Denver Broncos Rumors: Peyton Manning Pushes CJ Anderson, Ronnie Hillman Offense After Julius Thomas, Wes Welker Injuries, Emmanuel Sanders Denies Issues

Jan 08, 2015 12:46 PM EST
CJ Anderson
Denver Broncos running back CJ Anderson puts up yards against the Oakland Raiders in 2014."

The Denver Broncos are tired of hearing about injuries and the lack of consistency hitting the offense in recent weeks. The team ended the season going 4-1, but did not exactly look as explosive as many people were hoping they would. With a weak off to rest and get healthy, the team is not interested in being asked about their health and toughness entering the divisional matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.

Julius Thomas struggled throughout the season with a nagging ankle injury he just could not shake. The tight end started 2014 in a big way with three touchdowns against the Colts, but cooled off considerable with just 66 yards over the final three games. The tight end is tired of being asked how his health is now, saying he tough enough to handle injuries.

"Somebody who doesn't know me very well, or doesn't know what I do in my rehab, might say: 'Oh, you played basketball. You're not very good about fighting through injury.' That's their opinion. People can feel however they want about me. But I know," Thomas said, via Denver Post. "People always ask me, 'How is the league?' Well, everybody is going to pat you on the back when things are going well, and then they are going to be the same people who want your [butt] out of there."

Thomas said the bye week did wonders for his ankle and he will play against the Colts with the intentions of putting up the same numbers as Week 1. Peyton Manning is taking the same approach as many question whether the quarterback is taking a step back as his passing yards decreased towards the end of the season. Manning told the media he was focused on offensive balance and like the CJ Anderson, Ronnie Hillman running back tandem.

"We've tried to find different ways to win football games, and hopefully that prepares us well when we get into these playoff games and anything can go on," Manning said, via ESPN.com. "... You never know what it's going to be, and [I] think we've proven we can win games different ways. Hopefully that serves us well potentially on Sunday."

Having balance will be key against the Colts defense that is excelling at the right time this season. Anderson and Hillman are healthy entering the game as doubt surfaces around Thomas and Wes Welker. If the Broncos are going to win they must be forced to throw the ball which is where the health of Manning will come into focus. 

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