The matching offer the Denver Broncos put in on C.J. Anderson that the Miami Dolphins had in place was another step in John Elway's plan to develop a culture of players who only know what it's like being a Bronco.
"I'm humbled and blessed for this opportunity," Anderson said of the Broncos re-signing him. "I would like to thank the Broncos organization for keeping me around. I'd like to thank my running backs’ coach Eric Studesville who has pretty much hands-on developed me from when I got here four years ago to this point."
Eric Goodman and Les Shapiro from The Afternoon Drive questioned whether or not re-signing Anderson was the right decision and their concerns were quite valid. Will Anderson stay in shape? Can he take the next step as an every down running back?
Overall, the big money up front is going to sting, but after this year Anderson because a very affordable option at running back after this season from a cash perspective. The cap number rises each year of his deal.
Anderson is aware there are doubters, so is he motivated to becoming an every down back?
"People still think you can't do it. I can’t be the bell cow back. I can't stay healthy. I'm not going to be able to produce and be productive in this system," Anderson lamented. "There are still things going on out there that still keep you motivated and hungry."
"I have big goals," Anderson said. "The team goals are always ever year to win the Super Bowl. I think we have the team to do that. I think we have the players, the right mindset and the coaches to make that happen possible again. We have to defend our championship. As far as individual, you want to have big games, rush for a lot of yards, be an All-Pro back."
Anderson averaged just 10.1 carries per game during the regular season, but he came up big when the Broncos needed him most.
Not only that, once the playoffs started it was clearly evident that Anderson was the only viable option behind Peyton Manning and by Super Bowl 50, Anderson was getting a majority of the carries with 23.
"That's the game where it shows when it matters," Anderson said. "Doing it in the Super Bowl was exactly what I was going to say. I held it and I was pretty much healthy. I stayed on the field as long as I want to. They pretty much let me go. I think I can do it. I mean, I know I can do it. It’s not like I haven't done it before. I’ve done it before. I did it when I was with Gase also. It works both ways. I’ve got a running backs coach that’s not going to let up or let me breath when it comes to being successful, believe that. He knows just how strong and hardheaded I am to be successful. He’s going to be on that, too. We’ll get it done."
Anderson will get a guaranteed $5.25 million signing bonus on March 31st and his base salary of $675,000 also is guaranteed. In addition, $1.7 million of his $2.9 million base salary in 2017 is guaranteed. Anderson’s 2018 and 2019 base salary ($4.5 million in both years) is not guaranteed.
This move by Elway cannot possibly be graded until Anderson shows us all what kind of player he is this coming season. If he's out of shape again and takes two months to get going, then it will be clear that Elway made a mistake matching the Dolphins offer. If not, the Broncos could be set at the running position for the next few years.
Bonus Listen
Eric and Les discuss whether or not Ryan Clady owes the Broncos anything, especially a hefty discount on his current contract.