The pistol revived the Broncos’ offense, but ineffectiveness and injuries remained the double-barreled theme of the ground game. Denver ranks last in yards per carry (2.6) and 31st in overall yards with 171.

Coach Gary Kubiak promised to run what the Broncos do best, following through by placing Peyton Manning under center for three snaps against the Lions. However, Kubiak’s teams have averaged a 10th place rushing attack in his two decades as a coordinator and head coach. The Broncos offense is tweaked, using one-back sets, but Kubiak has no plans to abandon the run. C.J. Anderson remains the starter, and the Broncos would like to get him on track against Minnesota.

“We have to keep C.J. on the field. C.J. has been coming off the field the past three games because he’s been nicked up,” Kubiak said. “Things are going on, and we need to keep him on the field consistently.”

Anderson missed time the first three weeks with ankle, toe and head injuries. He cleared the concussion protocol during the game at Detroit on Sunday and returned, but his abbreviated outing left him with 18 yards on eight carries. For the season, he sits at 74 yards on 32 attempts, admittedly struggling to have fun as he has tried too hard to make the perfect runs.

Ronnie Hillman and Juwan Thompson remain the backups, with Thompson expected to be available this week after suffering a neck injury against the Lions. If Thompson can’t go, the Broncos could activate Kapri Bibbs from the practice squad.

The offensive line took strides in pass protection, and tight end Owen Daniels said the group will improve. The players recognize the tenacious defense is providing a margin for patience.

“We are going to get better at it and get chunk plays. It’s been my experience in this offense the last nine, 10 years that we’ve always been able to run the ball well. It is a work in progress,” Daniels said. “This is the third time our offensive line has been together in a live situation.”

Holy Ngata

Peyton Manning threw an interception for a third consecutive game. But the latest caught him by surprise as a defensive lineman dropped into coverage. He thought it was the end, and shook his head when told it was nose tackle Haloti Ngata who tipped a pass leading to the interception.

“Really? That’s not right. They are paying him to stop the run,” Manning said, smirking.

Footnotes

Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips explained the importance of rotating players, creating depth which has benefited the Broncos’ top-ranked defense in yardage allowed. “I have said before if a guy can play and he’s good enough to contribute, you need to get him in there. We get those guys in there and they do a good job. It goes both ways.” … Aqib Talib helped the Broncos remain undefeated with a blocked extra point. … Kubiak awarded Emmanuel Sanders and David Bruton game balls in the locker room after the Detroit victory.