C.J. Anderson Comments on Role in Broncos Offense

Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson picked the perfect time to carry the team's running game. Having not rushed the ball more than 16 times during Denver's first 18 games of the season, Anderson attempted 23 rushes for 90 yards and a touchdown in Super Bowl 50 against the Carolina Panthers. 

Anderson, who shared carries with Ronnie Hillman all season, told NBC Sports Radio (via Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk) on Thursday that he can be the main man in the Denver backfield: 

"

Oh, I know that’s something I can do. You know, we chose to go the two-back route and we chose to split time with me and Ronnie [Hillman] and just try to get a change of pace. You know, keep defenses off balance. But I mean if they want me to touch the ball 25 times, 27 times, 28 times, either way whether it’s all carries or carries and catches I believe I can handle it always, whether it’s being a third-down back catching the ball out of the backfield or picking up the blitz and also being first- and second-down just every-down back.

"

He showed in the Super Bowl that he can be that kind of player, as he was one of Denver's most important offensive players throughout the game. He scored their only offensive touchdown of the night, too. 

That kind of performance will certainly help heading into the offseason, as Anderson is now a restricted free agent, according to Spotrac.com. Anderson's three-year, $1.5 million contract expired when the Broncos won the franchise's third championship last Sunday, and his earnings in his next deal should see a nice increase thanks to his contributions. 

His running partner in Hillman is also a free agent, but of the unrestricted variety. While Anderson helped his case for next season, Hillman did the opposite in Super Bowl 50, recording five carries for no yards. 

If Hillman asks for too much on a new deal this offseason, then Anderson could get his wish of being the No. 1 man in Denver. In the way he performed on Super Sunday against a tough Panthers defense, there's no reason why Anderson can't be the man moving forward. 

Stats courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com.