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Receiving: 8 / 97 / 1 on 9 targets
Consider this game his coming out party. Thomas opened some eyes with two back to back plays: First, on a hitch play, he followed some great blocking for the first down. Then on the very next play, he made a 20 yard catch. He didn't stop there; he actual became Orton's favorite target, and looked more like a seasoned vet than a rookie. He was wide open on his TD reception, as his man slipped just trying to keep up.
Receiving: 2 / 43 / 0 on 6 targets
Thomas did not have nearly the impact on the game he had last week vs. Seattle, but he did have multiple end zone targets again this week, including one on a jumpball late that could have kept the Broncos alive. Thomas also had a catch inside the 10 that he momentarily fumbled trying to make a play after the receptions, and a great catch and run in the middle of the field that showed his speed. The Broncos seem intent on using Thomas a lot in the red zone, so don't toss him back on the waiver wire just yet. Thomas did suffer an arm/wrist injury at the end of the game, so his availability for week 4 could be in question.
Receiving: 1 / 9 / 0 on 4 targets
Thomas felt invisible on the field on Sunday as he connected
with Orton only once. The rookie seemed to struggle with getting any
significant separation, and while Orton targeted him a few times, he
never looked truly open. He did not get much attention from Orton who
was looking elsewhere and needs to work on his route running if he
wishes to be a factor this year.
Receiving: 2 / 12 / 0 on 2 targets
Thomas was running full speed on a kickoff return and got absolutely annihilated by Jason Phillips ending his day. The fumble wasn't unexpected after that hit, as it's hard to imagine being able to hold onto the ball in that situation, but it was a deadly fumble that added to the disastrous beginning to this game for the Broncost.. I have no doubts that Thomas will become a big part of this offense in the future, as his skills look very good and he has size that no other WR on this roster has. He did record two short receptions in this game before leaving the game, but as is the case with Eddie Royal, there are weeks where Thomas will be a complete non-factor and weeks where he will make big plays, it all depends on who can get open and who has the best matchups, as Orton is completing passes all over the field.
Receiving: 1 / 17 / 1 on 4 targets
Thomas flashes ability every time he's on the field. He had a touchdown on Darrelle Revis that showed why he was the first receiver selected in the draft. It's rare to see a guy of his size have that kind of speed and he beat Revis for a huge TD, though replays seemed to indicate that it might not have been a TD. Nonetheless, Ryan didn't challenge it, and Thomas got the score. On the final drive, he almost came down with a long pass from Orton over Revis again, but Revis showed why he's the best CB in the game and was able to get enough of a hand on it to knock it away and preserve the win.
Rushing: 1 / 1 / 0
Receiving: 1 / 6 / 0 on 1 targets
This was one to forget for Thomas. He didn't give much to evaluate with just one catch for six yards. There was a fumble and an injury though, which turned Thomas' day from an "incomplete" grade into a failing one.
Rushing: 1 / 0 / 0
Receiving: 1 / 31 / 0 on 1 targets
Thomas is not trusted in clutch situations for the Broncos on the outside as a receiver but is a nice player they have some ideas for. He struggles to get separation from DB's, so the Broncos used him on end around runs and screen passes, which suit his ideal yards after catch ability and threat in the open field. The Broncos were behind in this game for the most part and could not afford the luxury of experimenting with Thomas much, but he did show his running ability in the open field on a screen pass and is one to watch for the future.
Receiving: 3 / 51 / 0 on 5 targets
Thomas had a poor drop early in the game as he was unable to locate a perfect over-the-shoulder effort from Orton in the endzone. He did some damage later in the game with screens and quick passes, allowing for yards after the catch. Denver recognises his lethal running ability in the open field and tries to get him the ball in this way every week, but Thomas is proving an inconsistent target to throw to downfield.
Receiving: 3 / 17 / 0 on 5 targets
Thomas had one nice catch on a quick slant off play action, but cost the team dearly when he allowed a ball to go through his hands on third and long on a pass that would have put the team into field goal range. Making matters worse, he was shaken up after a quick screen pass and appeared to injure his leg. He was eventually carted off the field and did not return.
Receiving: 0 / 0 / 0 on 2 targets
Thomas got two targets, but had a bad drop on one, and the other was intercepted. His rookie campaign started with a bang, but went nowhere from there.