Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning has been named the AFC offensive player of the week twice this season, but he’s no longer the only member of the Broncos offense to receive weekly honors from the league.
Wide receiver Demaryius Thomas is this week’s honoree after scoring three touchdowns in Denver’s 28-20 victory over the Chargers. He was the first Broncos player to catch three touchdowns since Shannon Sharpe did it in 2003.
Thomas’ three touchdowns in just about 10 minutes of game action and proved crucial to the winning effort as the Chargers hung close for much of the afternoon. Thomas, who is the first Broncos wideout to win weekly honors since Brandon Marshall in 2009, had seven catches and 108 yards overall in the victory.
Thomas and teammates Wes Welker and Julius Thomas are tied for the AFC lead in touchdown catches with nine. He also ranks fourth in the conference in both catches and receiving yards.