Last year, CJ Anderson became a breakout star in the NFL thanks to injuries to Montee Ball and Ronnie Hillman who had started the year as the No.1 and No.2 running backs for the Denver Broncos. However, with both players struggling to stay healthy, Anderson took hold of the starting job and never let go. That grip is reportedly tighter than ever as Anderson looks poised for another big year on the field and in fantasy.
Entering training camp, Anderson is listed as the No.1 running back for Denver according to the Denver Post. While Ball and Hillman are both being given a chance to compete, it is Anderson taking ahold of the opportunity so far. The running back told the media that he simply wants to show that last year was not a one-time thing and he can be a trusted playmaker the Broncos need.
"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," Anderson said, via CBSSports.com.
According to the Denver Broncos team website, Ball is healthy and aiming for the top spot on the depth chart. The running back rotation is expected to be more even this season with healthier players, but that is not stopping both Ball and Anderson from battling it out to get the top spot.
"[I'm working on] bouncing off of contact and being able to restart my feet again," Ball said, via DenverBroncos.com. "That's really what I worked on in the offseason and am continuing to work on right now."
The Broncos are looking for their offensive playmakers to take a lot of pressure of Manning this season. While there is a fun battle at the running back spot, there is also one brewing at the tight end position to replace Julius Thomas. Virgil Green returned in free agency while Owen Daniels joins the group. The Broncos are confident that is enough to replace the big production Thomas had last season.
"I've said this is an offense that demands a lot from the position,'' Daniels said, via ESPN.com. "And it's because you can be asked to do a lot of different things, even in one series, and line up all over the formation. It requires you to hit your landmarks, to be in the right place at the right time and mentally understand what those right places are.''
