The Broncos have something special cooking in their backfield.

Between C.J. Anderson and Devontae Booker, the Broncos have the one-two punch they have been looking for in years past. Not only do they have a grind-it-out styled runner in Anderson, but also an explosive back that gives their portfolio a little bit of diversity in Booker.

Sure, Ronnie Hillman had his moments in a Broncos’ uniform. He may have led the Broncos in rushing yards last season with 863 yards, but he certainly never seemed to develop into the shifty and explosive back that we all expected when John Elway drafted him. Hillman was a specialty item — like caramel drizzle on a Starbucks’ Frappuccino. He seemed to excel when plays developed laterally and he was able to get his wheels turning, but struggled immensely in between the tackles.

His incredible speed made him a consistent threat to break long runs as he ranked in the top 25 in rushes of 20 yards or more by a running back over the last three years. As for much else, however, he struggled.

Throughout his four seasons in Denver, Hillman averaged a measly 6.4 receiving yards per game and was perpetually stopped at the line. Over the last three seasons, he was held to one yard or fewer in over 32 percent of his carries. This is far from the “Sproles-like threat” that some analysts suspected out of him.

Many of these statistics could arguably be attributed to the offensive scheme and “Manning-system” that was implemented in Denver. Consistently running out of a shotgun or pistol formation can hamper a running back’s success, but the eye-test could also argue that Hillman didn’t bring a threatening skill set worth keeping at his price.

Although there may only be a small sample size to go off of, Booker has shown his ability to complement Anderson nicely. Since starting his NFL career off with a fumble on his first carry, he has churned out a 4.5 yard average that has him ranked in the top 12 of running backs with double digit touches. Without many opportunities to catch the ball, he has yet to make much of an impact as a receiver. But his college career at Utah showed that his great hands make him a more than competent candidate to supplement the receiving game.

With Anderson running like a madman from a mental institution, he has shown the country why the Broncos matched the Dolphins’ offer sheet of $18 million this past offseason. He has a talent that Elway had no desire to lose.

Anderson, who wears the jersey number 22 for the amount of running backs picked ahead of him, burned the Panthers for 139 total yards and two touchdowns. He followed up his noteworthy performance with 93 total yards and another touchdown versus the Colts. Not only has he ran the ball with urgency and conviction, but he has also learned a few things from Emmanuel Sanders and Demaryius Thomas during the offseason.

The running game has clearly been the backbone to the Broncos’ offense this season, and likely will continue to be all season long. It is not only an important component in assisting the defense by limiting opponent’s possessions, but also in supplementing quarterback Trevor Siemian’s success.

The importance of the rushing attack was displayed early on the first drive this past Sunday. On a perfectly orchestrated play-action fake, Sanders was able to find himself wide open for a 14-yard gain. Yes, I just wrote about the importance of a short passing play, but the aesthetically pleasing way that it was carried out by all parties of the offense shows just how important the running game is. It will open up lanes and opportunities for Siemian to throw the ball downfield.

Without a successful running game, defenses are less likely to bite hard on play-fakes and stay home on their assignments. It is important for the backfield to continue to perform well so that the passing game is able to blossom as coach Kubiak desires.

Between Anderson and Booker, the Broncos have conducted a top-five rushing attack that is averaging over 140 yards per game. With Booker’s youth, there is likely going to be some growing pains this season that Broncos fans will have to deal with. But he will almost certainly add a tremendous amount of value to this backfield as the season continues.

Add the league leader for yards per rush in fullback Andy Janovich, and the Broncos have an overwhelming cast of talent in their backfield. If everyone is able to stay healthy, Denver will likely be right back in the thick of things come late December.