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Current/Projected Stats
|
Player |
T |
REC |
YDS |
AVG |
TD |
YAC |
YAC/A |
|
D. Thomas |
66 |
48 |
685 |
14.3 |
6 |
384 |
8.0 |
|
Projected |
132 |
96 |
1370 |
--- |
12 |
768 |
--- |
|
Decker |
70 |
46 |
669 |
14.5 |
3 |
244 |
5.3 |
|
Projected |
140 |
92 |
1338 |
--- |
6 |
488 |
--- |
|
Welker |
72 |
50 |
555 |
11.1 |
9 |
243 |
4.9 |
|
Projected |
144 |
100 |
1110 |
--- |
18 |
486 |
--- |
|
J. Thomas |
52 |
39 |
451 |
11.6 |
8 |
214 |
5.5 |
|
Projected |
104 |
78 |
902 |
--- |
16 |
428 |
--- |
At the moment only Welker is projected to hit the 100 reception mark...and just barely. It would be a hell of an accomplishment in the offense since most assumed he would have a more limited role in Denver. But something has happened the last several weeks as teams have played press man on the outside with a cover 2 shell, Welker has become Peyton's go to guy for first downs and tough yardage, much like he was in New England's offense.
As it stands, it is entirely possible that the Broncos have three receivers with at least 90 catches, three with at least 10 TD receptions, and three with at 1000 yards receiving. Here is what each player would have to average in the final eight games of the season in order to meet specific milestones.
Demaryius Thomas
- Needs about 7 receptions per game to reach the 100 catch mark
- Needs about 90 yards per game receiving to reach the 1,400 yard mark
Eric Decker
- Needs about 7 receptions per game to reach the 100 catch mark
- Needs about 92 yards per game receiving to reach the 1,400 yard mark
- Needs almost a TD per game to reach double digits
Wes Welker
- Needs about 7 receptions per game to reach the 100 catch mark
- Needs 56 yards per game receiving to reach the 1,000 yard mark
- Needs 1.4 TD per game to reach 20 on the season
Julius Thomas
- Needs a shade over 5 receptions per game to reach the 80 catch mark, needs close to 8 to reach the 100 catch mark.
- Needs about 69 yards per game to reach the 1,000 yard mark
- Needs 7 TD in 8 games to reach 15 on the season
Where does the competition look like the rest of the way?
|
Team |
Defensive Rank Yards/Points |
Passing Game |
|
SD |
26/11 |
275.4/27th |
|
KC |
19/1 |
208.3/3rd |
|
NE |
29/8 |
232.8/13th |
|
OAK |
14/19 |
262.6/25th |
|
TEN |
7/9 |
217.8/7th |
|
HOU |
1/27 |
158.0/1st |
Only two of the Broncos remaining opponents can be considered a tough challenge as far as moving the ball. Three rank in the top ten against the pass, and three rank in the top 10 in points allowed. There are serious passing yards to be had against Oakland and San Diego. With the injuries in the middle of the Patriot defense, Welker and Julius Thomas figure to be more of a factor there. I still have no idea how Houston is so bad in the yards/points differential, but they have been the stingiest team against the pass.
My thoughts
It is safe to assume at least three of the four headed beast will attain 1000 yards, 90 catches, and double digit touchdowns; you will see different combinations of players in each category though. The Broncos will be facing more resistance in opposing secondaries. That works both ways however. None of these teams has faced an offensive juggernaut on the level of the Denver Broncos thus far in the season.
In the end, all that matters are wins. But when you've seen such a historic pace thus far in the season, it is still fun to sit back and contemplate different results.
Use the comments to make your own predictions MHR!
GO BRONCOS!!!