EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The Arizona Cardinals lobbed adjectives like Molotov cocktails at Julius Thomas during the past week.
Angry because of injured defensive end Calais Campbell, Cardinals coach Bruce Arians insists Thomas’ cut block was the “dirtiest” play he has seen.
Lost in the verbal volleys and the $8,286 fine, Thomas has attracted another adjective. He’s off to the greatest start ever by a tight end. He boasts of seven touchdowns, the most in league history for his position after four games, besting by one a mark shared by the New Orleans Saints’ Jimmy Graham (2013) and the San Diego Chargers’ Antonio Gates (2010).
Even if Thomas doesn’t find the end zone against the New York Jets on Sunday, his seven scores are tied with Gates (2010) and Hall of Famer Mike Ditka for the most by a tight end through the season’s first five games.
Take that, Jets. The Broncos’ defense improved dramatically in the 41-20 rout of the Cardinals, limiting Arizona to 215 yards. Denver, however, has netted only three takeaways this season. Creating turnovers became an emphasis in training camp with the arrival of pass rusher DeMarcus Ware, cornerback Aqib Talib and safety T.J. Ward.
“We’ve been working on takeaways all week,” Ware said, “tomahawking the ball as guys are getting to the quarterback. When running backs are running, really trying to get the ball out. That’s what defenses are all about. That’s what good defenses do: be able to get turnovers, get the offense a short field. So we’ve really been working on it, and it is that next step.”
Under coach Rex Ryan, Jets quarterbacks have committed at least two turnovers in 40 games. The Jets have won just 10 of those contests.
Footnotes. Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning needs five touchdown passes to tie Brett Favre’s 508 for first on the career list. Manning has thrown five touchdowns five times, six three times and a career-high seven in last season’s opener. … Left offensive tackle Ryan Clady was not fined for making contact with Campbell after Thomas’ block. Clady pulled his hands back in an attempt to avoid a penalty.
