Covering the Broncos Receivers: Julius Thomas Edition
Selected in the fourth round of the 2011 NFL draft, Thomas is a product of the Portland State Vikings where he played just one year of college football and was named All-Big Sky Conference First Team. Thomas also played four years of collegiate basketball where he led his team to two NCAA Tournament appearances. Thomas also only played one season of football in high school (freshman).
Thomas is a freak athlete who is a reincarnation of the likes of Jimmy Graham who also played just one year of college football and four years of college basketball. Antonio Gates and Tony Gonzalez also played basketball before their NFL careers.
Thomas is described by one anonymous scout as having, "Elite size and athleticism".
Julius Thomas has had a remarkable season emerging as one of the better athletes at his position. Thomas statistically has been held to no less than three catches per game so far this season and has been a huge threat in the red zone where seven of his ten touchdowns have been caught.
Every team except the Philadelphia Eagles used relaxed coverage packages letting the safety pick up Thomas. The Eagles instead hit Thomas every time they could and jammed him at the line where he was held to 4 catches for 43 yards.
The Pats need to put Aqib Talib on this freak. Talib is successful against big name tight ends such as Jimmy Graham. Graham recorded big fat zeros across the stat board when the Saints came to Foxborough.
Aqib Talib and his aggressiveness is the answer to the fast, big bodied Bronco but with so many weapons for the Broncos offense look for Gregory and Talib to switch up on Thomas.
With a sprained ankle occurring last week for Thomas his effectiveness will be questioned. Reportedly he was very limited in practice sitting out at least 3/4 of Thursdays practice. So Julius Thomas is a game time decision but that's a Pats advantage. If he plays, we know Belichick is the best at exploiting any weakness and will without hesitation. Week 12 is no different. If he doesn't play well then Talib can focus in on Demaryius Thomas. When the inactive list comes out 90 minutes before game time that's when Patriot Nation will know.
TE Julius Thomas (knee) was out there for practice but looked like he was only observing.
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) November 21, 2013---@keachristophe
--Ian Kea
