Peyton Manning wants to know how defenses are going to stop his new weapon, TE Julius Thomas.
"I am not sure how they will answer it, or if they will, but it will be interesting to see how teams play Julius all season," Manning said, via the Broncos' official website. "He is a big guy, he definitely will make teams have a conversation, and that is what you want."
Manning told "Pro Football Talk" on NBC Sports Network last week that Thomas would play a big role this season. That much was apparent by halftime of Thursday's game, when Thomas had racked up the most yards by a Broncos tight end in the first half since Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe tallied 154 in November of 1997.
The big question is, is Thomas a one-week wonder. He did lead the team in receiving during the preseason. He was on the field for all 74 snaps in Thursday's win over the Ravens. As a fourth-round pick in the 2011, it's telling that the Broncos kept him on the roster through two seasons lost to lingering high-ankle sprains. The coaching staff and front office obviously believe in his talent. Expectations should be tempered, though. He will likely be a popular pickup, but there are plenty of other targets in Denver that 100-plus yards and two TDs every week are unlikely...
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