Demaryius Thomas has most YAC
Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) runs with the ball after catching a pass during the second half against the Washington Redskins at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 45-21. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
The Denver Broncos high-powered passing attack has been one of the stories of the season, and Demaryius Thomas is the best of the supremely talented pass-catchers at Peyton Manning’s disposal. Thomas is an elite receiver in every sense of the word, because he can also line up anywhere and have success running any type of route. He can stretch a defense vertically, work the mid-range game, and Thomas is also a danger to defenses on screen passes. We all remember his monstrous screen play in the opener against the Baltimore Ravens, and Thomas is one of those wide receivers who not only has speed but also has vision after the catch.
It’s not a surprise to see that Thomas has generated a copious amount of yards after the catch, but it is still interesting (probably in more of a “fun fact” way) to see that he leads all wide receivers in yards after the catch. Demaryius Thomas has been responsible for 377 yards after the catch, which is good for the league lead. Jamaal Charles and LeSean McCoy round out the top three, with Washington Redskins star wideout Pierre Garcon coming in fourth (he also has 13 more receptions than Thomas).
Running backs generally have an easier time getting yards after the catch, but it’s more because of the kinds of passes they catch (screens) than their own skill-sets. But Thomas is leading everyone in yards after the catch, and 55% of his 685 receiving yards come after Peyton Manning has completed the pass to him.
If we look at things from a per play basis, Demaryius Thomas averages a whopping 7.9 yards after the catch per reception, which is absolutely fantastic. That means he averages more yards after the catch per reception than St. Louis Rams rookie Tavon Austin averages per reception alone.
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