2014 Broncos Season, Training Camp

"Oh, I most definitely feel pressure, but it's great pressure. It's good pressure. It's going to make me a better person and a better man and a better player for this team." — Montee Ball, Denver Broncos running back

So we're a week into the season, kind of. We're in the midst of training camp — that longish stretch between the start of practice and when a first game will finally take place. If you're counting at home, that game will finally be played a week from tomorrow, on Thursday, August 7.

So far there have been a lot of interesting things during camp. People have been excited to return. The Broncos played live in the stadium on Sunday. Rahim Moore's emotional return was beautiful to see. And then there was Peyton Manning leading everyone in a dance to "Rocky Top." In other words, it's clearly camp season.

We have yet to see how questions will be answered on the field, but there are still some questions about this team. It's been fascinating to see some of the early articles that have come out about the Broncos. Many have focused on defense, the promise of the returning players, questions on the offensive line, and, of course, who is going to run the ball.

Montee Ball, the second-year back, seems excited and ready to be the lead rusher for the Broncos. That has been the plan going into training camp. Over the off season, the Broncos let Knowshon Moreno go to the Dolphins, and they didn't pick up any free agents or draft any backs. The obvious thought was Ball, along with Ronnie Hillman and CJ Anderson, will be enough.

Ball showed some flashes of brilliance last season, but it came with other issues. And I wonder how much he's improved, both in his on field play and in the way Manning views him. One of my memories of last season was during the Patriots game, when Moreno was clearly injured and worn out. Yet, during crunch time, Manning didn't feel comfortable having Ball or Hillman in the game, instead bringing Moreno out for play after play despite his visible struggles.

Why is that? Well, Ball struggled mightily in pass blocking. He even noted that, at the University of Wisconsin where he played, pass blocking wasn't a big part of the game. That's something he had to learn here, and something he needs to improve in immediately.

Additionally, Ball struggled with ball security. This is something that plagued both Ball and Hillman. Ball seemed to improve as the season wore on, but that's something that's a big concern for this team and its fans.

Finally, Ball struggled in the passing game. Moreno frequently had a big impact as an outlet and screen receiver. Ball seemed to struggle catching simple passes, at times, and also didn't make the kind of break-away plays Moreno did.

I think Ball is a talented back, and he could be a big part of the offense. So far he seems to be saying the right things in terms of stepping up in 2014. Starting next week, we'll see if his actions match his talk. Until I see it on the field, I remain optimistic, but skeptical.