Broncos 2015: Who is responsible for the Week 14 loss?

Dec 13, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman (23) runs the ball against Oakland Raiders cornerback David Amerson (29) during the first half at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Lack of Running Game

This area definitely hurt the Broncos on Sunday. As a team, they ran the ball 21 times and only had 34 yards to show for it. It was clear that this area struggled quite a bit.

The team only had one fully healthy running back. That was Juwan Thompson, who does not see the field very much. Ronnie Hillman was banged up, but fought through it and played the entire 60 minutes. C.J. Anderson was only available in emergency duty.

In my opinion, the Broncos sorely missed not having Anderson on the field. In the past few weeks, he provided that spark. In fact, the offense has struggled since he injured his ankle against San Diego. In my mind, Anderson is the difference maker.

The Raiders defense was in the middle of the pack when it comes to run defense. But they sure looked like a top ten run defense that day.

And it does not get any easier for the running game. The Pittsburgh Steelers rank sixth in run defense. So, the run game has their work cut out for them even if the running backs get healthy.

Next: Wide Receivers/Tight Ends