Anderson, Ball, Thompson The Broncos Cerberus?
By Tylor Walden
The Denver Broncos are looking to focus more on the running game during the 2015 season. With the abundance of running backs on the roster for the Broncos, it would not be such a bad idea to have a three headed beast running the rock. Having a cerberus anchoring the running attack could be something to be excited about.
Montee Ball was the starting running back last season before he suffered an injury to his groin that ultimately led to him missing all but half of the St. Louis Rams game when he landed on injured reserve. Before then, he was doing well in 2013 towards the end of the season.
Sep 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back Montee Ball (28) runs with the ball during the first half against the against the Indianapolis Colts at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
C.J. Anderson took over once Ronnie Hillman went down to injury in Week 10 against the Oakland Raiders. He was sensational when he took over and provided the Broncos, in my opinion, the best option at the running game. He would go on to appear in his first ever Pro Bowl.
Juwan Thompson was an undrafted rookie free agent out of Duke University. He was once rumored to potentially become the team’s fullback after the 2014 season when Gary Kubiak became the new head coach. However, he had a pretty solid 2014 campaign and could be that goal line or short yardage running back the Broncos could utilize in the new zone blocking scheme.
I remember a time when the New York Giants utilized a three back committee that consisted of Brandon Jacobs, Ahmad Bradshaw, and Derrick Ward. The trio were known as the Earth, Wind, and Fire of the Giants rushing attack. I think the Denver Broncos could pull off this exact type of attack.
Oct 5, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back Juwan Thompson (40) scores a touchdown during the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 41-20. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Juwan Thompson could be the earth, Montee Ball fire, and C.J. Anderson the wind. I think it would make the Broncos offense that much more difficult to handle because there is no telling which running back is going to come out and in what situation.
While most teams focus on a two running set, the Broncos could easily utilize three. And if you count fullbacks James Casey and Joe Don Duncan, defenses better watch out. This could be one of the most ferocious running attacks the Broncos have ever seen.