Difficult to bring down

Broncos running back C.J. Anderson emerged from third-stringer to standout because of opportunity and ability. He has shown a knack for bouncing for extra yards after getting hit. He is tied for second in the NFL in yards after contact since taking over as the Broncos’ starter. Pro Football Focus lists the league’s top five in that category, and Broncos reporter Troy E. Renck analyzes those players and the best Broncos running backs after contact: Tailback DeMarco Murray, Cowboys Marshawn Lynch, Seahawks Le’Veon Bell, Steelers Alfred Morris, Redskins LeSean McCoy, Eagles Tailback Terrell Davis Floyd Little Clinton Portis Mike Anderson Peyton Hillis Years 1995-2001 1967-75 2002-03 2000-03, 2005 2008-09 Yards after contact Total yards rushing 822 1,427 587 960 555 1,046 553 897 535 1,018 Total yards rushing 7,607 6,323 3,099 3,822 397 son has accumulated an NFL-best 662 yards over the past four weeks. The Broncos’ commitment to running helped him blossom. But it’s not fair to say that any back would have enjoyed this renaissance. The film shows howAnderson’s technique meshes with the re-energized offensive line.

“It’s not speed to the hole, it’s speed through the hole,” Anderson said. “That’s what I have always been taught. You let the line move and look for the crease.”

The patience works only when coupled with conviction. Once Comment Perfectly timed cutback in zone blocking scheme Had moves of return man with fullback’s power Averaged 5.5 yards per carry. Tough as he was odd Former military man; ran with urgency, power A 240-pound elephant who excelled near goal line Comment Freakish athlete, with strong arms Runs angrily, punishes defenders Powerful legs, old-school bruiser Plays fast, makes decisive cuts Shifty, prevents direct hits Anderson puts his foot on the ground, he cuts hard and runs downhill. He stays low, by design, allowing him to distribute force rather than absorb it.

“You like to give them a little blow at the end of a run, kind of letting them know that this is what you are going to get for 60 minutes,” Anderson said.

This sets up later damage. Anderson relays stories of Marshawn Lynch in explaining this strategy. “Money,” as he calls his friend with the Seattle Seahawks, “punishes them. Youwant to get to the point later in the game, where they don’t want to tackle you.”

The running back position represents a contradiction, with nothing quite like it. The physical toll is unavoidable, Anderson knows, but limiting itwhile delivering remains critical.

“You have to be smart, but you have to finish runs,” Anderson said. “If you stay physical, that defender might not want to finish.”