Starting today and right on through Sunday, we're going talk a lot about Peyton Manning. We'll talk about his new home in Denver, his history in New England, his rivalry with Tom Brady and how much he has left. We'll crack jokes about his commercials, his pouting face and his assortment of horse-like features. It will be all Peyton all the time until Tony Massarotti's head explodes all over the Sports Hub studio.
And whatever. It will be fun. Admit it, you missed Peyton Manning. I know I did.
But heading into Sunday's game with the Broncos, I'm far more worried about his receivers:
Eric Decker: 6-foot-3, 206 pounds
Demaryius Thomas: 6-3, 229 pounds
Both are big, strong, quick and freakishly athletic. Both fit the description of the kind of receiver that can get out into open space and make a mockery of this Patriots secondary, regardless of whether the ball's thrown by Peyton Manning or Phil Manning.
Last year, the Pats only faced Decker once, and held him to one catch for 22 yards in a Week 14 win. (Decker didn't play in the playoff game at New England thanks to a first round cheap shot by James Harrison.) On the other hand, Thomas had some success. He caught seven balls for 116 yards in Week 14, and then six for 93 in the playoffs.
So far this season, both guys are clicking with their new QB. Decker's averaging six catches a game (and has 15 over the last two weeks) and has yet to post a game under 50 yards receiving. Thomas had an off-week two Sunday's ago against Houston (three catches for 34 yards), but other than that has posted lines of five catches for 110 yards and a touchdown, eight catches for 78 yards and a touchdowns, and five catches for 103 yards.
New England Patriots
Of course, if either guy has a big game on Sunday, all the credit will go to Manning. Decker and Thomas could catch two touchdowns each and all anyone will talk about is how Peyton threw four TDs. But as far as the Pats are concerned, I'd be less worried about who's throwing the ball than I am trying to contain the two monsters trying to catch it.
Rich can be reached at rlevine@comcastsportsnet.com. Follow Rich on Twitter at http:twitter.comrich_levine