[Quesadilla Joe]

To some degree, Thomas was an unknown quantity when he stepped on the field Sunday.

By the fourth quarter, it was different. He’d already caught six passes for 62 yards — including four for 56 on one second-quarter possession and four that gave the Broncos first downs. Just before the end of the third quarter, he picked up nine yards on third-and-5.

Two plays later — just before the second snap of the fourth quarter — Seahawks cornerback Kelly Jennings pointed across the line of scrimmage at Thomas, trying to draw defensive attention to him.

Just one game into his career, with no preseason experience at all, Thomas was already the focal point of the Seahawks’ defensive efforts.

To no avail, because Thomas promptly ran a slant route under Jennings. Fourteen yards, and the drive continued — a march that culminated in Thomas’s first NFL touchdown via a 21-yard reception from Kyle Orton.

Sunday morning, the Seahawks and NFL didn’t know what Thomas could do. By Sunday night …

“I definitely know who he is now,” said Seahawks safety Lawyer Milloy.

“I think you saw a little bit of what we think he can be,” added Broncos coach Josh McDaniels.

http://maxdenver.com/blog1/2010/09/2...own-commodity/

Broncos find a star in the first round

It took some patience from Broncos fans, but Denver unveiled their explosive first round pick to thrilling results on Sunday. And Tim Tebow didn't play a down.

Wide receiver Demaryius Thomas has barely stepped on the field since he was taken No. 22 overall in April, bothered by a troublesome foot injury. When Thomas did suit up, onlookers said he was special. He showed everyone Sunday against the Seahawks, catching eight passes for 97 yards and a score in his first pro game.

"He's not a secret, though," Broncos coach Josh McDaniels told the Denver Post. "I understand he's a secret to you guys. But he's one of a lot of guys we have."

The Broncos receiver group is far better than folks expected, but Thomas is the only possible lead dog. He's 6'3, 229 pounds, and has picked up the Broncos offense quicker than expected after coming from a unique scheme at Georgia Tech. He played 65 snaps Sunday.

If Thomas can stay healthy, then Eddie Royal, Jabar Gaffney, and Brandon Lloyd better fit into their specific roles. Thomas has rare skills.

"He gets behind the defense when they give him an opportunity and then the thing to me that I've been impressed with, with Demaryius (Thomas) is his ability to accelerate once he has the football," McDaniels said Monday. "It doesn't take him a long time to build his speed."

Kyle Orton is third in the league in YPA after two weeks. Denver has a long way to go, but their passing game is probably the strength of the team.

Who needs Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall?

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com...e-first-round/

On the lookout

» Demaryius Thomas started his Denver Broncos career with an impressive eight-catch, one-touchdown performance. His size and speed are impressive. Once he gets more comfortable with the pace of the game, he will be a great player.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d...?module=HP_cp2

DT is turning heads