Julius Thomas Is Broncos' X-Factor in Matchup vs. Colts

The Denver Broncos get a rematch in their opening playoff game this year. In Week 1 of the 2014 season, the Broncos defeated the Indianapolis Colts at home by a score of 31-24. A huge asset for the Broncos in that game was tight end Julius Thomas.

In the season opener against the Colts, Thomas was targeted eight times, had seven receptions for 104 yards and three touchdowns. Thomas was a breakout star in 2013, and he basically picked up where he left off to begin the season.

Thomas explained why he had so much success against the Colts in that game.

“I was able to get some man coverage at times. It’s something that I enjoy. Playing against man is probably one of the more fun parts of the game.”

However, over the last two months Thomas has not looked like himself.

In the Week 11 loss to the St. Louis Rams, Thomas injured his ankle blocking on a running play. Since that week, Thomas has missed three games. In the three games he did play, Thomas only had three catches for 63 yards and no touchdowns.

Thomas has been frustrated dealing with this lingering ankle injury.

“Yeah. Any time you’re not able to do the things that you want to do and you know you can do, it’s frustrating. But [there is] not much you can do about it. Just try to find a way to do all you can.”

Julius Thomas is the Broncos' X-factor in the matchup against the Colts. Here, we examine the many ways Denver can use the talented tight end to attack the Indianapolis defense.

In-Line Tight End

Even though Thomas is not a great blocker, the Broncos will line him up as a traditional in-line tight end in certain formations. Defenses will assume that he’s staying in to block—and sometimes he does—but Thomas can also be a dangerous target from this spot in the formation.

On this play, Thomas runs a short five-yard route to the outside. The play went to the opposite side of the formation (to wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders). This was made possible because two defenders follow Thomas after the snap.

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Later in the game, Thomas scored a 35-yard touchdown on a deep route he ran from an in-line stance.

Thomas made a lot of plays in the season opener from multiple positions.

“I was able to have a lot of success against them in that first game. I would imagine they will do some things a little bit differently. So you can’t say, ‘I had a great game against them the first time. I’ll have three touchdowns on them again.’ You just never really know. Like we say all year, we’re going to go to the guy that’s open.”

Thomas emphasized, “Hopefully it’s me, but if not, I know my teammates will make big plays and they’re capable of it.”

Slot Receiver

Thomas is difficult to cover no matter where he lines up on the field, and that’s why Denver will sometimes put him in the slot. Linebackers simply can’t stay with Thomas in single coverage.

On this play, Thomas is standing up outside of the left tackle in the slot. He runs a simple route over the middle, dragging just behind the goal line and hauls in an easy touchdown catch.

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The fourth-year tight end loves when he sees man coverage.

“The first thing is hopefully the ball is coming to me right here. That’s a matchup that I have to be able to take advantage of to help our team and our offense. So whenever I get man coverage, I’m definitely looking to make a play.”

Out Wide

The former college basketball star has the athleticism to line up outside like a wide receiver on certain plays. Defenses will adjust by putting a linebacker outside to cover him, and they may use a safety to help over the top.

That’s what we see on this play from Week 1. Thomas is outside with linebacker Jerrell Freeman giving him about a 10-yard cushion. The Broncos tight end blows by Freeman easily on the outside, and the safety is late to help. This was a 34-yard gain for the Broncos that moved the chains and kept the drive alive.

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Thomas can also run shorter routes out wide. In the second quarter against the Colts, Thomas ran a five-yard slant and scored a touchdown. Defenders are helpless on an island against Thomas.

Summary

Thomas has been struggling with an ankle injury, but with a bye week he got a little extra time to rest. He’s feeling better after getting some time off.

“It was a big week for me. It was good to get some rest. Every doctor will tell you the most important thing is rest, but it’s tough to do in the middle of the season. So I got a little bit of time to stay off it and get some treatment on it.”

He acknowledges that things are different for both teams in this win-or-go-home scenario.

“A lot of things are happening throughout the season, adjustments being made. I think both teams are in a groove right now. They’ve kind of found places where they know, ‘Hey, this is what we can do to be successful,’ and that’s what they continue to do. So every team is going to change a little bit week to week.” Thomas concluded, “So we’re hoping we’re just the team that has the better adjustments and we’re able to pull out a victory this weekend.”

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.com. Transaction history provided by ProSportsTransactions.com.