Kiz: Yes, everybody in apountry is pleased that the Broncos are 2-0 after facing two quality foes. But now let’s get to the real important stuff: Denver is driving fantasy football team owners stark-raving mad. After being projected as a breakout fantasy star, C.J. Anderson has made almost zero impact. He has gained a paltry 56 yards rushing in two games.
Renck: Anderson figures to have one more game to secure the starting job. At this point, any evaluation is complicated, if not unfair. Anderson is battling through toe and ankle soreness. He says he’s fine, because he’s tough like that. But he has received no help from the struggling offensive line. Some of his best runs have been making tacklers miss in the backfield for a 1-yard gain.
Kiz: Even with the addition of veteran guard Evan Mathis, the offensive line might be the biggest problem at Dove Valley. Quarterback Peyton Manning is feeling the heat way too often when he drops back to pass, and there has been precious little room for Anderson to run. While I feel Anderson’s pain, if the holes are going to be small, Ronnie Hillman runs to the fleeting daylight faster. While his 75 yards on 21 carries have not made anybody forget Terrell Davis, I think Hillman has earned more playing time.
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Renck: Hillman ranked as training camp’s biggest surprise, along with Sly Williams. I thought he was a misfit in this offense. I completely missed the point. He fits well, having run in the zone-blocking scheme for two seasons at San Diego State. If the line continues to slump, he does profile better because he’s quicker through the hole.
Kiz: I don’t want to bury Anderson so soon. That wouldn’t be fair. But I have bad news for fantasy owners who selected Anderson: You might have made a mistake. For the Broncos to be legitimate Super Bowl contenders, coach Gary Kubiak has to get the running game in gear. The best way to do it might be to list Anderson and Hillman as No. 1 and No. 1A on the depth chart, then give the bulk of carries to whichever back establishes a hot hand against Detroit.
Renck: Kubiak demands a physical football team. He’s not going to abandon the run. As soon as the offensive line settles down, the true evaluation of the running back position begins. So after the Detroit game, it should be clear if the Broncos will use a bell-cow back or rely on a two-headed monster for a few weeks.
