Feb 2, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) scores a touchdown against Seattle Seahawks cornerback Byron Maxwell (41) during the third quarter in Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim O
The Denver Broncos high profile receivers were painfully inept and ineffective during the one game where they needed to be outstanding. Eric Decker, Wes Welker and Demaryius Thomas were all duds in the Super Bowl and didn’t help the Broncos score more than eight points.
While Peyton Manning’s mistakes were a big part of the problem for Denver, we’re now learning that another major factor played into the lack of offensive fire power. Demaryius Thomas — arguably Manning’s best receiver and first option — separated his shoulder during Super Bowl XLVIII and was rendered useless because of it.
DT separated his shoulder in the first quarter. Played through it. Maybe it was that Chancellor hit. Not sure.
— Vic Lombardi (@VicLombardi) February 4, 2014
Thomas separating his shoulder in the Super Bowl isn’t an excuse as to why the Broncos were bludgeoned by the Seahawks, but it helps us to understand why the going got so rough as early as it did for Denver.
Losing Thomas didn’t lose Super Bowl XLVIII for the Broncos, but it certainly didn’t help make things easier for them.
