With Gary Kubiak gone and Mike McCoy taking over as the OC, many fans are worried that Andy Janovich’s role will diminish. He doesn’t believe that it will.
Last season Broncos fans got a steal in Andy Janovich. The tenacious fullback was an early surprise scoring a 28 yard rushing touchdown against the Panthers on opening night.
His performance and relentless blocking against superstar linebackers in Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis Sr. impressed everybody. However, with the Broncos offense being the most inconsistent cluster last season, Janovich’s role shifted more to blocking.
I myself was calling for the Broncos to give Janovich the ball on short yard situations, but Rick Dennison never called his number. Janovich only rushed the ball four times in 12 weeks.
His blocking ability was among the best in the league, however the scheme didn’t allow Janovich to fully flourish. He had more receptions than he did rushing attempts.
In 2017, Janovich doesn’t think his role will diminish, but it may open up more opportunity for him.
"“I think it’s pretty similar. There is not much crazy change. Like I said before, there is just a little bit more of a passing game added” – Andy Janovich on his role in Mike McCoy’s offense (via Denver Broncos PR)"
Under Mike McCoy’s offense in 2016, Derek Watt had four catches for 83 yards in an offense that was riddled with injuries. In 2017, there is hope that the fullback in McCoy’s system will be that missing wildcard piece on the field.
Mike McCoy wants versatile players on the field and Janovich fits the bill in terms of versatility as a fullback. “You have to know a little bit about everything. They’re trying to see what you can do and who does it best so they can change things around. They just want versatile guys to go get on the field” Janovich said.
Next: Riley Dixon focused on the little things for 2017
Janovich is fully healthy and ready to go to work when training camp starts for the Broncos in July. Nothing has changed for Janovich in his approach to the offseason and is ready for redemption after an ankle injury shut his season down in Week 12.