It took some patience from Broncos fans, but Denver unveiled their explosive first round pick to thrilling results on Sunday. And Tim Tebow didn’t play a down.
Wide receiver Demaryius Thomas has barely stepped on the field since he was taken No. 22 overall in April, bothered by a troublesome foot injury. When Thomas did suit up, onlookers indicated he could be special. Thomas proved it Sunday against the Seahawks, catching eight passes for 97 yards and a score in his first pro game.
“He’s not a secret, though,” Broncos coach Josh McDaniels told the Denver Post. “I understand he’s a secret to you guys. But he’s one of a lot of guys we have.”
The Broncos receiver group is far better than expected, but Thomas is the only possible lead dog. He’s 6'3, 229 pounds, and has picked up the Broncos offense quickly after coming from a unique scheme at Georgia Tech. “He was ready to go with the whole game plan,” McDaniels said.
If Thomas can stay healthy, then Eddie Royal, Jabar Gaffney, and Brandon Lloyd fit better into their specific roles. Thomas has rare skills.
“He gets behind the defense when they give him an opportunity and then the thing to me that I’ve been impressed with, with Demaryius is his ability to accelerate once he has the football,” McDaniels said Monday. “It doesn’t take him a long time to build his speed.”
Kyle Orton is third in the league in YPA after two weeks. Denver has a long way to go, but their passing game is probably the strength of the team.
Who needs Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall?