Denver Broncos set NFL rushing low for 3-0 teams
James Olson
Updated on April 07, 2026
Welcome back to the history books, Denver Broncos.
Welcome back to the history books, Denver Broncos.
This time they get a mention both in the chapters of accomplishment and shame.
The Broncos are the first-ever NFL team to start a season 3-0 and not rush for at least 70 yards in any of the games. Last week, we reported the Broncos were the second team to start 2-0 and not rush for 70 yards in either game. That other team – the 1992 Broncos – lost game 3 on their way to 8-8.
This leads to three conclusions for the current team: One, Denver is winning because of its terrific defense. The Broncos are ranked No. 1 in total defense, allowing just 259.0 yards per game.
Two, Peyton Manning is a splendid quarterback who will soon become the winningest quarterback of all time. He has 182 lifetime wins; Brett Favre is the all-time leader with 186.
Three, the Broncos' running game stinks.
And it's getting worse. The Broncos defeated Baltimore in the opener despite rushing for only 69 yards, Kansas City despite 61 yards rushing and Detroit on Sunday night with only 41 yards rushing.
And the Lions came in ranked 29th in rushing defense.
Will the Broncos add some running back reinforcement this week? It probably depends on how Juwan Thompson comes around from the neck injury he suffered during a collision near the goal line Sunday. The Broncos finished their 24-12 win Sunday against the Lions with just two healthy backs in C.J. Anderson and Ronnie Hillman. And Anderson left Ford Field on the final play of the first quarter when a blast to his shoulder shot numbness down his left arm for several minutes.
As a precaution for any hits near the neck or head area, Broncos trainer Steve "Greek" Antonopulos ordered a concussion test on Anderson. After Anderson was cleared, he returned but once again he and Hillman found the yards tough to come by.
Anderson, Hillman and Thompson combined for 42 yards on 18 carries, a 2.3 yard average against the Lions. The Broncos rank last in the NFL with 2.6 yards per carry overall.
Help could come from within, as former Colorado State star Kapri Bibbs is on the Broncos' practice squad.
Anderson, Hillman and Thompson all had success running the ball last year. Anderson made the Pro Bowl on a half season of work. Hillman has 100-yard rushing games in two of his first three NFL starts.
Logic says the Broncos' rushing struggles begin up front.
"I think that comes with time,'' Broncos left tackle Ty Sambrailo said. "The (zone) scheme is tough to pick up and run with. I think as the season goes on we'll continue to get challenged and we'll get better working on our double teams and whatnot and keep working towards getting more efficient in our run game."
