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Demaryius Thomas senses more “zip” from Peyton Manning

Broncos' Manning congratulates Thomas after his touchdown reception against the Chiefs during their NFL football game in Denver

Denver Broncos’ Peyton Manning (L) congratulates Demaryius Thomas (R) after his touchdown reception against the Kansas City Chiefs during their NFL football game in Denver, Colorado December 30, 2012. REUTERS/Mark Leffingwell (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT FOOTBALL)

REUTERS

Good news, Broncos fans. Maybe.

Receiver Demaryius Thomas, who missed all of the offseason program while trying to get a long-term contract, has had a chance to catch passes from quarterback Peyton Manning. And Thomas has noticed something.

“I know you’re not going to believe this but it seems like he has more zip,” Thomas said Thursday, via Mike Klis of 9News.com.

Yes, on the surface that’s good news. With Peyton Manning in a battle against Father Time, an opponent who always will be undefeated, any improvement at age 39 in Peyton’s ability to deliver the footballs quickly and forcefully is a positive.

But here’s why it may be something to worry about. Perhaps Thomas thinks Peyton has more zip now because he had considerably less zip at the end of a season that takes much more out of him than it used to. So maybe Father Time already is winning come November and December (and January), which means that Thomas perceives that Manning has more zip now that he’s had a chance to rest.

Which could mean that, after several months of the grind of another NFL season, that zip could be gone again.