C.J. Anderson blamed himself after he rushed for a pedestrian 29 yards on 12 carries Sunday in a 19-13 victory over Baltimore.

Anderson was eager to watch the game tape and correct his mistakes. Then, he logged on to his Twitter account and was shocked to see hundreds of fantasy football owners throwing obscenities, criticisms and general jabs at him.

“Someone said you and Calvin Johnson combined for seven points — ‘must be a bad day because Calvin Johnson is a heck of a player too,'” Anderson said.

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The mentions initially upset Anderson, but he wrote: “So glad we got the win, it’s all about the W. So for the fantasy people, please sit me for 17 weeks.” Then he went about his business watching game tape.

“I was honest. If you’re going to sit me, sit me. It ain’t going to make me any difference. Now, if you sit me, and everything starts clicking, and you’re mad I can’t do nothing about that,” he said.

On film, Anderson saw several plays where he could have ground out more yards if his cuts were more decisive. He was careful not to shift blame on the offensive scheme or a line that sported four new starters.

“We really struggled there late in the second quarter and in the third quarter to find any running lanes at all. In the fourth quarter, we found a way,” coach Gary Kubiak said.

That way came on a renewed sense of power from the offensive line and freelancing speedster Ronnie Hillman, who came in to spell Anderson.

“It was tough all game. There were barely any holes,” said Hillman, who rushed for 41 yards on 12 carries, including 30 yards on the last possession. “But, I’m glad our best drive came when it mattered the most.”

That final drive — which ate up nearly eleven minutes of the fourth quarter — is what Anderson and Hillman hope to build off Thursday.

“If I knew exactly what that was, I would bottle it,” offensive coordinator Rick Dennison said.

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They’ll face another talented front led by two of the NFL’s best edge rushers for the second consecutive week. Kansas City limited Houston to 98 rushing yards Sunday. And there will be a raucous crowd at Arrowhead Stadium for the Chiefs home opener Thursday.

Anderson says he isn’t worried. He loves playing at Arrowhead Stadium.

And why wouldn’t he? The last time he was there he rushed for a career-high 168 yards in his third career start, breaking tackles and making guys miss.

That night a lot of Chiefs fans learned the name C.J. Anderson. This time, he won’t be a surprise.

He’ll be less than 100-percent, but he said he’s fine. A Ravens player rolled up on his toe and ankle after a reception Sunday. He said the injury was painful and it revived ankle issues he’s dealt with his whole career.

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But Anderson is of the mindset that if he can walk, he can play. He remembers how he gained his starting gig last season after Hillman and Montee Ball went down with injuries. He’s always cautious of losing his job the same way.

“I try to keep it on the low,” Anderson said, laughing.

He wasn’t laughing after all the critics berated the Broncos’ offense after preseason and Week 1 struggles. He said he “can not wait” to shut them up.

His plan — make plays early Thursday night so that he gives Kubiak no choice but to give him the ball. And take pressure off Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning so he doesn’t have to throw 40-50 times.

The Broncos averaged 2.8 yards per carry Sunday, which was the second worst average in the NFL after Week 1 (New Orleans, 2.7).

To be fair Baltimore’s defense does it to everyone. Sunday was the 27th consecutive game Ravens haven’t allowed a 100-yard rusher, dating back to October 2013 against Green Bay.

Both Anderson and Hillman stressed patience. It’s a long season. Offenses that look good in Week 1 often look completely different by Week 17.

“I promise you, me and Ronnie will make it right,” Anderson said.

Cameron Wolfe: 303-954-1891, cwolfe@denverpost.com or twitter.com/CameronWolfe