While multiple backs offer versatility and protection for injury, a front man still can exist, if not prosper.
"I can tell you this, I believe in the (bell cow). And I believe it's up to the player to prove he can do that. Do you need two guys in a season? You are darn right, in this league," Broncos HC Gary Kubiak said after practice Tuesday. "But I think if a guy goes out there and he shows he can play three downs, can protect the quarterback, and can handle it, then he should stay out there."
The Broncos boast a stable of talented, young backs. C.J. Anderson leads the group, an undrafted free agent who turned opportunity last season into a Pro Bowl berth.
For now, it's Anderson's job to lose.
"He has told us if you get the chance and play well, you will stay out there. My goal is to be out there all three downs," Anderson said. "That's my plan."
Anderson began to see starter-type touches in Week 10 with 17 touches for 163 yards and a touchdown against the Raiders. Over the final eight weeks, he averaged 24.0 touches for 132 yards and 1.3 TD, and was the #1 RB in that span. If the Broncos commit to Anderson (and why wouldn’t they?), he should thrive under new Kubiak, who just coaxed a career year out of journeyman Justin Forsett.
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