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Denver Broncos: Five key players from the first four games

By Sayre Bedinger

DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 1: Quarterback EJ Manuel #3 of the Oakland Raiders is hit by outside linebacker Von Miller #58 of the Denver Broncos during a game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on October 1, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 1: Quarterback EJ Manuel #3 of the Oakland Raiders is hit by outside linebacker Von Miller #58 of the Denver Broncos during a game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on October 1, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – SEPTEMBER 17: C.J. Anderson #22 of the Denver Broncos celebrates their win against the Dallas Cowboys at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 17, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – SEPTEMBER 17: C.J. Anderson #22 of the Denver Broncos celebrates their win against the Dallas Cowboys at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 17, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

2. C.J. Anderson, Running Back

One of the most underrated aspects of the 2016 season was the impact of losing running back C.J. Anderson.

Yes, the Broncos have players who can fill in capably as runners, as Devontae Booker stepped in to lead the team in rushing last season. However, what Anderson does beyond just running with the ball is something that’s hard to quantify until you see it week in and week out.

Anderson has the third highest pass blocking grade on the Broncos this year via Pro Football Focus metrics and grades, and the best pass protection grade among running backs in the entire NFL.

That’s not a statistic to be taken lightly, given teams are constantly adding extra pressure when they face the Broncos this season.

In addition to his abilities as a pass blocker, Anderson is averaging over 80 yards on 18 carries per contest, and leads the Broncos so far with 330 yards rushing (4.5 per carry).

Anderson looks a lot like the Pro Bowl back he was back in 2014 so far this season.

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