Ahead of Monday night's battle with the Cincinnati Bengals and amidst speculation that Peyton Manning could be healthy enough to return soon, Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas mused about the differences between the veteran quarterback and young backup Brock Osweiler.
"You know, Brock is a different type of quarterback," Thomas told NFL Media's James Palmer on Monday, "so you know his (ball) is for sure faster with a little more thump behind it. Peyton doesn't really have a route he can throw hard on unless it's a short route. That's the main thing."
Thomas has already posted another 1,000-yard receiving season in 2015, but hasn't had the big breakout plays he is used to. With Manning behind center, Thomas caught at least eight balls for 90 yards in five games. Since his injury, Osweiler has provided the wideout with just one of those performances. Still, from his comments, it's hard to tell whether Thomas feels he is better off with the veteran or upstart at the helm.
"(Osweiler has) been playing great, but the timing -- the timing is a little different," Thomas continued. "I got used to that because I practice with him, but the different placement of the balls, the velocity as well. I don't want to make excuses, but it's a little different. I know everybody is pointing out all of my drops because I got nine, but I ain't the only one because it's a little different when you're switching quarterbacks. "
With NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reporting that Manning is rapidly getting healthy and in the conversation for a potential Week 17 start, the Broncos could have a difficult decision to make at quarterback if they lose Monday. Thomas' comfortability with his signal-caller should certainly be taken into consideration, especially if Denver wants to limit game-killing dropped passes.
