Broncos’ Eric Decker, Demaryius Thomas Best Receiving Duo In NFL

Eric Decker catches a touchdown pass over defending Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Terence Newman (23) at Paul Brown Stadium. (Greg Bartram-US PRESSWIRE)

Statistically speaking, third year Denver Broncos wide receivers Eric Decker and Demaryius Thomas are the best receiving duo in the AFC. Their 91 receptions for 1,339 yards and 11 touchdowns combined even beat out Wes Welker and Rob Gronkowski (103 receptions for 1,316 yards and 9 touchdowns).

League wide, the Denver duo has six feet on the Atlanta Falcons’ spark, Roddy White and Julio Jones (87 receptions, 1,337 yards, and 9 touchdowns). They even beat out Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb of the Green Bay Packers who have 11 touchdowns, but 307 less receiving yards.

“Everyday we push each other,” Decker said of competing with Thomas. “That’s the best thing about our relationship is that we really respect one another. We’re good friends, we used to be roommates, but we’re also competitors at the same position. Whether it’s by deign in drill work or just maybe performance, it’s always that competitive spirit that’s there that’s helped us grow as young receivers, and really want to be better.”

As young wide receivers, Decker and Thomas are neck and neck for the title of the Broncos’ best receiver.

Decker has 46 receptions for 583 yards, and 7 touchdowns. Thomas has one less reception and three less touchdowns, but he has 756 yards on the season.

There was a good amount of risk in drafting Decker and Thomas in the 2010 draft. As much as risk-taking was Josh McDaniels’ greatest weakness during the season, perhaps it was one of his greatest strengths in the off season. Decker’s college career at the University of Minnesota ended early with a foot injury. Thomas missed six games his rookie season with ongoing injuries.

McDaniels drafted Thomas in the first round (22nd overall) and Decker in the third round (87th overall).

As Decker and Thomas find their groove with Peyton Manning even more, this duo can easily help lead the Broncos to trip to New Orleans in February. That is, if all goes according to plan.

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