The first 72 hours after The Touchdown, the tri-tone text message alert became the soundtrack of C.J. Anderson’s life. One widened his eyes. It came from Seattle Seahawks star Marshawn Lynch, whom Anderson calls “Money.”

They go way back. Both grew up in the Oakland area. Anderson followed Lynch’s career, then followed him to the University of California. Anderson admits he wants tacklers to “feel his story.” Lynch, well, he lived his story.

“He sent me a message after the game. I can’t say the words because it was explicit. He was really proud of me,” Anderson said, smiling. “Me and Money are very cool. He always told me, ‘Remember where we came from. Remember how tough it was. If there’s a man in front of you, don’t be afraid. Go after them.’ “

During the Broncos’ 41-17 rout of the Raiders at Oakland on Sunday, Anderson turned a dump pass into a 51-yard cross country voyage suited for Clark Griswold’s truckster. He started left and veered right, then made a breathtaking loop across the field, covering 101 yards in all. His gallop and Ronnie Hillman’s sprained right foot make his first NFL start, at St. Louis this Sunday, anticlimactic. Offensive coordinator Adam Gase said Thursday that “C.J. had the best game last week. We will see what he brings, and then we’ll get the other guys going.”

Anderson’s score alone begs for a longer look. The Broncos had sputtered early at Oakland. His effort set the temperature in the room, a blast-furnace blast through seven defenders. He had shown flashes of brilliance in the preseason.

Everything changed with 10:53 remaining in the forgettable loss at New England. Anderson remembers the time on the clock when he entered. For fans, the 43-21 deficit provided little reason to continue watching. Anderson knows opportunity comes in different disguises.

“The whole thing is that I have watched a lot of games where (No.) 18 has made a lot of amazing things happen. Get a score and a stop, and it’s a game,” Anderson said. “I was always taught to play hard. Always.”

Coaches and teammates noticed. It provided the platform for the game at Oakland, along with his improved pass blocking.

“It’s gotten a lot better,” he said. “It’s a mind-set.”

Anderson finished with 90 yards rushing and 73 yards receiving against the Raiders, only the fifth Broncos running back to post at least 70 in each category. The play of the season, as No. 18, quarterback Peyton Manning dubbed it, provided headlines but little else.

Anderson arrived at work Monday with no guarantees. He welcomed Montee Ball back, saying “It’s great to have him in the mix,” and prepared for any role. Undrafted players know better than to become victims of assumptions.

“I have two goals every week: Help the team. And be great. If the line keeps doing what they’re doing, I want to make sure they shine,” Anderson said. “You see how the veterans in our locker room work every day. I am going to put my head down and continue to work. That’s all I know how to do.”

Troy E. Renck: trenck@denverpost.com or twitter.com/troyrenck