C.J. Anderson took command of the starting running back job in Denver with a 167-yard breakout performance on Nov. 23, 2014, which included the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Miami Dolphins. Anderson entered 2015 training camp a freshly-minted Pro Bowler and the first definitive number one back in Denver in since Willis McGahee left town. So why are reporters asking head coach Gary Kubiak so many questions about one of Anderson’s backups, Ronnie Hillman?
Well, as Kubiak said on Monday, Hillman is taking advantage of every opportunity this year.
“Ronnie is another player that has had a good camp, so he’s playing good,” Kubiak told the media. “Those things transfer. He’s working hard for Joe (DeCamillis) on special teams, too. I see a hungry guy. I think that with he and Montee (Ball), it’s a very competitive situation, and every time that C.J. gives them a few extra reps, they’re taking advantage of it in my opinion.”
Translation? The No. 1 back might not be as set in stone as we think.
Anderson, unfortunately for him, on Friday in the preseason opener gave Hillman and Ball those extra reps Kubiak spoke about. The third-year undrafted free agent went down early in the game with a leg injury and was held out for precautionary reasons, opening the door for Hillman and Ball, who responded with eight carries each and a combined 92 yards – 66 coming from Hillman.
Kubiak was clearly impressed.
Adam Kinney and Josh Dover from BSN Denver Sports Desk on Mile High Sports AM 1340 say there’s much to read into Kubiak’s comments, specifically that Anderson may be leaving himself vulnerable, not fulfilling his duties. Dover says he’s seen a change in demeanor from Anderson, and not for the better. The hunger that was in his eyes last year as he tried to keep a roster spot is no longer there.
And while Dover doesn’t think Anderson is at immediate risk of losing the starting job, he believes Anderson needs to regain that attitude that got him into the starting job in the first place if he wants to keep the job for a full 16-game season.
Listen to the full discussion, including audio from coach Kubiak and a debate about which wide receivers will stay or go, in the podcast below.
Listen to BSN Denver Sports Desk every weekday from 9a-11a on Mile High Sports AM 1340 or Listen Live anytime for the best local coverage of what’s new and what’s next in Colorado sports.
