After Wednesday’s practice, DeMaryius Thomas told the media the offense still needs some time. But Thomas (and his four drops against the Lions) isn’t the target of this week’s “Hot Seat.”

There are three other areas on the offense that need major attention before we start worrying about the three-time Pro Bowler. A guy who was supposed to be a complement to Thomas is among them.

No.1 – Owen Daniels

Denver was stoked when the tight end who has helped lead Gary Kubiak’s offense since MySpace was popular signed with the team. The veteran was expected to pick up right where the departed and injury (prone? exaggerating?) Julius Thomas left off, or at least not be a major drop off.

Well, Daniels has caught a TD pass. And that’s about it. He has just nine other receptions through three games and has failed to be a difference-maker in drawing matchups that set up the run game or free up Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders.

The loss of Julius Thomas is looming large and Daniels is looking more like Ed Greene than Virgil Green (who has also been underwhelming this year).

In today’s NFL, the tight end can be a major weapon (See: Patriots, New England; Seahawks, Seattle). Denver shouldn’t expect Gronk-like numbers, but Daniels has to become a bigger factor or Peyton Manning won’t be fully effective.