In a Short Week, Broncos Make Quick Work of Chargers

Oct 23, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second half against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Emmanuel Sanders

Eric Decker or Emmanuel Sanders?

Honestly, you tell me Bronco Country who you’d rather have at this point. Personally, Emmanuel Sanders is more of my cup of tea.

Regardless, Sanders has proven to be a sizable upgrade over his predecessor Eric Decker. Decker has become nothing more than an afterthought throughout Bronco Country. That’s impressive considering Decker had back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons in 2012 and 2013, respectively, and was the second most targeted receiver in that time span by Peyton Manning, only trailing Demaryius Thomas.

When Decker left, some say a good amount of Manning’s touchdowns left with him because of his ability to reel in red-zone scores.

Well, last night Sanders emphatically debunked that theory. He hauled in three touchdown passes, a career high, and lit San Diego’s defense up to the tune of 120 yards.

Manning had high praise for Sanders after his masterful night.

"“He’s had a great attitude; I know he’s wanted to get into the end zone these past few games,” Manning said. “He scored last week and then catching three tonight, a real credit to him. The go-route was just pure speed on his part, and he has that. The post route that got us going was a great catch in traffic. His third touchdown, [was] kind of a slant-type route, and he elevated and got it. That was an impressive catch. So he was pretty special tonight.”"

Sanders is about to shatter any and all of his personal statistical bests if he stays the course.

He may not reach Decker’s gaudy numbers when all is said and done, but Sanders is certainly giving it a helluva try. As of right now, he’s on pace for roughly 1,400 receiving yards, more than Decker ever had in Denver.

Sanders fits the Broncos’ offense to a tee and is the perfect complement to Demaryius Thomas. It just goes to show you how a different offensive scheme or system can effect a particular player’s production output.

Oh, and I’m sure having “The Sheriff” as your quarterback doesn’t hurt, either.