Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas wants to cash in on playing with Peyton Manning, according to Bill Williamson of ESPN.com.
“That’s all I think about; just making sure I take advantage of this,” the immensely talented third-year Denver Broncos receiver said after a recent minicamp practice.
Thomas acknowledges that when he heard Manning had chosen to play for the Denver Broncos on March 19, he felt immense pleasure — and pressure. Thomas knows this is his time to shine as a professional receiver. The option days of Tim Tebow have moved east.
Thomas — whose 80-yard touchdown catch to beat Pittsburgh in a wild-card game is one of the most memorable plays in franchise history — is relieved to be playing in a traditional NFL offense. Playing with Manning is even more thrilling. Yet, he says it isn’t always fun because of the pressure he puts on himself.
“Every time I make a mistake, I get mad at myself because I know Peyton is counting on me,” Thomas said. “I have to be good. Peyton picked the Broncos, and I have to make him know he made the right choice.”
“He’s had a productive OTA session and minicamp,” Manning said of Thomas earlier this month. “I think he’s running his routes with a lot of confidence and making a lot of tough catches.”
“Peyton tells me all the time he’s never worked with someone like me,” Thomas said. “I’ve watched a lot of film from his Colts’ days to get some pointers. There really weren’t any of his receivers who were like me. … I know Peyton is looking forward to it.”