Can the Broncos count on to be a receiver?
Kiz: How did Demaryius Thomas get to be 29 years old? He has won a . And lost one. He has been selected to the Pro Bowl five times. But when the Broncos got back to work this week, and D.T. mentioned he was looking forward to his eighth pro season, it struck me how quickly an NFL career passes. New coach has challenged Thomas to be “a dominant player all the time.” Is Thomas up to the challenge?
Jhabvala: Last year, with all the issues and frustrations with the Broncos’ offense, he and both topped 1,000 receiving yards. Plus, for all the heat Thomas takes, he hasn’t missed a game the last five seasons. But talk of Thomas — in the few times fans aren’t harping about his drops — is really about potential. He’s the rare, oversized receiver with freakish athletic ability and football smarts. He’s the full package, but his performance the last couple years, while certainly not bad (look at the numbers) seems to have fallen short of what he’s capable of.
Kiz: Thomas had significant issues — and legitimate excuses — for a decline in production in 2016. Quarterback Trevor Siemian, who was learning the ropes in the NFL, was throwing him the football. And D.T. dealt with a nagging hip injury. But his yards per reception and touchdown catches have declined in three consecutive seasons. Could it be made Thomas look better than he actually is?
Jhabvala: Manning made most receivers look good. Yes, there was a lot at work with the entire offense last year as they moved on without their future-Hall of Fame quarterback. The hip was clearly bothering Thomas throughout last season, and he admitted as much Tuesday. But it’s about more than the numbers. Thomas, who has been with six starting quarterbacks and is now on his fifth head coach in Vance Joseph, has dealt with the most change of any Bronco on the roster. But given his experience he hasn’t evolved into the offensive leader many expect him to be. Maybe Year 8 will be different.
Kiz: As opposed to the hefty contract for linebacker , who’s worth every penny, I think Broncos general manager overpaid for Thomas when the team gave him a five-year, $70 million deal in 2015. Thomas has legit skills. But he’s just a notch below a truly elite receiver that can consistently be a game-changer. If Joseph is expecting D.T. to be dominant all the time, I’m afraid the coach landed this gig in Denver about two years too late.
Jhabvala: I disagree. Remember the contract talks went down to the wire in mid-July and were contingent on ‘s deal. The two contracts were finalized within minutes of each other, so the market was set for Thomas. And he had just come off a career-best 1,619 receiving-yards season (second-most in the NFL that year behind ). Personal stuff, namely with his mother’s release from prison, weighed heavily on him through 2015. He had a lot on his plate that few could really understand or fully grasp. But now, with offensive coordinator back in the building and with Joseph’s high expectations for Thomas, the opportunity could be there for him to have a breakout year after two less-than-stellar ones.
