Eric Decker Bounces Back in Week Two

Eric Decker (87) cannot make a catch while defended by New York Giants corner back Prince Amukamara (20) during the first quarter of a game at MetLife Stadium. The Broncos defeated the Giants 41-23. (Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports)

Wide receiver Eric Decker led the Denver Broncos in touchdowns last season, yet when week one rolled around, Decker had just two receptions (seven targets) for 32 yards against the Ravens, and he dropped two passes including one in the end zone.

People wondered aloud (via Twitter of course) what happened to the receiver. Had fame and fortune gotten to him? Was he more worried about filming his reality show than running off season routes? The critics came down hard, but Decker may have come down harder on himself.

He made it publicly clear that he didn’t do his job to the best of his ability.

It was a game that he wanted to forget. Moving forward a week, Decker put together a personal record-setting game with nine receptions for 87 yards. There were still miscues on his part, but Decker did lead the team in receiving.

“From my standpoint, it’s being a reliable receiver,” Decker said Tuesday. “You want to be dependable and the only way to do that is be consistent. I think trying to show that to, not just the quarterback, but to the entire team.”

It will be interesting to see which way Decker goes this season now that Wes Welker and Julius Thomas have emerged as some of Peyton Manning’s favorite targets. Of course, you can’t forget Demaryius Thomas either.

A week one Decker won’t see many balls come his way while a week two Decker could have many more record-setting performances. The direction he goes is entirely up to him.

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