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Denver Broncos Fanzone: Interview with Maris Smith

By Tylor Walden

DENVER, CO - JANUARY 17: Denver Broncos fans pose outside of the stadium prior to the AFC Divisional Playoff Game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on January 17, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - JANUARY 17: Denver Broncos fans pose outside of the stadium prior to the AFC Divisional Playoff Game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on January 17, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
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C.J. Anderson
DENVER, CO – SEPTEMBER 17: Running back C.J. Anderson #22 of the Denver Broncos celebrates a third quarter touchdown with teammates during a game against the Dallas Cowboys at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 17, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /

Recapping Dallas and the run game

The Denver Broncos had a phenomenal win over the Dallas Cowboys. What stood out to you the most in the win?

That’s easy. It is the run defense. The line held [Ezekiel] Elliott to eight yards in nine carries. That’s less than one yard per carry. At one point, Elliott had negative yards! Domata Peko and [Derek] Wolfe, wow, what can I say? They were such a big factor in stopping the run. But the line as a whole showed up big time and bullied the vaunted Cowboys offensive line. Our defense is sexy. This defensive line is far cry from last year’s 27th ranked run defense. It’s such an improvement.

We got to see the running game perform at its best on Sunday. What do you believe is contributing to the success of C.J. Anderson and Jamaal Charles?

The offensive line, of course! They get the credit for C.J. and Jamaal’s performance. There were a few “here we go again” moments. But for the most part, they protected Trevor and kept him upright. Now there is plenty of room for improvement, it is early on in the season, but it is definitely looking better than last season. Hopeful they will get better. Just need to stay healthy and keep Trevor upright.