defense !!!