Nov 9, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) runs with the ball after making a catch against the Oakland Raiders in the second quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
C.J. Anderson has shown that he took the opportunity to make a difference for the Denver Broncos offense and he ran with it, literally. C.J. Anderson has proven when he took over the running game in the team’s Week 10 matchup against the Oakland Raiders, he was not going to relinquish the job.
If you would like a better example as to how great C.J. Anderson was since he took the field that day, there is an interesting statistic from Pro Football Focus. Starting from that day against the Raiders, the breakout star running back just could not be brought down. Defenses that went up against rushes by C.J. Anderson missed a total of 41 tackles. This is second only to Marshawn Lynch’s 56.
From week 10 onwards defenses had 41 missed tackles on rushes by CJ Anderson, second only to Marshawn Lynch's 56. pic.twitter.com/MfP7OYs3CK
— PFF (@PFF) July 6, 2015
Coming from a player who had to await his turn to prove to the coaching staff of the Denver Broncos, this is actually quite an impressive feat. On average, C.J. Anderson had around six defenders miss tackling him every game. Some of his most notiable missed tackles came during the day he penciled his name into the starting role and the divisional round fourth down run.
During the course of the second half, C.J. Anderson continued to impress Broncos Country. He has developed himself into a hard worker whom defenders could not seem to bring down. It is almost like opposing defenses were tackling thin air when C.J. Anderson stepped on to the field and ran the rock.
It will not surprise anyone if he ends up as the opening day starter against the Baltimore Ravens. Fans will also get to see how he performs during a full season. It only took him seven games to reach nearly 900 yards rushing. Imagine what C.J. Anderson can do during a full 16 game season. 2015 is going to be a big year for the breakout star. Hopefully he is ready to take the reigns.
Next: Denver Broncos: Team offered Demaryius Thomas $40 million guaranteed?