Denver Broncos

Denver Broncos take lead on C.J. Anderson touchdown (Video)

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Denver Broncos took a 21-17 lead on the Carolina Panthers in the fourth quarter of their season after a lengthy drive capped off by a C.J. Anderson touchdown run.

After struggling to do much offensively against a stout Carolina Panthers defense, the Denver Broncos put together consecutive drives that ended in touchdowns to take the lead on a goal-line score by running back C.J. Anderson.

It was 17-7 #Panthers. Now it’s 21-17 #BroncosCountry with this TD 👀https://t.co/omfyz0sKRM

— Spark Sports (@Spark_Sports_) September 9, 2016

This was Anderson’s second touchdown of the game. He scored on a magnificent screen pass from new starting quarterback Trevor Siemian on the previous drive. Anderson has well over 100 all-purpose yards in this Super Bowl 50 rematch at Mile High Stadium.

Anderson appears to be a reliable playmaker for new starter Siemian under center. It’s always good to have a strong tailback to help bring a young quarterback along. With Ronnie Hillman being cut, Anderson will be the bell-cow back for the Broncos this season.

Denver needs to be more balanced on offense in 2016. The passing game was non-existent in the final year of Peyton Manning in Denver. While Broncos general manager John Elway anticipated Brock Osweiler to take over in 2016, he’s been forced to see what Siemian can do in his first year as the starter.

Rookie Paxton Lynch is waiting in the wing, but will need to grow in head coach Gary Kubiak’s offense before seeing the field. If Siemian can lean on Anderson and most importantly another great Wade Phillips defense, he could lead the Broncos back to the NFL Playoffs.

Repeating as Super Bowl champions seems like a long shot for the 2016 Broncos in Week 1. However if Siemian and Anderson continue to play well of each other, anything is possible for the Broncos this fall. Anderson might have to be a Pro Bowler to get Denver back to the AFC Playoffs, but two scores in Week 1 definitely help his cause.