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Denver Broncos ink Andy Janovich to a contract extension

By Cameron Parker

DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 30: Fullback Andy Janovich #32 of the Denver Broncos runs into the end zone with a touchdown on a fourth reception against the Los Angeles Chargers at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on December 30, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 30: Fullback Andy Janovich #32 of the Denver Broncos runs into the end zone with a touchdown on a fourth reception against the Los Angeles Chargers at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on December 30, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
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Fullback is a lost art in the NFL, but do not tell the Denver Broncos because Andy Janovich has re-signed with the team on a new contract.

Since coming into the league in 2016 out of Nebraska, Denver Broncos fullback Andy Janovich has proven himself as the team’s most underrated and under-appreciated MVP.

He is a vital blocker for both Phillip Lindsay and Royce Freeman in the running game. Janovich has left an impression on opposing defenders.

It was even rumored during his first two seasons with the Broncos that Janovich was breaking defenders’ helmets due to the impact of his collisions.

Now, the Broncos announced that the skull-crushing Janovich has signed a three-year extension with the team that drafted him.

https://twitter.com/Broncos/status/1182706968173006848

The deal makes Janovich the third-highest paid fullback in the league.

Lindsay recently spoke highly of Janovich, calling his recent return to the lineup a ‘night and day’ difference. Lindsay went even further comparing himself and Janovich to a married couple.

This is high praise from a Colorado Buffalo to a Nebraska Cornhusker, to be certain.

Site expert Sayre Bedinger took a look at Janovich’s impact on the Broncos’ run game against the Los Angeles Chargers, and it was significant.

Before coming into the league, Janovich provided plenty of versatility to the Cornhuskers, who leaned heavily on him due to injuries to their running backs. Those who think he is strictly a fullback should understand he adds more to a lineup than blocking.

His blocking is undeniably important, but Janovich also brings value as a receiver. While he has not seen many targets yet this season, the ability has been there in the past. Very quietly, Janovich has been one of the best draft picks of the last few drafts since 2016.

Janovich’s climb to showing his worth out of the backfield is notable. There were a few times quarterbacks would throw him the ball recognizing lost containment. This is a bad decision for an opposing defense because Janovich is too athletic to be left alone. He would scamper for extra yardage after the catch due to his skill set as a runner.

Now to the best part as a member of the Denver Broncos. Janovich is one of the smartest fullbacks in the league at understanding his assignments. He knows his role to be the lead blocker for his running backs or ball carriers.

The Broncos saw the importance of this during the Gary Kubiak year in 2015. As a rookie, Janovich suffered an injury sidelining for a lengthy period of time. During this point, the blocking and running game became shambles when Janovich went down.

Next. Which Broncos players need to come off IR when healthy?. dark

Ever since that leave of absence early in his career it was well documented the running game needed Janovich in the lineup for the Broncos. It resulted in the team rewarding him with a deal-making him the third-highest fullback in the NFL. A vital building block to the Denver Broncos going forward.

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