Sep 22, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Chicago Bears free safety Chris Conte (47) and cornerback Isaiah Frey (31) stop New York Jets wide receiver Eric Decker (87) during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
A lot was unknown about Emmanuel Sanders.
There was his speed and obvious athletic ability, but how would he fit in with Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos offense?
Sanders was never really given the chance to show what he could do with the Pittsburgh Steelers since so much of the focus with their offense was running the football. Maybe Pittsburgh didn’t trust its wideouts.
There was also the lingering question about his durability. Could he even stay healthy to become a factor for the Broncos offense?
Denver knew what it had in Eric Decker, and it wanted no part of it. Decker has no come out and said he misses Denver. Yeah, you left a team that was quarterbacked by Manning for one by Geno Smith.
Four games into the season for the Broncos (3-1) and there is no doubt Sanders is a major upgrade over Decker. Sanders has 32 catches for 435 yards. He has yet to get into the endzone, but that obscure stat will end today (Oct. 12).
Sanders has turned into one of Manning’s favorite targets. He’s also been one of the best players in the NFL at this point.
It’s time to see his first Mile High Salute.
Here are the five reasons why Manning and Denver are better off with Sanders.