For the second time in as many weeks, Broncos tight end Vernon Davis dropped a crucial fourth-quarter pass that would have given Denver momentum when it was badly needed.
Since coming to Denver prior to the Week 9 game against Indianapolis, Davis has 20 receptions, including a season-high seven against Oakland last week in a loss. But it’s the two drops in those past two games that fans and media are noticing most.
What’s worse, Davis came on board just about the time the Broncos train started breaking down. His first two games with Denver were losses, as were his last two. Those sandwiched three wins, giving him a 3-4 record since coming over from the 49ers in a trade.
It hasn’t been the kindest welcome, as Davis not only had to learn a new offense and new terminology, but has also had to adjust to the quarterback change from Peyton Manning to Brock Osweiler.
And because of those two big drops in the past two weeks, the Denver media isn’t making things any nicer for him.
Observers from across the spectrum – TV, print, radio and web – all piled on Davis after his drop against the Steelers. Here are some of the high(low?)lights…
Vernon with another monster drop when it matters most.
— Rod Mackey (@RodMackeySports) December 21, 2015
V. Davis was scared.
— shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) December 21, 2015
Cut that dude right now. He doesn’t want to play
— Michael Jaycox (@MilkyMike) December 21, 2015
Dude… Vernon
— JGoRadio 🇺🇦 (@JGoRadio) December 21, 2015
Please remove Rod Smith's jersey right now. RIGHT NOW! #Broncos
— Renaud Notaro (@RenKnowItAll) December 21, 2015
Vernon Davis just pussed out. Wow
— Darren McKee (@DMacSportsCO) December 21, 2015
Vernon Davis alligator-armed that one. Another huge drop in crunchtime for the tight end. #Broncos forced to punt…
— Arran Andersen (@arranandersen) December 21, 2015
It was so bad that even a hockey analyst got in on the action…
Davis heard footsteps, blew snow, alligator armed it, call it what you want, unacceptable, embarrassing, etc….
— Mark Rycroft (@RycroftMark) December 21, 2015
And national observers were piling on as well…
Would love to be Denver GM for a day, just to cut Vernon Davis.
— Pat Forde (@ByPatForde) December 21, 2015
When Denver traded almost nothing for Vernon Davis I figured, eh, can't hurt. Oh yes, yes it can.
— Frank Schwab (@YahooSchwab) December 21, 2015
Davis is a two-time Pro Bowler, including most recently in 2013. The Broncos need him to return to that form if they hope to turn around their offensive struggles in the second half of games, and through the playoffs. No doubt Davis wants that to happen too so he can silence these critics.