Peyton Manning might be one if not the best quarterback in the NFL, but that is not stopping the Denver Broncos from putting major emphasis on the run game in 2015. With Gary Kubiak as the head coach, the run game will be a focal point for the franchise. Kubiak has experience with working with some of the best rushers in the league with Arian Foster and Ray Rice and now he is predicted to do the same thing with the Broncos as CJ Anderson shows signs of being a potential star.
Kubiak was a running back that can play all three downs, protect the quarterback and handle a pass. The head coach referred to the idea as a "bell cow" running back which is something he hopes the Broncos have in 2015. With Anderson, Montee Ball and Ronnie Hillman all competing for the top spot on the depth chart, the player that appears to be the most versatile will get the nod.
"I can tell you this, I believe in the (bell cow). And I believe it's up to the player to prove he can do that. Do you need two guys in a season? You are darn right, in this league," Kubiak said, via the Denver Post. "But I think if a guy goes out there and he shows he can play three downs, can protect the quarterback, and can handle it, then he should stay out there."
Heading into the second week of training camp, Anderson is the player most representing what Kubiak is looking for. NFL.com ranked Anderson as one of the top running backs to acquire in fantasy football after he finished last season ranked in the top five. Ball and Hillman are coming off injury-riddle seasons in 2014 and hope to chase the running back for the starting job, but with Anderson picking up right where he left off, that might be tough to do. No longer a sleeper pick, Manning has been left pleased with what Anderson brings to the field.
"I felt like I was that way with [Manning] last year; (he) joked around with me. I got to know him more and he got to know me more. I guess I'm just not trying to be afraid of him all the time like I was my rookie year; try to let him know I'm a playmaker and I can make plays and I know what I can do with the ball in my hand in certain situations ... and he can trust me too."
