SB Nation - Demaryius Thomas

Demaryius Thomas Poised For Breakout Season With Broncos?

Russ Oates — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 18:18:18 -0000

Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas has dealt with plenty of injuries to start his NFL career. He broke a bone in his foot during the 2012 NFL Combine, hurt his ankle and missed the end of the 2010 season, tore his Achilles tendon while workout during the 2011 offseason and, finally, broke a finger days before the 2011 season opened. As a result he has played in just 21 of 32 possible regular season games and has 54 receptions for 834 yards and six touchdowns.

But we certainly saw glimpses of stardom from Thomas during the 2011 season and in the playoff victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, as evidenced by his 80-yard touchdown reception from the since-departed Tim Tebow. Was this a sign of things to come?

With the arrival of Peyton Manning in Denver as the team's quarterback, the sky might be the limit for Thomas, as ESPN Insider Gary Horton writes:

Thomas has size and toughness along with underrated deep speed and vertical potential. He averaged over 17 yards per catch during the regular season, and I can see that increasing in 2012. Manning makes everyone around him better, and if Thomas can stay healthy, he will be something special.

Thomas is likely to emerge as the No. 1 receiver ahead of Eric Decker, the team's other top receiver from the 2011 season. Might a Pro Bowl spot be waiting for Thomas next season?

NFL Combine 2012: Stephen Hill, The Next Demaryius Thomas?

Jason Kirk — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:55:31 -0000

Would NFL types be showing this much interest in Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets wide receiver Stephen Hill if not for the pro career of Demaryius Thomas, who also had his biggest collegiate year while playing in a run-option offense? Does the success of Calvin Johnson somehow have anything to do with Hill's prospects (no)? And which team (Oakland) is going to lose it while staring at his size (6'5!) and workout numbers and pull the trigger two rounds too early?

Stephen Hill, who told me two weeks ago he had a 40-inch vertical, compares himself to Calvin Johnson.
— Dan Kadar (@MockingTheDraft) February 24, 2012

Hill put up only 1,111 yards in two seasons after Thomas left, but nobody's talking about him going in the first two rounds or what have you. If he can run a 4.4 40 like he hopes, he'll indeed be a potential home run threat (basketball term) for some team looking to extend the field. But he's not Thomas, who, other than in one well-remembered game against Georgia, was sure-handed. Hill's capable of ridiculous acrobatics, but he drops way, way too many easy ones.

After most of the NFL critiques of Bay Bay turned out to be the product of over-thinking, you get the feeling some team is going to apply that lesson to Hill just a little too confidently. Thomas played a year in a pro-style college offense, for which he was recruited. He was bigger (220 pounds) as a freshman than Hill is now (215). Not being as prepared for the NFL as Demaryius Thomas was isn't a horrible thing, as Thomas was one of the best players in Tech history, but Hill's going to need to be evaluated as a whole new thing, not as the next Thomas.

For more on Jackets football, visit Georgia Tech blog From The Rumble Seat, plus SB Nation Atlanta.

VIDEO: Conan O'Brien Has Peanuts Reenact Tim Tebow's GW TD Pass

Russ Oates — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:30:30 -0000

Conan O'Brien wanted to show the final play of the game between the Denver Broncos and the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he didn't want to pay thousands of dollars to get that footage from the league. Instead, he turned to his peanuts players and confirmed what 43 percent of respondents in a recent poll believe is true: Tim Tebow receives divine intervention when he plays. Video below.

Just look at that. The hand of God comes down from the heavens to put the ball into Demaryius Thomas' hands.

Oh, and the Pittsburgh Steelers go straight to hell.

Conan O'Brien Re-Enacts Tim Tebow To Demaryius Thomas Touchdown Pass

David Fucillo — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:16:35 -0000

The NFL maintains a firm hold on the use of its highlights, preventing only certain license holders from extensive use. Conan O'Brien has begun a recurring feature on his show where he recreates famous events that either were not filmed or where he is unable to obtain video of the event. How does he do this? Peanuts, naturally.

After the jump, check out Conan taking a stab at re-creating Tim Tebow's dramatic overtime touchdown pass to Demaryius Thomas that eliminated the Pittsburgh Steelers from the playoffs.

For the most part it seems like a fairly accurate re-creation of the dramatic overtime play. Some will likely believe that a certain hand from above made the play possible. And plenty others might, in fact, think the Steelers are banished to the depths of hell.

VIDEO: Demaryius Thomas' Game-Winning Catch In Playoff Overtime

Jason Kirk — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:30:19 -0000

Though Phil Simms mistakenly identified wide receiver Demaryius Thomas as hailing from UCF, the sudden Denver Broncos star made his name as a member of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, thank yew very much. Here he is achieving the game-winning catch-and-run in his playoff debut, part of a 204-yard day.

Watch before the snap as the Pittsburgh Steelers commit nine or maybe even 10 players to stopping the run, with both Troy Polamalu and Ryan Mundy leaving Ike Taylor no help over the top.

Check in with Broncos blog Mile High Report

Polamalu was evidently supposed to be covering against shallow crossing routes, and Mundy's job appears to be helping out deep, but Tim Tebow and the Denver running game provide such a threat that "Bay Bay" was barely even single-covered.

Pairing Tebow and Thomas might've been a pretty good idea on Josh McDaniels' part after all, yes? There hasn't been a college receiver in a while who became quite as known for doing nothing but picking up scores as the only deep threat on an option-heavy running team. Seems some skills translate after all.

VIDEO: Tim Tebow, John Elway Celebrate After Broncos Win

Brian Floyd — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:15:10 -0000

The scene in the Denver Broncos' locker room following Sunday's NFL playoff win over the Pittsburgh Steelers was about what you'd expect. Players were happy and hugging, team executives were grinning ear-to-ear and head coach John Fox preached "nobody thought we could do this" in the postgame speech.

In the midst of all the hustle and bustle was Tim Tebow, high-fiving and hugging everyone in sight. Demaryius Thomas, the man who caught the game-winning touchdown pass on the first play of the overtime period, was feeling the love, and John Elway even got in on the fun.

After the jump, Tebow and Elway lock eyes and high-five like giddy school children.

Note the preview image:

Man, those two don't seem like they get along at all. Sure looks like Elway is ready to ship Tebow off!

But seriously, there's nothing cooler than the scene in a locker room following a big, emotional win. And for the Broncos, it doesn't get much bigger than Sunday.

SB Nation has your Wild Card weekend recap and the updated 2012 NFL playoffs schedule. Check out Mile High Report for the latest on the Broncos.

Tim Tebow Creates Alternate Universe Where Josh McDaniels Is Happy, Fulfilled

DanUpBaby — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:15:01 -0000

Somewhere out there, in the infinite possibilities of the multiverse, Josh McDaniels isn't moving back in with Bill Bellichick's parents. He's in Denver, maybe, watching Tim Tebow, his pride and joy, throw for 300 yards on 20 pass attempts and win an overtime playoff game with a perfect throw to Demaryius Thomas, his other pride and joy, the Broncos on their way to beating his old bosses in New England. It is, I'd have to imagine, a happier Josh McDaniels than the one we see now.

Obviously, I'm not sure McDaniels would have had it in him to, at one point, eliminate passing almost entirely from the Broncos' gameplan—and it's clear that the Broncos' vastly improved defense had more to do with their playoff berth than their weird, terrifying offense.

But since we live in the universe where Josh McDaniels is drunkenly telling some people at an airport Bennigans in Boston that he discovered those guys, that that could be him up there, I just thought I'd give some credit to the other, happier McDanielses the multiverse over.

PHOTO: Tim Tebow Celebrates In The Only Way Possible

Brian Floyd — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 01:15:39 -0000

Because you just knew it would all happen like this, Tim Tebow hit Demaryius Thomas for a touchdown on the first play of overtime, thus rendering the new rules useless and giving the Broncos a 29-23 win over the Steelers. And then, of course, Tebow went ahead and ... Tebow'd.

Remember angry Tebow earlier? This time around, his demeanor was a wee bit different. Happy Tebow!

Demaryius Thomas Aspires To Be Like Megatron

Russ Oates — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 15:03:04 -0000

Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson's 2011 season has been one highlight after another with all of his amazing catches. He's inspires fear into other teams as Megatron because he rarely drops a pass. He'll get to face Champ Bailey this Sunday when the Lions face the Denver Broncos. And he'll get to meet up with former Georgia Tech teammate Demaryius Thomas.

The two were together on Georgia Tech for just one year in 2006, but Thomas didn't play that year. However, Thomas has learned a lot from him and is looking for better things as a result (via the Denver Post):

"I'm just trying to get where he's at," Thomas said. "He is elite."

Thomas has been hurt by injuries in his brief two years in the NFL, but now that Tim Tebow is at quarterback he might just start turning things around. Thomas did catch a touchdown pass against the Miami Dolphins. However, Johnson was pretty much an elite receiver when he already entered the NFL as a rookie; Thomas needs to go double quick if he wants to get to that level.

Tim Tebow Tweets 'Game On', Other Denver Broncos Join In

Russ Oates — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 16:25:20 -0000

National Football League players have taken to Twitter over the weeks and months of the NFL Lockout to express their thoughts on the matters. Over the last week there was an explosion of thoughts on the coming of the lockout's end. Now that the deal is just hours, minutes, maybe even seconds away from ending, players are going to Twitter once again.

Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow is already grateful for the start of football again. He stands to gain much during training camp if he can beat out Kyle Orton (who is more likely to be traded) and Brady Quinn (who, yes, is a serious candidate) then. What did Tebow tweet on Monday morning?

Game onless than a minute ago via web Favorite Retweet ReplyTim Tebow
TimTebow

But he isn't the only Broncos taking to the Internet to let his fans know how he feels about the NFL being back in business.

Here's wide receiver Eddie Royal:

Back to work! as disappointing as last season was for all of us and all of u, know that we have very high expectations for this season!less than a minute ago via Facebook Favorite Retweet ReplyEddie Royal
eddieroyal19

Royal experienced a poor season in 2010, as did the entire team, and he is making his way back from hip surgery.

And here's the newest Broncos, No. 2 overall pick Von Miller:

Today feels like a Holiday to me!! Thank God for football!less than a minute ago via Twitter for iPhone Favorite Retweet ReplyVon Miller
MillerLite40

As do many of us, Von. As do many. Now it's time to see what you can do in the league.

Safety Kyle McCarthy:

Looks like I'm heading to Dove Valley tomorrow!less than a minute ago via Twitter for iPhone Favorite Retweet ReplyKyle McCarthy
KMcCarthy34

Wide receiver Demaryius Thomas:

Up and out... Time 2 get work in....less than a minute ago via Twitter for BlackBerry® Favorite Retweet ReplyDemaryius Thomas
DemaryiusT

Rookie offensive tackle Orlando Franklin:

The lock out is officially over. Denver Colorado hear I comeless than a minute ago via UberSocial for BlackBerry Favorite Retweet ReplyOrlando Franklin
OFranklin74

Quarterback Brady Quinn:

Thank the Lord! And all parties involved. Time for some football!!!!!less than a minute ago via Twitter for iPhone Favorite Retweet ReplyBrady Quinn
BQ9

Safety Brian Dawkins, who was in on these negotiations:

SO IT BEGINS !!!!!!!!!! #SnotBubbleCrazyEyesless than a minute ago via Twitter for iPhone Favorite Retweet ReplyBrian Dawkins
BrianDawkins

John Elway:

BACK TO FOOTBALL! Thank you Broncos fans for sticking with us!less than a minute ago via Twitter for iPhone Favorite Retweet ReplyJohn Elway
johnelway

They keep coming in.