:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50776503/600948282.0.jpg)
Good morning, Broncos Country!
The reference started right after he was drafted.
The headline of the story read: "May the legend of Andy Janovich continue to grow with the Denver Broncos." The story was a hit.
In fact, the selection of the University of Nebraska fullback was a hit. Janovich has been one of the most popular players on the roster since he was selected in the sixth round. Before he ever played a down for the team.
Then fans started to hear and see what this farm boy from Gretna, Neb. is all about. If you haven’t heard of Gretna, you’re probably not alone. It’s in between Lincoln and Omaha and has, at best, 10 stoplights. Janovich truly is a country boy.
Then you see him on the field. You see that farm-boy work ethic. The determination. The drive to succeed. Janovich does whatever is asked of him. Keep in mind this was still the preseason and training camp. Yet his legend continued to grow.
Then it happened.
However it was possible, a fan base grew to favor Janovich even more than it already did.
There was 12 minutes, 16 seconds remaining in the second quarter. It was third-and-one for the Broncos at the Carolina Panthers’ 28-yard line.
Then it happened.
The legend of @AndyJanovich continues to grow. How about the #Broncos rookie?
— Ian St. Clair (@IanStClair) September 9, 2016
Gary Kubiak and Rick Dennison called a hand off. No big deal.
Wait, what? That’s No. 32. That’s a ballsy play call right there.
Wait, what? Holy shit, he’s going to score a touchdown. I bet nobody benefited from those Fantasy points.
Talk about making an entrance.
"It's the first time that I've done that in a game. It's a different ball game than college," Janovich said after the Broncos 21-20 win. "It felt pretty good, but I was positive that I was going to get caught from behind. I'm not the fastest guy out there."
Not only did that play call catch the Panthers defense off guard, it did so for everyone in attendance and watching on TV. But it showed the faith and trust the Broncos coaches already have in Janovich.
That was a key moment in the game. Denver had just forced a three-and-out and needed to keep the drive alive. The Broncos had to get that first down. Not only did they get a first down, they got a touchdown. Not only did they get a touchdown, they made a popular player even more so.
It wasn’t just the touchdown run. Janovich was the lead blocker for Denver's running attack that was the surprise of the game. To do what the Broncos did against the Panthers front seven on the ground was impressive. A big reason why is Janovich. In three plays in the first quarter, he accounted for 70 yards. The 28-yard touchdown, and was the lead blocker on two runs for 42. As a whole, Denver rushed for 148 yards and 5.1 yards per carry.
Still, it’s not every day a Broncos fullback scores a touchdown. The last one to do so was Spencer Larson in 2010. That deserves a celebration.
"A lot of people slapped me on the head, which is my least favorite thing because usually my head is pretty sore by that time, but that's alright," Janovich said with a laugh.
What’s also clear is Janvoich and C.J. Anderson already have developed a rapport. As the season progresses, that will only get stronger.
"Being behind Andy and seeing him pick up the things he picks up, it springs big runs for me or for Devontae Booker," Anderson said. "When he finally gets a big run, it’s huge. He just tossed the ball to the ref, but I was like, ‘That’s your first touchdown.’ I had to run out there and get the ball and give it back to him. I was excited for him."
#Broncos FB Andy Janovich got after Thomas Davis in run game as lead blocker in a way that I have not seen b4. He was dominant last night.
— Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) September 9, 2016
What should give the Broncos confidence as they head into Week 2 is how well they ran the football against that Carolina defense. Denver won’t face many defenses the remainder of the season with as good of a front seven as the Panthers.
If the Broncos remain consistent on the ground and get rid of the turnovers, they will be near impossible to beat. A big part of that is the offensive line, as well as Anderson and Booker.
The key ingredient may be that farm boy from Gretna.
"C.J., he's great," Janovich said. "He was running off every block that I had. There were some blocks that I didn't have, but that's on me, I have to clean that up so he can run through them."
May the legend continue to grow.
Broncos Tracks
Fast breaks: Talking Broncos with Jimmy Butler and Paul George
Olympic gold medalists, NBA stars and Broncos fans Jimmy Butler and Paul George react to the season opener and give their thoughts on the 2016 season.
How Rutgers nearly landed Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian as a recruit | NJ.com
Long before he was the Denver Broncos starting quarterback, Trevor Siemian drew significant recruiting interest from Rutgers.
Broncos’ Win Not Without Mistakes " CBS Denver
The Denver Broncos made enough mistakes to lose -- and certainly enough to lose to a Carolina Panthers team that entered the 2016 season with wins in 19 of its last 20 regular-season games.
The Broncos And Chiefs Are Still Running The AFC West | FiveThirtyEight
To go with our 2016 NFL predictions, FiveThirtyEight is previewing each division. Denver Broncos There are a lot of things Elo doesn’t know.
Brandon Marshall hit to helmet of Cam Newton should have been penalized, NFL determines
A source told ESPN that the NFL reviewed Brandon Marshall's hit on Cam Newton from Thursday's game and ruled that the Broncos linebacker should have been given a 15-yard penalty.
Cam Newton never tested for concussion despite four blows to helmet by Broncos | 9news.com
ENGLEWOOD—Cam Newton was hit four times in the helmet by Denver Broncos defenders Thursday.
Barbara Marshall explains why she supports her son Brandon | Broncos Wire
Denver Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall has drawn criticism from some fans for kneeling during the national anthem. His mother responds.
Denver Broncos mock draft: Could Christian McCaffrey fall?
Denver Broncos mock draft: The hope of Broncos fans seems to be nearly unanimous, but could Christian McCaffrey really drop into Denver's laps?
Despite win, Broncos not happy with performance in season opener
The Denver Broncos pulled out a thrilling victory in Thursday night's season opener, but they are far from happy with it.
AFC West Tracks
Chiefs look to break home-opener losing pattern | The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Chiefs have lost two straight home openers. They look to end that modest skid when they open at home against the San Diego Chargers on Sunday.
Chiefs’ Derrick Johnson has redefined the evolution of middle linebackers | The Kansas City Star
When ‘D.J.’ came into the league, the position was about plugging running lanes. But now it’s so much more. Willie Lanier, the Chiefs’ Hall of Famer, says Johnson’s style should be taught to younger players.
Will Jamaal Charles be the Chiefs guy when he’s healthy? - Arrowhead Pride
Probably. Maybe. I don’t know.
Oakland Raiders vs. New Orleans Saints: Keys to the game
The Oakland Raiders open the 2016 season Sunday against the New Orleans Saints. Here's the key facts and figures for that matchup.
New Orleans Saints enter Week 1 wary of Raiders QB Derek Carr's mobility | NOLA.com
Derek Carr's scrambling ability has Saints' attention heading into season opener.
Raiders, Saints downplaying Dennis Allen familiarity with Derek Carr - Silver And Black Pride
Does Dennis Allen having coached Derek Carr give the Saints a competitive advantage? If it does, they’re not saying so.
Chargers S Dwight Lowery vs. Chiefs TE Travis Kelce a matchup to watch
Chargers safety Dwight Lowery's coverage skills will be put to the test right away Sunday against Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.
Canepa: In wide-open west, why not Chargers? | SanDiegoUnionTribune.com
To semi-bastardize a quote former Sockers coach Hubert Vogelsinger once famously spun about his hatred for English soccer, NFL exhibition games are not worth the time I don’t spend watching them.
The San Diego Chargers will win against the Kansas City Chiefs - Bolts From The Blue
If the Chargers find a way to pull off the upset in Kansas City against the Chiefs, these are three reasons why it happened.
NFL Tracks
Subtraction of Several Stars Changes the Early N.F.L. Title Math - The New York Times
Tom Brady of the New England Patriots is suspended for the season’s first four games, and Le’Veon Bell of the Pittsburgh Steelers is suspended for the first three.
The football injuries most likely to end an NFL player's career - CBS News
A study of more than 550 injured NFL players reveals professional football's most common career-enders.
NFL Bracing for Possible Player Demonstrations - WSJ
The NFL is bracing for possible player demonstrations during the national anthem at Sunday’s opening games, which will include Sept. 11 commemorations, in what would mark a high-profile escalation of a protest movement over concerns of racial injustice in America.
Here's the ultimate NFL roster under a salary cap, using players from all 32 teams - CBSSports.com
Putting together a 53-man roster isn't easy, especially when you have a budget and other restrictions.
NFL Quarterbacks Who Can’t Swim Must Sink - WSJ
More NFL teams are pushing rookies passers into action early, but there’s a growing argument that teams should immediately cut bait on rookies who struggle.
How to enjoy the NFL in spite of the NFL - SBNation.com
The NFL is rotten, so what a miracle it is that there is any good in it at all.
Billionaire Sheldon Adelson open to, but not desperate for, NFL stadium in Las Vegas
" If I’m going to have to go out and beg Mark Davis or somebody else to do it, I’m out."
Robert Griffin III is a long-term venture for the Browns, Sashi Brown says | cleveland.com
Browns head of football operations Sashi Brown said the club is looking at Robert Griffin III as a long-term venture.
Seahawks to stand, interlock arms during anthem - NFL.com
Doug Baldwin announced on Saturday that the Seattle Seahawks plan to stand and interlock arms during the national anthem before Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins.
Tom Brady denies removing NFL logo sticker from helmet in preseason
Brady was accused of removing the sticker from the helmet in each of the final two New England Patriots preseason games.
Five matchups that will define NFL Week 1: Can Ezekiel Elliott cover for Dak Prescott?
The Dallas Cowboys will need both of the rookies in their backfield to be in top form.
Biggest Week 1 NFL questions, stats and predictions - NFL Nation- ESPN
Jimmy Garoppolo, Dak Prescott and Robert Griffin III are among those carrying a heavy load as the 2016 NFL season launches.