DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 30: Fullback Andy Janovich #32 of the Denver Broncos runs into the end zone with a touchdown on a fourth reception against the Los Angeles Chargers at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on December 30, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)

The Denver Broncos were excited to get Andy Janovich back and for good reason. The stud fullback helps pave the way in the running game.

Although the ‘traditional’ fullback is somewhat of a rarity in today’s NFL, there are still a number of offenses utilizing the lead-blocking back and successfully so.

Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers are lamenting the loss of Pro Bowl fullback Kyle Juszczyk, a key piece of their offense despite nothing jaw-dropping about his statistical production individually.

Shanahan’s latest disciple, Rich Scangarello, is calling plays for the Denver Broncos and it’s no secret that the offense has taken a leap forward with the inclusion of fullback Andy Janovich over the past couple of weeks, including scoring 24 points against the Jacksonville Jaguars’ defense two weeks ago and 20 points against the Los Angeles Chargers in their recent victory.

This is a Phillip Lindsay highlight reel, but it might as well be an Andy Janovich highlight reel as well.

Take note of no. 32 on some of these run plays from Lindsay.

Let’s look at the cold hard facts of Janovich’s impact on the game, specifically in relation to his snaps as a lead blocker in the running game.

Andy Janovich impact (run game only)

12 run plays

88 yards

7.33 yards per carry

Phillip Lindsay with Janovich – 6 carries, 69 yards (11.5 YPC)

Royce Freeman with Janovich – 6 carries, 19 yards (3.17 YPC)

Without Janovich (designed runs, all players) – 17 carries, 96 yards (5.65 YPC)

As you can see, the Broncos averaged nearly two yards more per carry when Janovich was on the field than they did when he wasn’t lead blocking.

One of the biggest plays of the game was a 32-yard run by Lindsay in the fourth quarter when the Broncos desperately needed to get something going offensively to keep Philip Rivers and the Chargers off the field.

Janovich’s lead block helped spring Lindsay on the big gain to set the Broncos up in great position to get some more points on the board.

This post is not a call for more Janovich, necessarily, but to highlight the impact he’s capable of making. I think it’s very interesting that the Broncos split the carries with Freeman and Lindsay in half for this game, whether it was by design or not.

If the Broncos can figure out a way to get some offense going in the third quarter of games, I think the formula they have here with Janovich coming in for about 30-40 percent of offensive snaps is the right one for this team.

Heck, it wouldn’t surprise me if we start seeing some more of Janovich getting involved in the passing game as well. He’s a very good receiver and has shown he can make some plays with the ball in his hands. He’s just a tough, physical guy out there.

Janovich’s impact on the Broncos’ offense is obvious and it’s great for this team to have him back at full strength.