NFL Denver Broncos

The AFC Should Be Scared Of Denver Broncos’ Running Game

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

It used to be you could discount the Denver Broncos when it came to the postseason because the team didn’t have a diverse offense.

Sure, the Broncos had Peyton Manning and a host of receivers, but what they lacked was a running game. Whether it was Knowshon Moreno, Montee Ball or someone else, Denver couldn’t win games if its rushing attack didn’t get untracked.

Thanks to C.J. Anderson, the Broncos have a two-pronged attack.

Anderson tore through the Kansas City Chiefs‘ decent defense Sunday night, accounting for 185 all-purpose yards as the Broncos scored a 29-16 victory and cemented their hold on first place in the AFC West. Anderson had 168 rushing yards and 17 receiving yards, which ended up six yards above what Manning posted at quarterback.

When you consider Anderson had 167 yards the week before, it begs the question of whether Anderson is the long-term answer at running back. From here, it looks like the answer could very well be yes.

Anderson provides a 1-2 punch that the Broncos sorely needed. Not only can he grind out multiple yards here and there while running the ball, but he occasionally catches passes as part of Manning’s air assault.

What is also amazing is Anderson wasn’t drafted. It’s not like anyone knew about him. He popped onto the scene quite by surprise. If he keeps this up, it will make the decision to let Moreno go look smart (not that it wasn’t already) and it may relegate Ball to second-tier status when he returns.

Denver has a one-game lead over the San Diego Chargers and a two-game edge on Kansas City for the AFC West lead. As long as it keeps the focus on rushing and receiving, then everything should be all right.

Having Anderson doesn’t guarantee a path to the Super Bowl, but it makes the Broncos’ chances better.

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