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Denver Broncos Ronnie Hillman named AFC Offensive Player of the Week

By Michael Davis

Jan 3, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman (23) scores a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Chargers 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman (23) scores a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Chargers 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Denver Broncos are not shy when it comes to winning big awards.

Since 1984 (when AFC Players of the Week awards were announced) a Denver Broncos player has taken home this award 59 times. Add Denver running back Ronnie Hillman to that list to make it number 60, as he takes home his first AFC Player of the Week honors for his career performance against San Diego in week 17.

Hillman carried the ball 15 times for 117 yards (7.8 avg.) while adding a touchdown in the win that clinched a first round bye and home field advantage throughout the post-season for the Broncos.

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The fourth year running back’s biggest and quite possibly, most crucial run of his career came with less than five minutes to play in regulation when Peyton Manning landed a crisp and perfect handoff to Hillman who ran 23 yards to the end zone to clinch the game, and help the Broncos win their fifth consecutive division title.

Going into the post-season, Denver will boast a two-headed monster at running back, in the aforementioned Ronnie Hillman, and 5’8” bulldozer, C.J. Anderson. Hillman has played in every game this season and racked up his best numbers as a professional (all while rotating as the featured back with Anderson). He finished his fourth year with 863 yards on 207 carries (4.2 avg.) with seven touchdowns.

The running game received a major shot of adrenaline when Peyton Manning entered in the second half due to a “gut decision” by Coach Kubiak. Manning ignited the offense, and more specifically – the running game. Manning’s ability to control the offense and be a field general shook the Chargers defense while sparking the play-action, leading to the ground attack being much more effective – which had been the plan all season.

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While a first round bye will provide rest to all players both physically and mentally, the coaching staff has critical decisions that must be made as to which quarterback will be leading this offense come January 17th – and the running backs may be leaning towards Manning.

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