Sunday was a great start to the season. You get some momentum, you beat a great team, it just builds your confidence. There are things that we need to work on, but there’s a lot of stuff that we can build off. I think the excitement level at Sports Authority just shows you what it’s going to be like this season.
In particular, the third quarter against Pittsburgh was crazy. It was the first time I’ve ever seen that, to have the ball for just 36 seconds and then score in the third quarter was a bonus. It just shows the defense was doing the job in the red zone and we were executing offensively and scoring points.
I was on the sideline for DT’s touchdown. I didn’t even hear the play call. All of a sudden I saw a screen pass, an open lane, Zane Beadles got a nice block and then no one’s going to catch DT. That was cool. I was behind it and saw it unfold.
We’ve got another primetime game this week — Monday Night Football. It’s more exciting for friends and family, but it’s fun to show that you’re on the main stage. It’s a test to see if you can play at this level on a stage like this. It is exciting.
I think just the excitement is up because you know it’s Sunday Night Football, it’s Monday Night Football — you grew up as a kid just dreaming of being on that stage. Finally being on it, it’s definitely a lot more exciting, but at the same time we all realize it’s still a football game no matter what time it’s played.
Atlanta’s up next, and they’re another explosive team. We’re going to have to play well in all three phases of the game, special teams, defense and offense. Just make sure we don’t turn the ball over, we stop them, we get explosive plays and we do what we’re supposed to do offensively.
Alright, like I said, I want to make sure I answer some of your questions in the blog whenever I can.
I saw a few that stood out, so let’s get to it. Nick asked how I manage to sleep the night before a game. For me, I guess, the excitement level isn’t there yet. The anticipation isn’t there. It’s always on game day that really my nerves start to kick in. So I just watch a movie the night before, get in my playbook and just relax. That’s the biggest way I’m able to sleep at night.
Cortney asked if I have a pregame or postgame ritual. Pregame, it’s pretty routine. I just go out, get warmed up, run some routes, get off my feet and then get in my playbook. I go over all the calls, all the things we have in and then just lay down for 15 minutes and visualize the game.
TLCat asked about Salt and Pepper. Salt and Pepper, me and DT started that when we were rookies. We worked out together in Arizona, became good friends, and fortunately got drafted to the same place. We were at the Rookie Symposium in California, doing some group activity, talking about a nickname or something, just being goofy, and we came up with Salt and Pepper. We both had injuries early on, but it’s kind of what we want to establish at some point in our career, kind of the Ed McCaffrey-Rod Smith. We want to have some fun with it, so we came up with Salt and Pepper, and now it’s sticking.
That answers another question that Bronco Kat asked — both those guys, Rod Smith and Ed McCaffrey, No. 87, influenced me.
LA12 asked how Peyton has helped me the most, and I’d say it’s my preparation. He’s a guy that’s done it for so long and has been so successful. Just how to mentally prepare myself for a game — going into practice, even. What to look for in coverages, how to watch tape, just how to carry myself as a professional on and off the field. It’s always good to get around guys that have had so much success, to kind of emulate what they do.
Last one, Code Orange asked if I’m going to bring back the Mile High Salute. It’s something I’ve done after touchdowns in the past. As far as this year, I’ve got to get into the end zone first.
I appreciate all the questions — keep them coming. It’s a lot of fun talking with you.
We’re hard at work getting ready for the Falcons, so I’ll check back in next week.
Tags: Eric Decker, Week 2
ITS MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL!! GO BRONCOS 2012!!!!!!
Man great writing Eric!!!!! Thats cool that you and Thomas became good friends and got drafted together!!!!
Question I almost asked last week Ill ask this week. What Broncos corner (Besides Champ) do you like facing off against the most in practice? And what corner is your favorite one to face in the NFL or the one you want to face off against the most?
Man, I’d LOVE you two to be the incarnation of Eddie Mac and MR. Smith. I think yall’ can pull it off! You guys with Stokely, VonDoomerWolfe and staff can be GREAT! Kick Atlantas’ arse!
That was a good read, thanks Eric!
Eric, do you have any favorite fishing holes you like to go back to when you get back to Minnesota during the offseason to relax a bit and get away from it all?
My question for Eric…….
Whether it’s bc of a certain DB, the team’s field, locker room, colors, etc etc…..Which of our divisional rivals do you despise or love playing against the most?
You’re my receiver for FF and I’m sticking with you all year—I have faith in you, Salt ;0)!! Curious–what’s your favorite meal to eat, pre-game? GOOD LUCK against ‘Lanta!
Eric, thanks for answering our questions!!! I feel pretty special that you take the time to do this. I’m looking forward to your first TD on Monday
Thanks again!!!
Eric I love u to death:) how did you become such a good player? Who influenced you into playing football? When did you start playing football?
New blog.
Hi Eric!! Great game last week, hopefully you will get into the end zone sooner then later!! My question is…Coming into your 3rd year as a Bronco, what is the biggest difference between this team and the one you were drafted to 3 years ago…well besides a new coach and an elite QB of course??
Your truly one badass Decker!
ERRRIIIIC!! Awesome blog & awesome game!! I can’t tell you how exciting it is to be this excited for the season!! Do you ever have to pinch yourself when you think about your life & when you step on to that field on game day?!?!?!?
Decker, last season I owned both you and DT on my fantasy team. This year I wasn’t so lucky. I was wondering if since you guys are good friends you play fantasy football together. If so, do you guys have each other on your teams?
Eric, I really like this weekly blog your doing and thank you for taking the time out each week to write it. My question for you is what was your favorite team or player(s) that you enjoyed watching growing up?
Great game last week! I am currently 15 weeks pregnant and unfortunately facing complications that have landed me on bed rest. I am also the biggest broncos fan in Denver. Being on bed rest means that unfortunately, the preseason game I went to against the niners will be my last game until little Ryker gets here safe and sound. My question is this. I actually have a tattoo of the boss man John Elway on the inside of my right bicep and I really want to get it signed by him. Any suggestions on how to get this done without him thinking I’m just a crazy stalker? Good luck Monday! I’ll be cheering loud and proud from bed!!!
I’m curious what you think of the new (Broncos) uniforms. Do you like them better than the old ones, and if you could make any changes, what would they be?
Hey Eric. I have always wondered what its like at an NFL practice so my question is, whats the toughest and whats the funnest thing you do at practice?
you are the greatest and forever will be regardless GO BRONCOS
Can’t wait for Monday night!!!! GO BRONCOS and can’t wait to see you in the End zone this week.
Decker!! I love the combo of you and Thomas, so so nasty! i’ve had you on my fantasy team the past 2 years and you never fail me! keep up the hard work and i’m really excited for you this season with a vet quarterback throwing to you. keep playing your hardest and tearing the field up, LETS GO ORANGE AND BLUE!!!
I live in ohio right now so im super excited to be able to watch 2 games in the frist 2 weeks. Keep up the good work. And you couldnt have picked two better players to have influenced you.
Forever a broncos fan!!
Congrats on the win! 1-0 brother…
Primetime for the 2nd straight week, any difference in your preparation for night games?
Eric! you are getting 2 this weekend brother! It was nice to see Willis pull it off after the 2 pt and I believe Mays did it after a sack! Love it. My question would be what other sports do you enjoy following besides football? Good luck Monday!!
Eric you are AWESOME!! I hope you stay with the Broncos. They have always been my favorite team. Upset when Lynch left. Will you continue with the Broncos if you are offered more elsewhere?
Hi Eric! Thanks for answering my question. Rod Smith and Ed McCaffrey are my two favorite past receivers. Game after game they displayed loyalty, dedication, and commitment to the team. Rod amazed me and Ed was so tall that he could just about grab any ball that was thrown his way. Good luck on Monday might against the Falcons!
Hey Eric. After you caught that ball and reached out for the td and didn’t fumble the ball what was going through your head? It was a great play by u and you got so close to scoring and then they review it. What’s that like? Great play. Love watching you live the dream.
Eric, I was in Denver for that game in 508 so I had a really good look at the game, and I have to say that was one of the most awesome games to watch that I have been to. I got to take my 12 yr old with me for the first time and he enjoyed it as well. Thanx for such a great game. You guys are such a great team and I will be listening on Sirius radio or watching if I’m home. As I’m a truck driver from Montana. My whole family and extended family all root for the Broncos, you guys are the best!! Tell Peyton and John hi from Mt..
Hey Eric,
Currently i’m deployed with the Marines. In the down time i do have i catch up on all the Broncos news. I never miss a Broncos game even last weeks when i woke up at 4 a.m. for the Sunday nighter. I’ll be doing the same this week for Atlanta. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but you and DT wear the same numbers as Reggie Wayne and Marvin Harrison, I was wondering if you thought that was unique at all? Good luck this week man!
How can someone from out of state get your autograph for a transplant patient?
Eric, do you feel that training at altitude is an advantage? Thanks and good luck in Atlanta.
What game sticks out in your career and why?
Deck, as a Northern Ontario Broncos fan (just over the border, only a few hours from Minneapolis), it was awesome that you boys have had a couple of games up my way the last couple of years, preseason included. But I have to ask what it was like, or if you even realized that 64,000+ Vikings fans freaked out and cheered everytime you touched the ball? The roof probably would have collapsed again if you’d reached the endzone last December!
How much B.S. do you think it is that Rahime Moore is getting fined $21,000 for the week 1 hit against the Pittsburg Steelers, when it was obvious that Emmanuel Sanders was the one that lowered his helmet on Moore. To me it looked that Rahime Moore was Squared up perfect to make a legal tackle, and it looked like Rahime even took the worst of the hit. The worst part is that it was the second time sanders did that because he did it to another one of our backs earlier in that game. Should’nt he be the one getting fined instead of Rahime Moore? I understand players getting fined when they act like Suh from the lines and get in fights or make illegal hits, but its starting to get rediculous. It seemed likelast year when Rahime made a legal hit on Steven Johnson on the Bills in preseason and got fined he never really hit the same again, do you thing that will happen again this year? I sure hope not. GRR!
…Go Broncos…
oh and heres where I saw that Article at if anyone else wants to check it out!!!
http://blogs.denverpost.com/broncos/2012/09/14/rahim-moore-fined-21000-hit-pittsburgh-steelers/15670/
Sorry…Ndamukong Suh from the Lions is who I was talking about***
Wow didnt mean to be the last one on the blog,… Did’nt mean to sound like an A-hole, Just needed to Vent… Thank You and Good luck in the Game to the Whole team!!..Oh and if you get the chance, tell Moore if he wants to learn from one of the best Safties of all time on how to be a dominate hitter he needs to take a look at Steve Atwater and some of his old tapes. You seem like you got your priorites straight taken advice from McCaffery and R.Smith.
!=^-Go Broncos-^=!
Appreciate your time chatting with the fans Eric! Go get em Monday Night!
Thank you Eric for doing this for the fans! My only question is who decided who would do these team blogs? Did you and Von volunteer, get you names drawn out of a helmet, maybe a team vote. I mean, honestly, I would have been thilled to hear from any Bronco player, but Eric Decker and Von Miller. This is next to unbelievable. Thank you guys, thank you.