Decker has emerged as Denver's go-to receiver

By Arnie Stapleton

Associated Press

Published: Thursday, Dec. 1 2011 2:57 p.m. MST

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Denver Broncos wide receiver Eric Decker (87) celebrates his touchdown against the San Diego Chargers during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2011, in San Diego.

Lenny Ignelzi, Associated Press

Summary

Eric Decker knew fewer passes were going to come his way with Tim Tebow at quarterback, even after All-Pro wide receiver Brandon Lloyd's trade opened up opportunities for a new top target to emerge in Denver.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Eric Decker knew fewer passes were going to come his way with Tim Tebow at quarterback, even after All-Pro wide receiver Brandon Lloyd's trade opened up opportunities for a new top target to emerge in Denver.

Decker also figured his impact would only increase, and he was right.

The second-year rising star caught 22 passes in the five games Kyle Orton started for Denver and 17 in the six games Tebow has started. He has eight TD catches, four from each quarterback.

He caught two in a win over Cincinnati in his first NFL start and two more in a loss at Green Bay before Orton was demoted, released and picked up by the Kansas City Chiefs.

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