leader Indiana by 1 1/2 games. "Were not really concer | Forum

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. Jeremy Ross Jersey . -- Julius Thomas figures only friends and family drafted him in their fantasy football leagues this season. One catch in two pro seasons didnt exactly make him a tantalizing target. He certainly was a bulls-eye for Peyton Manning in the NFLs kickoff. He caught the first two of the Denver quarterbacks record-tying seven touchdown throws in the Broncos 49-27 rout of the Ravens. His five-catch, 110-yard breakout performance showed fantasy fans and real opponents alike that Thomas can be just as big a part of the Broncos plans this season as their trio of wide receivers. Not that Thomas was ever doubted in Denver, mind you. The Broncos brass stuck with the former college basketball power forward who got hurt in his second game as a rookie in 2011, and Thomas returned the favour with a dogged work ethic even as an afterthought. Finally healthy after spending the bulk of his first two seasons in the pros dealing with a bum right ankle, the 6-foot-5, 255-pound Thomas treated every practice this summer like it was game day. Not only was he a late bloomer -- he only played one year of college football after exhausting his basketball eligibility at Portland State -- but he got hurt on his one and only NFL catch after the Broncos selected him in the fourth round of the 2011 draft, hoping theyd landed the next Antonio Gates. After flashing enormous potential in overpowering safeties and eluding linebackers, Thomas injured his right ankle when Bengals linebacker Manny Lawson tackled him after a 5-yard catch in his second NFL game. His career was stuck in neutral after that. He needed an operation last year and played in just four games while tight ends Joel Dreessen and Jacob Tamme combined for 93 catches, 911 yards and seven touchdown catches in 2012. No matter: playing against the NFLs second-best defence last season while running with the scout team helped Thomas hone his skills, calm his nerves and build his confidence. Thomas took advantage of injuries to Tamme and Dreessen this summer to earn Mannings trust and a prominent role in Adam Gases turbocharged offence. When Broncos Executive Vice-President John Elway remarked recently that he was "truly jealous of the weapons that Peyton gets to throw to," he made sure to mention he was including Thomas in that equation. "He obviously knows a lot more about football than I do and to have his confidence, that means a lot," Thomas said. "This is my third year, but really Im pretty inexperienced and when times get tough, Im sure thats going to be something I have in my back pocket." Thomas had TD catches of 24 and 23 yards before the Broncos roared back from a 17-14 halftime deficit Thursday night with their biggest onslaught in nearly a half-century -- the only time they ever scored more points came in a 50-34 win over San Diego on Oct. 6, 1963. "Someone said it was 718 days since I last caught a pass," Thomas said. "Its tough to stay focused and keep remembering what youre working for, but I made it through and it feels good to have all that behind me." Fantasy players arent the only ones who took notice of Thomas in Week 1. New York Giants defensive co-ordinator Perry Fewell surely did, too. When the Broncos visit the Giants next weekend for the latest Manning Brothers matchup, Fewell will have to devise a plan to slow down not only Wes Welker, Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker, but also Julius Thomas, who in many ways can be the most menacing of them all. Thats because of the matchup problems he creates, the nifty moves he honed on the hardwood and the growing rapport with his quarterback. "Im not sure how they will answer it, or if they will, but it will be interesting to see how teams play Julius all season," Manning said. "He is a big guy, he definitely will make teams have a conversation, and that is what you want. You want guys that make teams have a discussion. How are we going to handle this guy? Hes a big guy." Thomas knows his number can be called one week, somebody elses the next. After standing on the sideline for so long, sharing the spotlight isnt a bother. "We have so many weapons on offence. I wouldnt want to be a defensive co-ordinator trying to figure out what its going to take to slow us down," Thomas said. NOTES: Missing Mondays practice were CB Champ Bailey (foot), KR Trindon Holliday (leg), MLB Wesley Woodyard (ankle) and CB Omar Bolden (shoulder). AShawn Robinson Jersey . Bjorn, who had a 36-hole total of 8-under 134, made a testing six-foot putt to save par on the 16th and a birdie on the 17th before bogeying the final hole after a misjudged approach shot. American Kevin Streelman was in second place after shooting a 69. Barry Sanders Jersey . According to a report from the Vancouver Province, the Lions are expected to replace former DC Rich Stubler with defensive backs coach Mark Washington. http:///...l-bush-black-jersey/ . They reached the 100-point plateau for the fourth time in five games, bested the visiting Trail Blazers by 34 in the paint and scored 19 of the final 25 points in regulation. MIAMI -- LeBron James looked groggy, battled the sniffles as he spoke and wore a large bandage Saturday over the bridge of his swollen, broken nose. None of which stopped James Miami Heat teammates from ribbing him about the injury, which could keep him out of Sundays game against Chicago. "Funny guys on this team, Ill tell you," James said, managing a chuckle. "We got a couple of big-nose jokes in there," teammate Chris Bosh said. James sat out practice Saturday, although he shot some baskets and free throws on the side. He said he wouldnt have played if there had been a game, but added he has felt better each day since breaking his nose during Thursdays victory at Oklahoma City. He hopes to improve enough to play against the Bulls, and his availability will be a game-time decision. When asked how his nose felt, James said, "It has been better. Its a little bit of everything -- pain, headaches, whatever. I have to get past it and hopefully get better in the next day. Im definitely not going to rush it." James was to be fitted for a protective mask and will likely wear it if he plays against the Bulls. "Its nothing you want to make long-term," James said. "Its very uncomfortable." James knows from experience. He wore a mask for a few weeks 10 years ago, after he broke his cheekbone hours before his 20th birthday in a game for Cleveland against Houston. James said he doesnt recall missing significant playing time then. "That was a 19-year-old recovering, compared with a 29-year-old recovering," he said with a laugh. "It takes a little bit longer than when I was 19. Travis Lewis Lions Jersey. " James was hurt in the fourth quarter of Thursdays game when he was struck inadvertently by defender Serge Ibaka on a drive to the basket. He missed the final six minutes, but even with his nose still bleeding afterward, he took teasing for how he looked. Coach Erik Spoelstra said a doctor fixed James nose Friday to "make it look prettier." "You cant be sensitive in this locker room," Bosh said. "Hes still a good-looking guy. Hes still married. I dont think his wife is going anywhere." James sat out one game earlier this season with a groin injury, and the Heat won at Portland despite the absence of their leading scorer. "We want to continue with the theme of no excuses, even without him," Spoelstra said. "Guys are willing, ready and able to step up. We have guys who are clawing to get some playing time." Any absence is unusual for James, who has never missed more than seven games in a season during his 11-year career. "Hes Iron Man," Bosh said. "But sometimes when you have a broken nose, you have to rest a little bit. Hell have to rub some dirt on it and come back healthy." After facing Chicago, the Heat are off until Thursday, when they play host to the New York Knicks. Sundays home game will the first in 20 days for the Heat, who went 5-1 on a trip that spanned the All-Star break. Miami trails Eastern Conference leader Indiana by 1 1/2 games. "Were not really concerned about that," Dwyane Wade said. "This team just wants to continue to play well. 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