Denver Broncos: Five Things We Learned v Houston Texans
By Will Reeve
Aug 22, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) is unable to make a catch during the first quarter as Houston Texans cornerback Kevin Johnson (30) defends at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Demaryius Thomas Is Rusty And Still Has Drop Issues
After missing much of training camp while holding out to get his long-term deal, Demaryius Thomas looked understandably rusty.
Thomas was targeted heavily by Peyton Manning as last year’s sure-handed deep threat and wide-receiver-mate Emmanuel Sanders was out still nursing a sore hamstring.
In fact, Thomas was targeted a team-high six times and flashed all-to-familiar issues in the process.
Thomas led the NFL in dropped passes last year and caught only 60.3 percent of balls thrown his way.
Granted, he was targeted 184 times — more than anyone in the NFL and three more times than second-place Antonio Brown — but this is indeed a little talked about issue for the extremely gifted big-bodied wide receiver out of Georgia Tech.
The Broncos have been leaning more heavily on the run in training camp and, before his injury, were implementing a good chunk of designed plays for Sanders who had zero drops last year on 140 targets.
If Thomas’ drop issues keep up, we may see a shift in who Manning targets at the most crucial moments of the season and games.
Next: Shane Ray Ready To Contribute Immediately?