Broncos vs. Colts: Individual Matchups to Watch For

Dec 28, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) and wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) before the start of the game against the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

C.J. Anderson vs. D’Qwell Jackson

Similarly to “Boom” Herron’s situation, Indy’s defense has yet to really go against C.J. Anderson. Montee Ball was the starter in Week One when the Colts came to Denver, and he was a nonfactor. Ball had a mediocre night, rushing for only 67 yards on 23 carries.

Anderson is a different story and stopping him has been a tall order for defenses around the NFL since his emergence in Week 12. He’s led the league in rushing yards since and has been pounding away at defenses to the tune of 648 yards on the ground. Sprinkle in nine total touchdowns and a couple 160 rushing-yard performances, and the Broncos have an emerging star on their hands.

This isn’t Montee Ball the Colts are dealing with this time around.

In any case, the linebacker that almost ended up signing with Denver during the offseason will pay the Mile High City another visit.

In his first season with the Colts, veteran linebacker D’Qwell Jackson has been the leader of the defense in more ways than just one. His 140 total tackles are by far the most on the team and rank sixth best in the league.

Denver will continue to pound the rock and it’s up to Jackson to mainly stop Anderson. Besides Jackson, there’s not much the Colts have going for them on defense in the front seven.

The veteran linebacker needs to have a dominant performance in order to give his defense, and his team, a chance against the Broncos.