Broncos victory pays biggest tribute to Demaryius Thomas

On a day honoring Denver’s former receiver, the Broncos honored him the best way possible – with a win.

On a day of tributes honoring the life and legacy of Demaryius Thomas, Denver’s 38-10 victory over the Detroit Lions gave the Broncos legend something to truly smile about.

It has been an atypical year when it’s come to gameday dedications. First there were the Ring of Fame celebrations, Mike Shanahan day in October, followed by Peyton Manning Day in November. Then, sadly, this last Sunday became Demaryius Thomas memorial day.

The Denver Broncos did a terrific job in honoring their former wide receiver.

At the base of the charging horses fountain that leads up to the main entrance of Mile High, the Broncos erected a thoughtful memorial for fans, players, former players, to pay their respects to the man who passed and the legacy that will live on.

When the game began, the Broncos lined up with only 10-men on the field, leaving the X-receiver position open in honor of Demaryius. The officials threw their flags and blew their whistles to indicate the delay of game penalty they were calling to the whole-stadium chant of “D-T.” It was the meaningful absence that had me tearing up just watching it. It’s such a small gesture that means so much.

Hats off to the Lions organization for declining the delay of game penalty.

There were video tributes, helmet stickers, field markers. and many other meaningful remembrances of both Demaryius the man and the player. Should there have been any doubt in what a tribute this game was to Denver’s former receiver, Justin Simmons, brought focus back to 88 by placing a recently intercepted ball onto the the portion of the field painted with Thomas’ number.

It was Demaryius Day in Denver and it’s a tragedy that he wasn’t there in-person to see it. The Broncos did a masterful job of creating spaces for mourning fans both near and far that afforded the opportunity to feel like everyone who enjoyed watching Thomas play was a part of the celebration. It also helped that part of that tribute was a crushing defeat of Detroit Lions by the Broncos.

Demaryius would have wanted it that way. We’ll miss you DT, but we’ll never forget you.

Denver Broncos honor late WR Demaryius Thomas in blowout win over Detroit Lions
The Broncos paid tribute to late receiver Demaryius Thomas on Sunday by lining up with 10 players in the formation on their first play from scrimmage.

Broncos honor Demaryius Thomas – CNN
The Denver Broncos on Sunday honored its former star wide receiver, Demaryius Thomas, who died suddenly last week at age 33.

Broncos open with 10 players on field against Lions in honor of Demaryius Thomas – CBSSports.com
Detroit declined the penalty

Broncos take delay of game penalty to begin game vs. Lions in honor of Demaryius Thomas
Ahead of Sunday’s kickoff against the Lions, the Denver Broncos paid tribute to a franchise great gone far too soon.

#DETvsDEN: Justin Simmons honors Demaryius Thomas after diving INT
S Justin Simmons dives for an interception and honors Demaryius Thomas by celebrating at the 88 logo on the field.

Broncos Postgame Show: Honoring D.T. with best performance of the season in victory over Lions
With heavy hearts, the Broncos played their best game of the year, beating Detroit 38-10 behind a strong ground game and stingy defense.

Full game highlights: Broncos vs. Lions | Week 14
Watch the full game highlights of the Broncos’ win over the Lions at Empower Field at Mile High in Week 14.

‘As good a person as he was a player’: Peyton Manning reflects on the life and legacy of Demaryius Thomas
“He will be dearly missed,” Manning said. “He was great to my kids, great to my family — which is more important than any touchdown he ever caught for me.”

Cover 4: Broncos honor Demaryius Thomas, earn 38-10 win over Lions to stay in playoff race
These were the players and plays that made a difference in the Broncos’ win over the Detroit Lions.

Broncos’ tributes to Demaryius Thomas, both planned and unplanned, honor life of franchise legend
In the wake of Thomas’ tragic passing on Thursday at the age of 33, the Broncos celebrated the life and legacy of one of the franchise’s all-time greats.

Historic effort from Broncos’ running backs helps pace offensive breakout in win over Lions
“Our two backs are really, really good, and I love them both and glad we have them both,” Head Coach Vic Fangio said.

Packers vs. Bears score: Aaron Rodgers owns Chicago again, Green Bay sweeps season series with big win – CBSSports.com
After a slow start, the Packers did whatever they pleased on offense

2021 NFL playoff picture: Updated postseason standings, wild card contenders, projected opening games – CBSSports.com
A look at every single team still vying for a playoff spot

NFL Week 14 grades: Chiefs get an ‘A’ for destroying Raiders, Jaguars get an ‘F’ as Urban Meyer rumors swirl – CBSSports.com
Here are the Week 14 grades for each team

Chargers’ Justin Herbert becomes first NFL player to accomplish this remarkable passing feat – CBSSports.com
At just 23, Herbert is already well on his way to an all-time career

Chiefs’ victory over Raiders ends in a final score never before seen in NFL history – CBSSports.com
Another Scorigami in the NFL!

Josh Allen in walking boot after Bills’ OT loss to Buccaneers, will undergo tests for foot injury – CBSSports.com
The star quarterback didn’t leave Sunday’s game, however

Buccaneers’ Tom Brady breaks Drew Brees’ NFL record for career completions – CBSSports.com
Brady set the new mark during Sunday’s game against the Bills

NFL Week 14 scores, highlights, updates, schedule: Chargers, Broncos win to keep pace with Chiefs in AFC West – CBSSports.com
All the best highlights from Week 14 are right here

2021 NFL season, Week 14: What we learned from Sunday’s games
Around The NFL breaks down what you need to know from all of Sunday’s Week 14 action.

Buffalo Bills clinging to final AFC wild-card spot after gut-wrenching overtime loss to Bucs
The Bills’ late comeback bid fell short in overtime against the Buccaneers, leaving them clinging to the final AFC wild-card spot. Judy Battista explores Buffalo’s psyche after another gut-wrenching loss.

Urban Meyer takes aim at internal leaks after Jaguars fall to Titans: ‘That’s nonsense, that’s garbage’
Jacksonville was shut out at Tennessee, 20-0 — its third 20-point defeat in four weeks and fifth straight loss overall. Much of the conversation afterward, however, was centered on reports of turbulence between Urban Meyer and the Jaguars.

Patrick Mahomes says Raiders meeting on Chiefs logo pregame provided ‘a little more motivation’
The last thing Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs needed entering a showdown with a division rivalry is more bullentin board material. The Raiders made the mistake of providing them with just that.

Ravens QB Lamar Jackson sprains ankle, exits early in loss to Browns
Lamar Jackson left the playing field early Sunday. The Ravens’ star QB was carted to the locker room soon after taking a hit to the lower body in the second quarter. He suffered an ankle sprain and did not return as Baltimore lost to Cleveland.

Chargers rookie WR Josh Palmer steps up in Keenan Allen’s absence
Rookie wideout Josh Palmer filled in admirably for Keenan Allen in the Chargers’ win on Thursday, as he was Justin Herbert’s top target and caught a TD.

Bills QB Josh Allen on injured foot: No ‘big deal’
Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills dropped a second straight nail-biter on Sunday, but his left foot caused as much concern as his team’s 33-27 overtime loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers says fractured toe ‘feels worse’ after record-setting win vs. Bears
Aaron Rodgers set records with his sixth straight win over the Bears on Sunday but said his fractured toe “feels worse.”

Matt Rhule reiterates QB Cam Newton will remain starter for Carolina Panthers after loss
Despite a disheartening loss filled with costly turnovers, and a benching in the second half, Carolina will stick with Cam Newton as the starting quarterback, Panthers coach Matt Rhule said Sunday.

Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson carted off with sprained ankle in loss to Cleveland Browns
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson was carted to the locker room Sunday with an injury to his right ankle.

FMIA Week 14: George Kittle, 49ers Climb Aboard The NFL Roller Coaster Where ‘Every Game’s A Playoff Game’ – ProFootballTalk
Peter King’s Football Morning In America column begins with George Kittle and the Bengals-49ers overtime game, and includes all NFL Week 14 action.

Zac Taylor: We tried everything to stop George Kittle, he finds a way to make plays – ProFootballTalk