Is the run game improved?
Understandably, the focus has been on the Denver Broncos’ quarterbacks this offseason, but if Gary Kubiak is serious about improving his offense from last year, it starts with the run game.
Not only does a powerful rushing attack make life easier for whomever is starting at quarterback, but it’s the engine that allows Kubiak’s passing attack to work.
There’s a reason why Kubiak has been able to bring the best out of quarterbacks throughout his career, and that’s because he makes the game simple and creates opportunities for big plays, and he does all that with the play action.
Throw in tape of Kubiak offense from the last 20 years and you’ll see the same thing: fake handoff, bootleg, deep pass. John Elway did it. Matt Schaub did it. Joe Flacco did it.
But none of them did it without a running game.
C.J. Anderson looks to be in the best shape of his life, and the reviews on Devontae Booker could not be more positive. Elway revamped the offensive line this offseason with two big signings at tackle, and the fullback position has officially made its return to Denver, Colorado.
If everything goes as planned, the Broncos could have a top-10 rushing attack — they’ve shown glimpses of that in the past, and we know Kubiak churns out top-10 performances on a yearly basis (he has had 14 top-10 rushing offenses in the last 21 years). That will go a long way towards allowing Mark Sanchez, Trevor Siemian or Paxton Lynch to exceed expectations.
