Anderson makes history as 15th Broncos RB to rush for 1,000 yards in one season

As the Denver Broncos offense took the field against the Kansas City Chiefs, the first offensive snap was a milestone for running back C.J. Anderson, who started (and played in) all 16 games of a season for the first time in his career.

While that milestone’s impressive, it wasn’t the one that Anderson, his teammates, and Broncos fans were excited about.

Anderson entered the Week 17 contest just 54 yards shy of surpassing 1,000 rushing yards in a single season for the first time in his career. Playing against a Chiefs defense who ranked 23rd in the NFL in rushing defense — and played more than a few backups — this game provided a perfect opportunity for Anderson to finish his quest.

On a carry late in the first quarter, Anderson gave fans a scare when he exited the game with an injury. The injury appeared to be minor, as Anderson quickly returned from the trainers’ table and was lined up at tailback on the Broncos’ next possession.

With the Chiefs’ defense intent on stopping the Broncos’ running game, Anderson had to wait until the fourth quarter before crossing the 1,000 yard mark on the season. On a 10-yard carry up the middle, Anderson eclipsed his 54-yard goal to reach 1,007 yards on the season.

Anderson becomes the 15th Broncos running back in team history to rush for 1,000 yards in one season. The last running back reach that mark Broncos uniform was Knowshon Moreno in 2013, who totaled 1,038 rushing yards on the season.

Even with running backs Jamaal Charles and Devontae Booker taking carries away from Anderson throughout the season, Anderson still displayed the traits of a workhorse running back all season.

Despite an otherwise dismal 2017 season for the Broncos, Anderson put together a solid showing. Entering Sunday’s game, Anderson was also running the ball better than he had in his previous season with the Broncos, averaging a career-high 63.1 yards per game.

The Broncos, long since eliminated from playoff contention, had little to play for in this game, as the Chiefs had already secured the AFC West division title last week. But Anderson’s accomplishment was something special for the team to rally around as the Broncos closed out the 2017 season in front of a home crowd at Mile High Stadium.