Taking a Look at the Denver Broncos Ball Distribution in 2013

Dec 22, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Denver Broncos tight end Julius Thomas (80) catches a pass for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Before the season, one of the biggest concerns surrounding the Denver Broncos was whether or not there would be enough footballs to go around. That question has been answered, to say the least.

Not only has Broncos QB Peyton Manning had one of the greatest single seasons in the history of the NFL, but he’s been spreading the wealth to Denver’s star studded offensive crew, leading to some remarkable numbers.

QB Peyton Manning

Manning is closing in on some remarkable numbers. He’s already broken the passing TD record, and despite what Wade Phillips thinks, the number is 51, not 50. The Decker touchdown counted, and Manning might have more than 51 if some bad calls went the Broncos way against teams like the Titans and Colts. So get over it.

Manning is also closing in on the passing yardage record, needing 266 yards to beat the record which was set last season. Here’s a little “Believe it or not” for you: Manning had never eclipsed 5,000 yards in his NFL career before this season.

The soon-to-be MVP has thrown 51 touchdowns compared to just 10 interceptions, and has been sacked only 17 times this season–the lowest mark in the NFL. His 5-1 TD/INT ratio is astounding considering the Broncos have thrown the ball 631 times this season.

RB Knowshon Moreno

Moreno was supposed to be a third-string back this year. He quickly erased that notion. Dating back to the end of the 2012 season, Moreno has been the Broncos’ most productive and effective back. He is very good in pass protection and as a receiver out of the backfield whenever the Broncos ask him to be.

In addition to his prowess as a pass blocker, Moreno eclipsed the 1,000 yard mark for the first time in his NFL career, rushing for 1,015 yards and 10 touchdowns this year and catching 55 passes for 502 yards and another pair of scores.

Moreno has arguably been the Broncos’ best offensive player besides Peyton Manning all season long, and that’s really saying something.

WR Demaryius Thomas

Thomas has been his usual dominant self most of the time this season, leading the Broncos with 86 catches for 1,317 yards and 12 touchdowns. Thomas is actually on pace to come very close to matching his numbers from a season ago, and the Pro Bowler has already topped his 2012 touchdown total despite the additions of Wes Welker and Julius Thomas to the offense this year.

WR Eric Decker

The 2014 Free Agent could be a high priority for the Broncos, and he’s proven this season why he should be. He’s second on the team in both receptions (83) and yards (1,261) and became the FIFTH player on the roster to eclipse 10 touchdowns on the season when he caught a pair of scores against the Texans last Sunday.

Decker has proven to be a big play threat as well as a reliable target for three consecutive seasons, and he should be paid as such. Whether or not the Broncos decide to pay up remains to be seen, but for a guy that some deemed replaceable, he sure has made it known that he can put up #1 receiver numbers in this Denver offense.

WR Wes Welker

The Broncos picked up Wes Welker to help convert on third downs and convert in the red zone. You can’t argue the results. Prior to being hurt, Welker led the Broncos in third down receptions and also posted a career-high 10 touchdown catches this season. He has missed a few games with concussions, and will likely be held out until the playoffs, but Welker has certainly proven to be a valuable addition to the Denver offense, catching 73 passes for 778 yards and 10 scores.

TE Julius Thomas

The Broncos didn’t have to use any draft picks or any money in free agency to pick up one of the best breakout stars in the NFL in 2013. Finally healthy after two seasons of virtually no production, tight end Julius Thomas put together a Pro Bowl season and showed what kind of playmaker the Broncos dreamed he would be when they drafted him back in 2011.

Thomas has 60 catches this season for 752 yards and 12 touchdowns, earning his first Pro Bowl bid and becoming one of Peyton Manning’s favorite Red Zone targets along the way. He’s posted these numbers while missing two games due to injury.

K Matt Prater

Matt Prater earned a trip to the Pro Bowl in 2013 as the best kicker in the NFL. He leads the league in touchbacks by a wide margin, and also has missed just one of his 23 field goal attempts this season while setting the NFL record with a 64-yard boot against Tennessee.

The Rest

Andre Caldwell, Jacob Tamme, and Joel Dreessen have combined for the five other touchdowns the Broncos have racked up through the air.

Here is a list of players that have scored touchdowns for Denver offensively:

Demaryius Thomas
Julius Thomas
Eric Decker
Knowshon Moreno
Wes Welker
Andre Caldwell
Montee Ball
Jacob Tamme
Joel Dreessen
Ronnie Hillman

The Distribution

Not only have Denver players scored a lot of TDs, but they’ve ALL been individually impressive. Five players with 10 or more touchdowns is unheard of, as no team has ever had more than three.

It’s simply remarkable offensive output that the league has never seen before.