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5 similarities between first seasons in Denver for Peyton Manning and Russell Wilson

By Travis Wakeman

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - FEBRUARY 02: (L-R) Quarterback Peyton Manning #18 of the Denver Broncos congratulates quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks on their 43-8 win during Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife Stadium on February 2, 2014 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - FEBRUARY 02: (L-R) Quarterback Peyton Manning #18 of the Denver Broncos congratulates quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks on their 43-8 win during Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife Stadium on February 2, 2014 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Denver Broncos, Jerry Jeudy
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (10) before the game against the Washington Football Team at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Demaryius Thomas and Jerry Jeudy

The Broncos used a first-round pick on Demaryius Thomas in 2010 and the team was excited about him. He went on to be one of the greatest Broncos receivers of all time, but his career certainly didn’t begin that way.

In his first two seasons, Thomas had just 54 catches in 21 games. Though he flashed signs of greatness, it was clear that the team’s quarterback situation would hinder him and hold him back.

When Manning was signed, the idea of him making Thomas a legitimate No. 1 wide receiver was among the more exciting aspects of No. 18 putting on orange and blue. And, that’s exactly what happened.

From 2012-15 with Manning, Thomas was as good as any receiver in football. In those four seasons alone, he put up ridiculous numbers, catching 402 passes for 5,787 yards and 41 touchdowns.

The Broncos can only hope the same becomes true for Jerry Jeudy, another first-round pick who has posted paltry numbers in each of his first two seasons. Poor quarterback play is usually the excuse given for that and with Wilson, his production will be expected to increase.

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