BIG YEAR FOR D. T., EVEN WITH DROPS
Thomas is carrying 105 catches for 1,304 yards into playoffs
Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas knows how this business goes. The criticism often is louder in the rough moments than the cheers erupting after big plays.
That helps explain why Thomas turning in yet another productive season was overlooked somewhat by his issue with dropped passes.
Thomas understands. He admits the battle with drops are unacceptable.
The bigger story is just how important Thomas, who signed a five- year, $ 70 million contract during the offseason, has been for the Broncos. Thomas joined Jerry Rice and Marvin Harrison as the only players in NFL history with four consecutive seasons of at least 90 receptions for at least 1,300 yards.
“It was up and down,” Thomas said of his season, which included catching 105 passes for 1,304 yards and six touchdowns on a 12- 4 team. “At the end of the day, I didmy part. I could have done better.”
It was a 16- yard reception from quarterback Peyton Manning in the third quarter Sunday against San Diego that allowed Thomas to cross the 1,300- yard threshold.
Manning was back like he never left with the same rhythm, leadership and game feel that Thomas saw from him in September.
“It was amatter of giving him an opportunity to get healthy,” Thomas said. “He looked good andwhen I came out of the break the ballwas dead on. That’s what we look for.”
SinceManning came toDenver in 2012, Thomas ranks second in the NFL in receiving, behind Pittsburgh star Antonio Brown. Over the past four seasons, Thomas has 402 catches for 5,787 yards and 41 touchdowns.
Broncos offensive coordinator Rick Dennison explained why Thomas has had so much success.
“Go through your list of ( Colts receiver) Andre Johnson and those guys that we played and ( Broncos Ring of Fame receiver) Rod Smith that played here before — they work,” Dennison said. “They don’t saymuch and theywork. He’s right in that line. Leading by example of how he works day in, day out and making plays.”
With 117 yards Sunday against the Chargers, Thomas became the Broncos’ all- time leader for most 100- yard receiving games with 32, passing Smith.
“He’s going to break a lot more ( records) before he’s done,” Smith said. “We joke about it all the time, then I show him my Super Bowl rings and he stops laughing.”
Added Thomas: “I learned a lot from Rod when I first got here. To surpass him is amazing.”
Thomas believes he is going to play his best football in the postseason; the top- seeded Broncos’ playoff opener is Jan. 17.
January could be special for another reason. Thomas’ mother, Katina Smith, may be able to watch him play football in person for the first time.
Smith was released from a halfway houseNov. 9 after spending 15 years in prison for her involvement in a cocaine ring that was run by her and Thomas’ grandmother. Thomas was hopeful that his mother would be able to come to Denver to see him play soon after her release, but he learned that she would not be able to leave Georgia for 60 days, per her probation.
Smith would be eligible to leave by Jan. 17 for the Broncos’ postseason opener, but she has to be cleared by her probation officer to leave Georgia.
“We’reworkingon it. Idon’t know yet,” Thomas said of getting his mother toDenver to attend a playoff game.
Thomas is eager for that to happen, but he doesn’t want it to become a distraction.
After all, he has a Super Bowl to help the Broncos win.