In a tough matchup on the road against the Jets, Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman did something Montee Ball never did -- deliver over 100 total yards. Hillman actually rushed for 100 yards even on 24 carries and picked up 16 yards on three catches (five targets), grossly outproducing every other Broncos back in Week 6.
The yardage was nice but the real thing to be encouraged by was Hillman's workload. The Jets almost dared the Broncos to run, which they did with Hillman. That suggests confidence in the guy by Peyton Manning, who basically works as offensive coordinator out on the field. The 27 total touches by Hillman is the most of any Broncos back on the year, besting Ball's Week 1 by a handoff and a catch.
There was a point in the game where Hillman coughed up the ball but it was recovered by a teammate. But Hillman also got a couple of carries near the goal line, an area that might have gone to a bigger back like Juwan Thompson.
Hillman takes on the 49ers at home in Week 7. It's a tougher matchup for Hillman but he'll likely fit into lineups as a decent No. 2 running back choice.