Brick, Mortar, Scrap Part 3: TEs/WRs

BRICKS

Player: Demaryius Thomas

Explanation: In only what can be explained as a down year for the Pro Bowl WR (105 receptions, 1,304 yards and 6 TD’s…. I hope you can sense my sarcasm), Thomas appeared to be in the middle of

a mental obstacle course at various points in the season.  For a newly re-signed receiver, it was expected that he would take the next step in his development and become one of the best offensive players in all of football.

While his 2015 stats are nothing to sneeze at, it was clear that his knack for ill-timed drops became an issue that couldn’t be ignored. Perhaps the blunders that DT would experience from time to time could symbolize what this past season was for the Broncos offense, as a whole.

This unit has plenty of great talent and should have been far more productive than they were.  For whatever reason, things just didn’t “click” on a consistent basis.

Despite the cries for a trade or release, DT isn’t going anywhere.  I, like most of Broncos Country, are hopeful that he bounces back in 2016 and becomes the elite WR that we all know he can be.

Player: Emmanuel Sanders

Explanation: In his brief time in Denver, Sanders has culminated multiple thousand yard seasons, a Pro Bowl nomination and status as a fan favorite all around Broncos Country.  Quite frankly, there isn’t much to add here.  Sanders has been a fantastic addition to the Broncos family and I hope they find a way to extend his contract, which expires after the 2016 season.

Sometimes, less is more. In this case, I’ll just let videos like the one below do the talking.

Player: Virgil Green

Explanation: Despite the pedestrian production on the stat sheet, Green’s value cannot be measured strictly by numbers. A versatile athlete and player, Green should and will be a brick on this team because of his toughness and ability to cover so many different roles with the team.

After signing a 3 year extension with the Broncos last off-season, Green was expected to become an impact player in the Broncos passing game. Like many offensive players, his offensive production was extinguished by the mash-up that was never meant to be between Gary Kubiak and Peyton Manning. Despite the dip in production, Green’s impact was not forgotten.

Regularly regarded as the Broncos best blocker amongst the skill positions, Green’s value in the running game is immense.  If you’re not sure about that statement, watch him take out these Patriot defenders.

Whether or not you agree with the style of blocking, it’s impressive to think that one player’s ability can block up to 4 defenders from making a stop.

Hopefully Green can find a rhythm in this offense and become the weapon in the passing game that he is in the blocking game.  I expect Green and rookie TE Jeff Hermann to become the dynamic duo at the position that is sorely needed for the Kubiak led Broncos offense to be successful moving forward.