If you drafted second-year running back Colorado Springs Gazette, "He's struggled to find open space outside. He's struggled to power to tough yards inside. He's struggled with pass protection. He's struggled to keep a grip on the football. He's struggled, period."

That seems to sum things up.

Ball's Fantasy Value

The silver lining in all of this is that Peyton Manning and this entire offense have yet to really hit their stride. Perhaps that's not comforting to owners who expected each member of this offense to put up the historical numbers they did in 2013, but that simply hasn't happened to this point. At his current pace, Manning will see his passing yards drop by 1,100, his touchdowns by 13 and the Broncos will average almost 13 points fewer per game versus 2013. So perhaps the explosion is on its way, with an increase in production from Ball a result of an improved passing game.

Regardless, the fact is that Montee Ball may not be a special talent, but he is in a special situation. The results may not mirror the expectations, but in a Peyton Manning-led offense, we should still expect Ball to be a a top-20 running back. Unfortunately, that's much more mediocre than most drafted him to be. Still, anytime you can roster the lead back on one of the league's best offenses, valuable contributions are likely to follow.

He may not have the explosive games that single handily win you your league, but that's what Larry Donnell is for.