Get Vernon Davis involved:
With Emmanuel Sanders still questionable for this weekend, Vernon Davis will likely play the role of the Broncos’ No. 2 wideout, and they need him to play at his best. For the last few weeks, Malcom Butler has been shutting down elite wide receiver after elite wide receiver for the New England Patriots, and that means Demaryius Thomas might not be the most available option for Brock Osweiler.
Last week, Davis may have had his best game in two years, catching all six of his targets for 68 yards. A week before, he let slip that he wasn’t all too happy with the role the Broncos had given him, but now that he has the opportunity, he better back it up.
Against this Patriots defense (and with this Broncos offensive line), Osweiler is going to need his safety blankets to be open at all times. Aside from a few play-action bombs, I expect nearly every one of Osweiler’s passes to be between 5 and 15 yards downfield, with Davis being his main target.
This Gary Kubiak offense — which, yes, is different from the one Manning has been running — is about as friendly to tight ends as you can get. Hopefully, last week was just the start.
