Eric Decker

mattharper

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What kills me about Decker is that in 4 years at Minnesota I odnt beleive he ever returned a kickoff. It was the same with Kevin Kaspar at Iowa. Its amazing how both guys got a chance to return kicks for Denver and they were damn good at it. How can Decker not be athletic enough to play outside when he returns kicks? Just more caste crapola.
 

devans

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So - Denver need "a physical, possession complement to Brandon
Lloyd"
do they.
I wonder what ethnic group fits that bill? Maybe hey need to find a blue collar kind of guy with a non stop motor.
What kind of "possession receiver" is so effective as a kick returner?
It's bull.

 

Don Wassall

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Two pieces of good news today. Career mediocrity Jabar Gaffney was traded to Washington for a DE, and Demaryius Thomas flunked his physical. Thomas is still hobbled by a bad ankle injury.

Brandon Lloyd is entrenched as a starter, with Eric Decker and Eddie Royal competing for the other starting spot. Royal should be the slot guy with Decker the second wideout, but that would make too much sense, and I've also been reading that new coach John Fox may cut down considerably on 3 WR sets. But I take the trade of Gaffney as a vote of confidence in Decker, there's a good chance that he'll play a lot this season, and if so should quickly become a favorite target of Tim Tebow.
 

whiteathlete33

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Right now it appears as if Decker is the number three receiver. I agree with Don that Royal should be in the slot as that's the place he best fits. Decker is 6'3 and Royal is only 5'9. If the races of these two players were reversed the small white guy would definitely be the slot receiver.
Eric Decker is running as the No. 3 receiver at Broncos camp.

With run-minded John Fox and Mike McCoy at the controls, Denver's use of three-wide sets will be dramatically reduced from the Josh McDaniels era. So the No. 3 receiver job would offer very little fantasy appeal. Still, the Broncos have been high on Decker, who could even push Eddie Royal for the No. 2 gig. It's a situation to monitor as training camp gets into full swing.
 

Don Wassall

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I agree with this, as far as Decker starting. Thomas is perpetually hurt and John Elway threw to Steve Watson and Ed McCaffrey, two of the top White receivers of the past 30 years so it's unlikely he has a strong inclination to force Decker to go through a long "racial apprenticeship." Also, John Fox played Ricky Proehl and had one of the relatively White friendliest teams in Carolina until the last few years of his tenure there.

Memo to fantasy leaguers considering a Broncos wide receiver not named Brandon Lloyd: Enter at your own risk. In fact, don’t. Don’t run the risk of drafting a Denver receiver before the late rounds. Instead, take an 11th-hour flyer on Eric Decker and hope for the best. One given in the aftermath of John Fox’s hiring is that his wideouts will block in the running game. So Decker, 6'3" and 220 pounds, figures to emerge as a starter. After Decker, Eddie Royal, who has yet to match his big-time production as a rookie in Mike Shanahan’s system, could be worth a late-late-round flyer because of his return ability, and 2010 first-rounder Demaryius Thomas could be a sleeper if he can rebound from a torn Achilles.

http://www.athlonsports.com/columns/winning-game-plan/fantasy-football-breaking-down-denver-broncos
 

Don Wassall

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Good luck to the Broncos trying to be a "run first" team with first round bust Knowshon Moreno and the worn-out Willis McGahee as their main backs. If Orton wins the starting QB job it's hard to envision the Denver offense being much different from last year, which is good for Eric Decker.

Eddie Royal is listed as the Broncos' first-team "Z" receiver on their preliminary preseason depth chart. It's notable that Eric Decker is directly behind Royal. Royal specializes as a slot receiver and Decker projects as more of a physical, outside threat [wow, a rare moment of lucidity from Weenieworld!], so this training camp battle may go down to the wire. Decker will probably play in all three-receiver sets regardless. The upside of the position is limited, of course, with new coach John Fox emphasizing a run-first mentality.
 

dwid

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i have a dream.... If Orton starts Tebow will be given the ball more in goal line situations and short yardage, and will wind up impressing and getting a decent amount of yards. I know its a longshot, but the optomism didn't seem to hurt with Hillis. I think Tebow could be a better version of Blount last season. I mean as bad as McDaniels was he did draft Tebow and give him carries as a goal line back. Hes proven he can put the ball in the endzone, don't see why he couldn't get short yardage, cuz Moreno cant. If he does he has the chance to break off a few big runs. Things are changing for the better, the black talent pool is shrinking and the talented ones can't stay healthy, so there is always a shot, even if it is a long one. Tebow sells tickets, they have to use him in some sort of role no matter how much the msm media bashes him. He can run while he polishes his qb skills. Decker is best suited for the outside but might be better off running underneath stuff with Orton throwing the ball, if it was Tebow he could be used on the outside and have much more success, Tebow averaged like 10 yards per attempt completing 50 percent of his passes. I would say mix it up with him in the slot and on the outside. Lloyd doesn't seem like much of a run blocker so I can see Decker being on the field quite a bit no matter what they do with Tebow but I have a feeling Tebow will run the ball, either as a qb scrambling or in some type of wildcat package and maybe as a tailback.

Yes i know my posts have been pollyannaish but I am trying to remain optimistic.
 
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Don Wassall

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Broncos wideout Decker catching attention and producing praise

By Lindsay H. Jones
The Denver Post

 
Sure, it was just a seven-on-seven drill. But in one practice play Monday at Broncos training camp, wide receiver Eric Decker made a believer out of cornerback Champ Bailey.
Decker, in his second NFL season, beat Bailey for a deep touchdown pass from Kyle Orton, drawing oohs and aahs from the fans watching at Dove Valley team headquarters.

Bailey laughed, saying had there been a pass rush, maybe the result would have been different. But he's clearly sold on the leap Decker has made.

Decker played in 14 games as a rookie and made six catches for 106 yards. All of his catches came in the final six games of the season, including his first touchdown in the last game.

"You can tell he's been working," Bailey said. "His confidence is there. He has made a tremendous step in the right direction."

Consider it quite the change from Decker's first training camp last year, when he arrived unsure about playing on his surgically repaired foot while fighting for snaps in a crowded field of wide receivers.

A year later, Decker is the healthiest he has been in a long time, and the Minnesota Gophers product is among the Broncos' top three wideouts, joining Brandon Lloyd and Eddie Royal.

"I joked with him that it is a whole lot easier the second time around, especially when you're not nursing a toe. The combination of those things had to be hard on him," Denver coach John Fox said. "You could see as the season went on he got a lot of production, and now he has just taken off. I'm expecting big things from him."

So is Orton.

Decker flew to Denver in May to join Orton for some passing sessions before the conditioning workouts organized by safety Brian Dawkins and trainer Loren Landow. Orton later flew to Minnesota to join Decker for more workouts.

The quarterback and receiver clearly have developed chemistry and trust strong enough to overcome an afternoon that Decker would surely like to forget.

Decker dropped one pass and caught another outside of the end zone in the team's Aug. 6 scrimmage at Invesco Field at Mile High.

But when the Broncos' starters needed a third-down conversion in their only series of the preseason opener last week at Dallas, there was no question for Orton that Decker was his No. 1 target.

This time, Decker made the catch — good for a 29-yard gain.

"He's still making mistakes, like any young player, but he won't make the same mistake in the next practice and that's really big," Orton said. "I've told him that an outside receiver can make mistakes here and there, but when he's working inside, he needs to be perfect. I need to trust him and know that he's going to be right, because if he makes a mistake, I'm in trouble."

At 6-foot-3 and 218 pounds, Decker is the Broncos' biggest wide receiver (at least until Demaryius Thomas​ recovers from his Achilles tendon injury), yet he said he is "usually pegged as a slot guy" — the wideout who lines up inside the offensive formation and runs routes in the middle of the field. Decker is hoping, though, to prove versatile enough to also line up on the outside.

During camp, he has worked mostly as the "Z" receiver — outside when the team uses just two wide receivers and in the slot when it goes to three.

"I like to be more versatile because it gives me the ability to be on the field more," Decker said. "They are different, though. Outside is more just route running. Inside you got to know the defense, where to sit in the holes and stuff, so that's fun."

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_18688965
 

jaxvid

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"At 6-foot-3 and 218 pounds, Decker is the Broncos' biggest wide receiver (at least until Demaryius Thomas​ recovers from his Achilles tendon injury), yet he said he is "usually pegged as a slot guy"

6'3" and he has to play the "welker". Wonder why? It would be interesting if sports writers (the white ones anyway) talk about this over a few beers or either refuse to acknowledge it and treat it as something that cannot be talked about.
 

JReb1

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Ten super-deep sleepers to watch

Decker suffered a Lisfranc (foot) fracture his senior year at the University of Minnesota, or he might've been as high as a first-round pick in the 2010 draft. As it was, Decker lasted until the third round and was essentially "redshirted" his rookie season. Now healthy, the 6-3, 220-pounder appears to be a natural flanker, a possession receiver who doesn't have great deep speed but can really jump and has superb hands. Decker also aced the Wonderlic a couple of years back, generating an image as a heady player and a coach's favorite.
Brandon Lloyd comes first in Denver's offense, but Decker looks like a strong bet to play in three-receiver sets, with Eddie Royal running out of the slot. Whether new coach John Fox is willing to throw enough to allow more than one Broncos receiver to be a fantasy factor is an open question, but odds are that Decker will finish third or fourth in targets among Denver pass-catchers. If the team is significantly better than many believe, I can see the kid tickling high single digits in touchdowns.

http://sports.espn.go.com/fantasy/football/ffl/story?page=nfldk2k11deepsleepers
 

backrow

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why the hell is he fifth in targets with that kind of ability?


Eric Decker hauled in three catches for 53 yards in Monday night's loss to the Raiders.

Decker's five targets were good for just fifth amongst Broncos' pass catchers, but he still managed to tally the second most yards. He also made Denver's biggest play of the night, returning a Shane Lechler punt 90 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter. The Broncos' passing game looked anything but smooth this evening, but will be facing a thin Bengals' secondary in Week 2. If you've been on the fence about taking a flier on the Broncos' No. 3 receiver in a deeper league, now is the time.
 

The Hock

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On a highlight show replay of Decker's punt return one of the broadcasters may have come up with some new castespeak when he said Decker showed some "crafty speed."
 

Don Wassall

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Hopefully this will be the game where Decker takes over as a starter for good.

Broncos beat writer Lee Rasizer believes "it's going to take some major convincing" for Brandon Lloyd (groin), Knowshon Moreno (hamstring), and Champ Bailey (hamstring) to suit up against the Bengals this week. All three players were held out of practice again on Thursday, and we've yet to see a positive sign on their chances of playing. Eric Decker is set to start opposite Eddie Royal, with Matt Willis as the No. 3 receiver. Willis McGahee would take over at running back, with Lance Ball also being worked in.
 

white lightning

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Erick Decker has pro bowl potential within the next couple of years. They just need to start him on the outside, and have some stability in the qb position. I still would prefer to see Tebow get the starting nod evenutally. The other thing Denver really needs is a running game. Even since Hillis left, they have been horrible. I have to admit that they deserve it as Josh McDaniels was and still is an idiot!
 

itsme

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Kyle Orton calls second-year WR Eric Decker an "ideal" slot receiver.



"He can play outside too," said Orton, "but as a slot receiver he can really be an impact receiver with his combination of quickness, his size, and his brain." Decker certainly has the talent level to start in the NFL, and he could get that opportunity this week if Brandon Lloyd (groin) sits out against the Bengals.

Orton is another brainwashed moron.:icon_rolleyes:
 

Colonel_Reb

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Kyle Orton calls second-year WR Eric Decker an "ideal" slot receiver.



"He can play outside too," said Orton, "but as a slot receiver he can really be an impact receiver with his combination of quickness, his size, and his brain." Decker certainly has the talent level to start in the NFL, and he could get that opportunity this week if Brandon Lloyd (groin) sits out against the Bengals.

Orton is another brainwashed moron.:icon_rolleyes:

Well, I don't know if I'd go that far, but it is doubtful he's perused CF for a decent length of time, so I don't expect a lot out of him.
 

backrow

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how bout that, for the "slot" receiver...

Eric Decker broke out with five catches for 113 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's win over the Bengals.

With Brandon Lloyd (groin) inactive and Eddie Royal (groin) leaving this game early, Decker became the default No. 1 receiver. He struggled at first, committing a bad penalty and losing a fumble. But he came on strong in the second half, showing special ball skills and athleticism while working both the middle and the sidelines. His signature play was pretty adjustment on a 52-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter that sealed the Broncos' win. With Royal's groin pull looking serious, Decker should be owned in all formats.
 

whiteathlete33

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Decker already has 8 catches on the year. That's two more than he had all of last season. These racial apprenticeships really kill our guys. Hopefully these injuries to the super affletes are what Decker needs to finally get a fair opportunity.
 

Don Wassall

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Looks like the Broncos will be forced to continue to start Eric Decker, a far superior talent, over Eddie Royal. Decker has a chance to put up some nice numbers this season now.

Lindsay Jones of the Denver Post believes Eddie Royal's Week 2 groin injury could be "serious." We've seen Jones write this both in her blog and on Twitter. An extended absence could push Eric Decker into the lineup for good opposite Brandon Lloyd. Demaryius Thomas (hand, Achilles') isn't close to returning, and Tim Tebow isn't a long-term option at slot receiver. Look for the Broncos to sign a wideout this week. They opened the year with only four healthy receivers.
 

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Eric Decker Emerges As Broncos’ Star Reciever

The first half of yesterday’s game was stormy for Eric Decker. He was called for an offensive pass interference early in the half, and then he fumbled what would have been a 19-yard reception mid-way through the second quarter.

During halftime, Decker’s storm cleared and a rainbow emerged.

Maybe an outside force granted the Broncos a little help since they were down to just two wide receivers.

“You know, we showed resilience. We had a couple guys go down – a couple key guys – and a couple key guys lost throughout the week, so, just to pull this victory off and really stick together shows a lot about this team and this coaching staff,†Decker said.

Decker’s daytime drama concluded with 5 catches for 113 yards and 2 touchdowns.

The thing that helped the other Broncos’ receivers (Matt Willis) was the effectiveness of the running game. Willis McGahee and Lance Ball kept the chains moving just enough to frustrate the defense and make the play-action a serious threat.

“We didn’t play the run well, so when you don’t play the run well you get a lot more play-action,†Bengals safety Chris Crocker said. “It opened up a lot of seams for them because once we didn’t stop the run, we started being more aggressive. Then we started to give up on most plays.â€

The Bengals got burned on Decker’s 52-yard touchdown reception just like the Raiders got burned on Decker’s punt return for a touchdown last week.

“He’s had two good days as far as games go,†John Fox said. “He’s off to a great start this season. He’s a heck of a competitor.â€

Decker came out of Minnesota in the 3rd round of the 2010 draft. There were guys that were drafted before him that were expected to make more of an immediate impact.

Decker has undoubtedly proved his doubters wrong.
One of his biggest fans is QB Kyle Orton.

“Eric (Decker) is one of those guys that you can tell is just ready to take off and take it to the next level,†Orton said. “He’s a young guy, but just how smart he is – the way he can make plays, the way he bounced back after a tough fumble. He was upset with himself, but I never lost any confidence in him, and he certainly never lost any confidence.â€

Without a doubt, the fans’ confidence is building at a rapid pace. With a healthy group of receivers, this offense could be one of the greatest shows on earth.

http://predominantlyorange.com/2011/09/19/eric-decker-emerges-as-broncos-star-reciever/
 

Quiet Speed

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white lightning

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I agree quiet speed but the situation is still far from ideal. Decker only started due to a rash of injuries. Jordy Nelson continues to sit the majority of the time despite being the fastest receiver on Green Bay with the best hands. We are making a little progress but it is an uphill road. If both Decker and Nelson can become full time starters on the outside, it can go a long ways to helping to fight the stereotypes that white receivers are only good in the slot receiver. Hell even Welker can line up on the inside or outside along with Jordan Shipley and many others. We have some serious talent out there but they need the chance to start and preferably in the number one of two wide receiver positions!
 

Quiet Speed

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I read you loud and clear, White Lightning. Good points.
 

backrow

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some unexpected praise from rotoworld.

Eric Decker will start for the Broncos in Sunday's game against the Titans.

Decker is an excellent bet to "Pipp" Eddie Royal, who is out at least two weeks with a groin strain. Decker is more physical, has better ball skills and can do more after the catch. Kyle Orton showed tremendous trust in the second-year wideout last week, tossing up a couple jump balls his way and targeting him nine times. Decker is well worth a waiver add as the Broncos' likely starting receiver opposite Brandon Lloyd for the rest of the season.

The Denver Post suggests that Eddie Royal (groin) will be held out through the Broncos' Week 6 bye.

If Royal isn't ready at the front end of his 2-4 week timetable, it would make sense to let him rest through the bye. That would put his return date at October 23 and cost him three games. Regardless, Royal's starting job will likely be confiscated by Eric Decker no matter when he returns. Royal belongs on waivers in fantasy.
 

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Broncos WR Eric Decker shines 2 years after foot injury that threatened to end his career

At long last, Eric Decker’s left foot is fine and his mind clear.

He’s taking passes and punts into the end zone with regularity and showing all 31 other teams what they could have had if they had bet on him like the Denver Broncos
did.

Decker scared teams away when he missed the last half of his senior season at the University of Minnesota after tearing the ligament that holds the first two toes together in a game against Ohio State in October 2009.

Called a Lisfranc injury, it requires a long and arduous rehab with no guarantee of success.

Nearly two years later, Decker said the injury no longer bothers him physically or mentally.

“It’s been night and day for me,” Decker said. “It’s so true that last year my foot was always on my mind and making me think a lot and making me be very cautious. This year, I had a great offseason, didn’t have any pain, didn’t have any pain through the preseason. It helps my confidence, lets me go play football again.”

On Sunday, Decker ignited a win over Cincinnati when he overcame an early fumble to become the first wide receiver in team history to score twice and top 100 yards receiving in his first career start.

That followed his 90-yard punt return for a touchdown against Oakland
in the opener.

full article: http://www.washingtonpost.com/sport...d-his-career/2011/09/21/gIQALJXjlK_story.html
 
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