Demaryius Thomas is one of the most polarizing players in Denver.
On one hand, it’s difficult to deny his talent. Simply put, there aren’t many human beings constructed like DT, and when you put him out on a football field, he has the physical ability to overpower just about anyone in the league. On the other hand, he’s inconsistent; his drops drive everyone in the Mile High City mad, and sometimes it looks as if he’s only giving half effort.
The production is always there, though.
DT has had at least 90 receptions and 1,100 yards in each of his last four seasons, and he’ll reach that mark this season if he can average five receptions and 25 yards over the final three games. If he does, he’ll tie Marvin Harrison for the second longest streak in NFL history — Torry Holt has the longest with six.
And if he continues to play like he did on Sunday — 10 receptions for 126 yards — he’ll have no problem doing so. In fact, DT was so good against the Titans that Pro Football Focus graded him out (83.1) as their second best receiver of the week, only trailing Jacksonville’s Marqise Lee (83.3).
“It wasn’t a vintage day for the Denver offense, but Demaryius Thomas caught 10 passes from 14 targets to put up 126 receiving yards on the day, breaking a tackle after the catch and proving to be too tough to cover for the Tennessee defense,” PFF’s Sam Monson wrote. “He beat six different Titans for catches.”
The Broncos will need every ounce of DT’s talent over these final three weeks, as Denver is set to face the most difficult schedule any team has faced to close a season in nearly four decades.
The 2016 Broncos are the 1st team since 1978 to play their final 3 games vs. teams to all start 10-3 or better (Patriots, Chiefs, Raiders)
— NFL Research (@NFLPlus) December 13, 2016
A few more 10-reception, 120-yard performances would certainly help.