Horse Tracks: C.J. Anderson closing in on first 1,000 yard rushing season with the Denver Broncos

Good morning, Broncos Country.

There hasn’t been much positive to say in regard to the Denver Broncos this season. Yet one bright spot that has shined through consistently in a down year has been veteran running back C.J. Anderson. Signed as an undrafted college free agent in 2013, Anderson has put in the work necessary to cement himself as one of the better starting running backs in the league and is just fifty-four yards shy of reaching the 1,000 yard mark for the first time in his career. It would be the first time since 2013 that the Broncos have had a rusher achieve that accomplishment.

How much would a 1,000 yard season mean to Anderson? Quite a bit.

“A lot. Some people forget I had knee surgery last year. I had surgery last year, so coming away with 1,000 for this season coming off of knee surgery I think is an accomplished and successful season,” stated Anderson.

Heart, grit and determination — those are just a few words to describe Anderson’s play on the gridiron any given game. No matter who the opponent is, Broncos fans have come to know he will always give it his Sunday’s best. Despite playing through a myriad of different starting offensive line groupings and recovering from offseason knee surgery, Anderson has put together a quality season of play. On the year, Anderson has accrued nearly 1,200 all-purpose yards and four touchdowns. Not too shabby for someone who was an NFL Draft afterthought.

“We have one game to do it, I know the big boys want me to get it and we want to get it. I think that’s a positive in our season,” added Anderson.

Without question, Anderson has earned a spot on next year’s roster — but with a hefty $4.5 million cap charge next season and the Broncos seemingly determined to pursue a coveted free agent quarterback, he may very well be a victim of the numbers game moving forward. If Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs is the last time we see Anderson suit up in orange and blue, I will be one of many across Broncos Country who will be sad to see him go.

Truth be told, the Broncos could use more C.J. Anderson’s on their roster. Guys who see themselves as the underdog and always play with a chip on their shoulder. That’s the type of attitude the team needs from its roster moving forward — players with heart, grit and determination, even in a down season. That’s Anderson to a T and I’m thankful for everything he has done for the franchise on and off the field the past five seasons.

As always, thank you for reading and here is today’s offering of Horse Tracks.

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