Denver Broncos: Predicting Demaryius Thomas Stats in 2017

Despite a 1,000 yard season last year, Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas is poised to reclaim his old self in a familiar offense…

Hello again old friend.

Old pal Mike McCoy reunites with Demaryius Thomas who enters this season with hopes of reestablishing himself as an elite wide receiver. From 2009 to 2012, McCoy coached the offense and helped make Thomas into a star. It is this rekindled relationship between McCoy and Thomas that can take the Denver Broncos wide receiver’s game to new heights.

There is no question Thomas’ talent is among the best of the best, but he’s seen a drop off in previous years. One of the knocks against Thomas is the lack of physicality at the position. He will see a rebirth in 2017. Despite 1,000 yards receiving last year, the bubble screen will benefit Thomas and play to his strength heading into the new season.

Those bubble screens in the McCoy system advanced the play of Thomas.

"“That was one of my first thoughts – the screen passes. I remember talking to Tyke (Tolbert) and he was mentioning the same thing. The years we played together with Mike were some of my best years. I look forward to it this year, as well,” Thomas said. (Quotes obtained via Denver Broncos PR)"

In the McCoy offense, Thomas has an opportunity to get the ball more no matter the starter at quarterback. Another trait he welcomes is furthering his leadership in 2017. Vance Joseph stated this at the NFL Meetings.

"“I want him to be a dominant player all the time, I don’t want him to ease into games. … It’s time. He’s a great player. He can take over a game, but I want his mindset to be every game we play to walk on the field and take over a game.”"

Also, Thomas must first fight the demons of injuries this season. He has sustained numerous ailments over the years. His hip neutralized his natural movement quite a bit. Thomas talked about the discomfort.

"“It was bad at times. I never thought about surgery. I could get it, but I don’t think I really need it right now. I’ve been running routes and it hasn’t been bothering me. It just depends on how you get hit now. It’s basically maintaining the hips.It was tough. Sometimes I couldn’t stop and sometimes I couldn’t run certain routes that I wanted to run. Sometimes I couldn’t get off press because I had no power in it. But it wasn’t my excuse. I was out there, going out, trying to help my teammates out and trying not to make it look bad on my part.”"

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It bodes well for Thomas to put up monster numbers in a rejuvenated Mike McCoy offense. Not to mention he is paired with another great wide receiver in Emmanuel Sanders.

At the end of the season, Thomas will catch 115 passes and rack up 1,570 yards with nine touchdowns.