Push across 1,000-yard milestone ‘important’ for Anderson, Broncos
Dec 26, 2017, 1:47 PM
Heading into Sunday’s season finale at home against the Kansas City Chiefs, the only thing standing between C.J. Anderson and Denver Broncos history is 54 yards.
Should Anderson rush for that mark, or more, in Denver’s final game of a down 2017 campaign, the fifth-year running back would become the 21st player in franchise history to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark in a single season.
So, what would that mean to Anderson, who has not stayed healthy through an entire season as the Broncos starter? “A lot.”
“Some people forget I had knee surgery last year. I had surgery last year, so coming away with 1,000 for this season coming off of knee surgery I think is an accomplished and successful season,” Andersons said on Tuesday.
“Staying healthy, that helps too. We have one game to do it, I know the big boys want me to get it, and we want to get it. I think that’s a positive in our season.”
It would be the first 1,000-yard season for the Broncos since 2013, when Knowshon Moreno ran for 1,038 yards. Previous to Moreno, Willis McGahee eclipsed the milestone in 2011, the first Denver player to do so since the club rattled off 11 1,000-yard rushers in 12 seasons from 1995 to 2006.
Head coach Vance Joseph agreed it would be a significant accomplishment for the club in what could otherwise be categorized as a lost year for the Broncos.
“I think it’s important for our football team, especially with the work that C.J.’s put in in the offseason — coming in in great shape and staying healthy for the full season for the first time in his career,” Joseph said on Tuesday.
“Winning is our first priority, but any personal milestone like that I think it’s important for the player and for the football team.”
Through 15 games, Anderson’s averaged 63.1 yards per game, more than the 54 yards he needs to surpass 1,000 yards and 0.6 yards per game more than the average yards per game needed to hit the mark through a 16-game season.
Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @JohnnyHart7.
