Jeff Legwold, ESPN Senior Writer 10y

Broncos, Ball struggle in run game

SEATTLE -- The search for some semblance of balance has the Denver Broncos' offense a bit out of whack.

Three games into the season and the Broncos are averaging just 3.2 yards per rushing attempt, they have just one rushing touchdown and in three games they have not had a run play go longer than 23 yards against defenses primarily constructed to stop the Broncos from doing something else.

“We all just have to get better,’’ said Broncos running back Montee Ball following the 26-20 overtime loss to the Seattle Seahawks. “It all starts up front, but then us as running backs have got to do a better job. Personally I have to hold on to the ball. I have to get that corrected.’’

The Broncos are not looking for some sort of 50-50 split between run and pass. But they are looking for what they tab as “efficient’’ runs, those rushing plays that secure first downs, no matter the down and distance, or runs that go for at least four yards.

Well, in Sunday’s loss the Broncos converted just one first down on a run play and just six of their 20 rushing attempts in the game went for at least four yards. It was a particularly grueling day for Ball.

The player the Broncos believe is ready for the lead role in their run game fumbled the ball away on the team’s first offensive play from scrimmage against the Seahawks. By halftime he had just 19 yards rushing on 10 carries and finished the day with 38 yards on his 14 carries.

Also Sunday Ronnie Hillman rushed for 2 yards on his two carries combined and C.J. Anderson rushed for minus-3 yards on his two carries. All in all it has taken at least some edge off the Broncos' play-action passing game because opposing defenses aren't having to commit additional players to the line of scrimmage to slow Denver's running game.

Asked following the game how he would grade himself, Ball was honest and quick to the point.

“Right now, not too good at all,’’ Ball said. “It’s early on and we are getting better, making improvements. We are going to make things happen in the backfield, change some things up probably and get this thing rolling. We’re most definitely committing to it. It’s just some things are not going well for us. We knew this was going to be an ugly game, two great teams playing. I think this is going to make us better.

On the game-opening fumble, Ball added: "I can’t blame anyone else on that. I let a lot of people down right there."

The Broncos had particular difficulty handling the interior of the Seahawks’ defensive line. Seattle defensive tackles Brandon Mebane and Kevin Williams finished with a combined three tackles for loss in the game.

“We play disciplined, team football,’’ said Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman.

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