For the 2015-16 NFL season, it is becoming more apparent that the Broncos will not be relying on a pass happy offense.

Until the devastating loss in St. Louis in Week 11 last year, the Broncos had not been known for running the football during the Peyton Manning era. In what many onlookers described as a panic move, Denver used a more balanced running attack in the final five games of the season, to much success – especially for running back C.J. Anderson.

However, with the coaching change that brought a run-first, zone-blocking scheme back to Denver, it’s clear that the Broncos are putting more stock into the running backs and expecting them to carry a much greater load this year.

Anderson, along with Montee Ball, will make Denver a run-first team this upcoming NFL season.

“I’m really looking forward to splitting carries with him,” Ball told the team’s website. “I think we’re two really good backs in a system that we love to keep the ball on the ground. So we love this system. As a running back you have to thrive in this system because its what we love. It’s smash-mouth football.”

It’s not just the backs who are noticing the difference in philosophy. Wide receiver Emanuel Sanders sees something new in the Broncos’ offense. He expects Denver’s passing numbers to decline under new head coach Gary Kubiak.

“Of course obviously it’s not going to be one of those offenses, well I’m praying that it is, but obviously it’s not going to be one of those offenses where you catch it and you’re going to have two receivers catching over 100 passes,” said Sanders. “Hopefully, my goal is really to try to get 1,000 yards to just help this team win ball games.”

With Manning heading into the twilight of his career, Denver wants to preserve the production of the former Most Valuable Player. And with young bruisers like Ball and Anderson ready to carry the load, Denver’s offense hopes to flourish as it heads in this new direction.

Denver will not be the same team fans have been accustomed to seeing the past three seasons, but if the ultimate result is a Super Bowl victory, fans will surely embrace it.

Marcus Flowers, an intern at Mile High Sports, contributed to this report