Has the Broncos running game found its groove?
By Tylor Walden
Nov 29, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) runs for the game winning touchdown during the overtime period against the New England Patriots at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
With Brock Osweiler under center for the Broncos, have C.J. Anderson and Ronnie Hillman found the spark they were looking for in the run game?
I am not going to lie, I am still on Cloud Nine after what was perhaps the game of the 2015 season for the Denver Broncos. Osweiler getting his second start against the defending Super Bowl champion New England Patriots and he did something that no team has done so far this season… beat the Patriots.
One of the biggest reasons behind their recent success has to be the running game. The Broncos have rushed for at least 170 yards as a team in the last two games. Quite a big improvement from the early stages of the season.
C.J. Anderson & Ronnie Hillman told me it's much easier to read moment up front with QB under center vs pistol. Pistol QB blocks vision
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) November 19, 2015
James Palmer of NFL Network stated that Anderson and Hillman have had struggles running the ball with the team in the pistol formation. Now with Osweiler under center, the running backs have found something that they did not see early on in the season.
It has been clearly seen in the last two games that the offense that Kubiak wants to implement was built for Osweiler and the running game. Let us not forget that the Patriots were a top ten team against the run as well, allowing on average of 88 yards a game before Sunday night.
If Manning does end up missing more time with his foot injury, I think the Broncos will be in good hands. The running game has really found its groove with Osweiler. In fact, I will go on to say that the running game should treat Osweiler to dinner.
Next: What is wrong with Demaryius Thomas?
It will be interesting in the next few games if this running game can get things going. The Broncos face a Chargers defense that is not exactly threatening as they have allowed on average of 124 yards rushing. So, I expect a field day from the running backs. Go Broncos!