The Denver Broncos have a good problem on their hands: the backfield is too crowded.
Montee Ball, a second-round pick from 2013, is set to return fully healthy next season. Likewise for Ronnie Hillman, a third-round pick from 2012 who has impressed in scattered playing time. But it is C.J. Anderson, an undrafted free agent who broke out last season, that is expected to lead this running game in 2015.
Anderson started getting significant carries midseason after Ball and Hillman went down and he made the most out of his opportunity. Starting in Week 10, Anderson rushed for 767 yards and eight touchdowns in eight games. He topped 100 total yards in six of those games. Anderson emerged as arguably the team's most dangerous multi-purpose back.
But with new head coach Gary Kubiak and offensive coordinator Rick Dennison taking over, what can we expect from the scrappy third-year ball carrier in 2015? Former NFL running back LaDanian Tomlinson thinks big things.
"They will be able to rely on Mr. Anderson. That's what I call him. I like C.J. I think he's perfect for that system," Tomlinson said on NFL Network. "He reminds me of a mix of (former Broncos' leading rushers) Mike Anderson and Olandis Gary. He has great balance."
Dennison has experience of making stars out of unheralded running backs in Denver.
"With Dennison guiding the offense from 2006-08, the Broncos ranked top 10 in rushing twice, and finished 12th in his final season," Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post. "He showed an ability to adapt, employing three different leading rushers - Tatum Bell, Selvin Young and Peyton Hillis. Quarterback Jay Cutler threw for 4,526 yards in Dennison's final season."
While Anderson elevated himself from waiver wire after thought to weekly starter, Denver's offensive line will have to play better in 2015 if fantasy owners hope for a repeat performance.
"Left tackle Ryan Clady is a Pro Bowl-caliber player when at his best, but injuries affected him this season and he didn't play at the level we're accustomed to seeing him," ESPN NFL Insider Field Yates wrote. "The offensive line didn't surrender a ton of sacks - some of that is attributable to Manning's pocket presence and getting the ball out quickly - but the group wasn't dominant and had moments of true struggle. The team will likely address the interior of the offensive line this offseason."
