Ronnie Hillman

On the topic of the Broncos' running back competition between C.J. Anderson, Montee Ball and Ronnie Hillman...

In what will be some of his last public comments on the matter until training camp opens in late July, HC Gary Kubiak said, “We’re right where we’re at. Obviously, C.J., that’s in a lot of ways his spot to hang on to. I think that Montee has had a great offseason. I think Ronnie [Hillman] has had a really good offseason. I think it's very competitive. You never know about the backs until you put the pads on. I think C.J. has worked extremely hard. Coming off of last year, he deserves that opportunity, and I think he's getting ready for that opportunity. But he knows he’s being pushed very hard."

Kubiak said Monday that Anderson’s ability in the passing game, both in protection and as a receiver, has kept him there.

"I think in this league as coaches you look for guys that can be three-down players," Kubiak said. "When you have two-down players, that's fine, but it's just very difficult in the game standpoint and getting them the ball and calling the game when you're not out there all the time. He has a knack for protection, he's very bright in protection. So he's a guy that’s not going to leave the field -- as much as he can stand. And that's what the great ones do, so that gives him an excellent chance."

He began to see starter-type touches in Week 10 with 17 touches for 163 yards and a touchdown against the Raiders. Over the final eight weeks, he averaged 24.0 touches for 132 yards and 1.3 TD, and was the #1 RB in that span. Anderson had a tough offseason last year, but is doing much better this time around. He should start the season as the starter, and as long as he doesn't fall on his face (or start fumbling), it should be a very productive role in the Broncos' offense.