Quote:It's a combination of Manning and Thomas most likely.

 

If you have a guy who can read defenses like Manning, who still has good arm strength and experience and accuracy throwing the ball, any guy who starts in that offense catching passes from him is going to be ultra productive.

 

However, a guy like Manning doesn't look Thomas' way if Thomas isn't where he is supposed to be when he is supposed to be there.  Manning doesn't look Thomas' way if he isn't getting separation from coverage.  Manning doesn't look Thomas' way if Thomas were an unreliable receiver.

 

Thomas likely won't be as productive, especially in terms of TDs here as he was in Denver with Manning-but it would be great if he were.  But the things he carries to the table-reliability in running routes, ability to separate from coverage, consistency catching the ball-are independent of Manning and can benefit any QB-including Bortles.