Even in Run-First Offense, Demaryius Thomas Shining for Broncos

This isn’t the same Denver Broncos offense that put up Star Wars numbers in 2013. Over the last four games, the Broncos have transformed into a run-heavy team featuring starting running back C.J. Anderson.

No team in the NFL has run the ball more than the Denver Broncos during this time. The Broncos are running on 54 percent of their offensive plays over the last month.

This new direction on offense has limited the production from the receivers and the passing game. However, even in a run-first offense, Demaryius Thomas is shining for the Broncos.

After a disappointing game against the Buffalo Bills in Week 14, Thomas bounced back with a spectacular Week 15 performance against the San Diego Chargers. Let’s take a look at this offense and Thomas’ role within.

The Running Game

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Thomas and his fellow receivers are taking a back seat to Anderson and the rushing attack. The Broncos aren’t concerned with setting offensive records this year. Instead, they want to win a championship. Running the ball right now is preparing the team for the playoff road ahead.

Anderson has a workman-like attitude when it comes to his role with the team.

“I’m doing what they asked me to do. I’m trying to make plays when I can. We got the win and that’s all that matters. We are executing up front. You have to give it to the big boys. That is what we are trying to do. We are trying to execute, put ourselves out there and try and win any way we can.”

The Broncos have averaged almost 80 more rush yards per game than they did over the first 10 games of the 2014 season.

	Weeks 1-11	Weeks 12-15
Rush Percentage	35%	54%
Rush Per Game	24.3	36.9
Rush Yards Per Game	89.9	164.7
Yards Per Carry	3.7	4.45

Denver is leaning heavily on Anderson, and he’s responding by being the most productive running back in the NFL since Week 12.

		NFL Rank
Attempts	109	1st
Rushing Yards	478	1st

They had a perfect setup for the passing game in Week 15 against the Chargers. Instead, the Broncos only passed the ball 22 times while running the ball almost twice as much (39 carries).

Like it or not, they’re a running team now.

Julius Thomas Makes a Big Difference

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Examining the data and the film show just how much of a difference tight end Julius Thomas makes when he’s on the field for the Broncos. With the tight end occupying so much attention from the defense, coverage is opened up on the outside for guys like Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders.

	Weeks 1-11	Weeks 12-14 (Without Julius Thomas)
Comp Pct	68.3 %	60.6 %
Pass YPG	205.5	138.3
YPA	10.2	6.8
TD-INT	13-3	4-2

Julius Thomas was back in action against the Chargers in Week 15. His return helped Demaryius Thomas post better numbers than he had during the time when the talented tight end was out.

On Sunday, Demaryius Thomas came through for the Broncos with six receptions for 123 yards and one receiving touchdown. On his first reception of the game (36-yard gain), Thomas already had over three times as many receiving yards as he did in the previous week’s game against the Buffalo Bills.

Target Distribution

Here is a look at the target distribution for Thomas on Sunday against the Chargers.

Quarter	Target Area	Play Result	Down & Distance	Position
1	Deep Middle	36-yd gain	1st & 10	DEN 42
1	Short Right	incomplete	2nd & 1	SD 2
1	Short Right	incomplete	3rd & 1	SD 2
2	Deep Right	29-yd gain	2nd & 4	SD 46
2	Deep Right	incomplete	1st & 10	SD 17
3	Short Right	7-yd gain	2nd & 8	DEN 29
3	Deep Right	28-yd TD	1st & 10	SD 28
4	Short Left	10-yd gain	2nd & 8	DEN 14
4	Deep Left	incomplete	1st & 10	DEN 24
4	Short Right	incomplete	2nd & 10	SD 34
4	Short Right	13-yd gain	3rd & 20	SD 44

As you can see, Thomas is a preferred target on the right side of the field. Almost half of his targets were over 12 yards down the field. Of his six short targets, five of them were on the right side.

The route tree and target distribution we see for Thomas against the Chargers is consistent with what he’ll get most weeks.

Summary

While the offense has undergone a transformation, Demaryius Thomas has kept his value in the passing game. Thomas is a favorite target of Manning, and he can impact the game from any spot on the field.

The Broncos can effectively use Thomas on short routes, screen passes and slants over the middle. Thomas can also track deep passes over his shoulder with ease. Plus, he can be a dominant force in the red zone for the Broncos.

They’re still going to run the ball—and with good reason. The team will have to run the ball effectively during a run through the playoffs.

Wes Welker knows that teams must run the ball to have late-season success.

“This time of the year it’s key; you have to be able to run the football. The offensive line has really given that push. They really help us out as an offense. Anytime you run the football it’s better for the offense and defense and having that ball control. It opens up the play action.”

Welker is correct, the running game will make the passing game more dangerous. Play-action passing sets up deep passes as the game goes on. These types of targets are perfect for Demaryius Thomas.

Even though the Broncos are running more than ever now, Thomas should be the primary weapon for the Broncos when they want to go through the air. There may be a game in the final two weeks of the regular season—or the postseason—where the Broncos need to air it out like they used to.

Expect Demaryius Thomas to be ready when called upon. He’s one of the most dangerous receivers in the league, and he can dominate with a large role—anytime and anyplace.

All quotes and injury/practice observations obtained firsthand. Record/statistical information provided via email from the Denver Broncos unless otherwise noted. Contract and salary-cap information provided by Spotrac. Transaction history provided by ProSportsTransactions.com.