Peyton Manning is stressing that the Denver Broncos might be 3-0, but their offense is still a work in progress. As the team adjusts to new coaches and new system, things have been moving slow as defense has been winning games. As they prepare to face the Minnesota Vikings in week 4, Manning is hopeful the team will finally have things figured out as the run game remains the biggest question mark for the unit.
There is no denying the CJ Anderson has not been the running back he was at the end of last season. Anderson was a breakout star in 2014 as his success forced the release of Montee Ball before this year began. However, the running back has struggled to begin the year with just 74 yards on the season while an injury continues to creep in. Anderson is expected to start in Week 4 as head coach Gary Kubiak stresses they need more of the running back.
"We have to keep C.J. on the field. C.J. has been coming off the field the past three games because he's been nicked up," Kubiak said, via the Denver Post. "Things are going on, and we need to keep him on the field consistently."
Anderson is still the favored back over Ronnie Hillman who is healthier and producing better numbers. Hillman has 88 yards and a touchdown on the season from 28 carries. Kubiak likes the idea of a workhorse running back which is why he is stressing the team keep Anderson on the field more. Kubiak has never been one for a rotation despite him telling the media in the preseason that the Broncos needed to find a way to get Hillman on the field more.
"I like what I've seen, I'm expecting him to have a great year," Kubiak said, via ESPN.com. "I think he's come into his own, think he's a very dynamic player, got big-play ability. But the thing I like about him is he's proven to me he can stay on the field for all three downs."
Hillman has been an unexpected success for the Broncos along with Owen Daniels. Heading into the season, Virgil Green was predicted as the star tight end to replace Julius Thomas, but the veteran has exceled more in Kubiak's offense thanks to his previous knowledge of it. Daniels has been the better producer with Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders for Manning. The quarterback is hopeful all of these players improve in the coming weeks. Despite being undefeated, the Broncos have a lot of criticism being tossed their way.
"It says we're winning as a team. I think everybody is doing something to help us to wins,'' Manning said, via ESPN.com. "Some phases might be doing a little more than others, but I don't think you win many games if all three phases aren't contributing in some way. Offensively, we want to be able to contribute more and be able to do our part.''
