Let’s get right to it. Our focus right now is on Houston. Obviously we want to learn from our mistakes, and the first step is to eliminate turnovers. If you do that, you move the ball, move the chains, you get into a rhythm and it becomes a lot easier. That’s our main focus, just trying to get into that rhythm. Making plays when they’re there, and obviously eliminate the mistakes.
As far as those mistakes against Atlanta, it’s all correctable, which is a good thing. I thought from film obviously turnovers and decision-making, physical stuff as far as route technique, just technique work across the board. It’s all correctable. You can get better at that. Physically we matched up well. I thought we came back and played well in the second half, we’ve just got to build off that.
I think after a loss you always kind of step back and evaluate your own play, what you can do better. It does make you focus more. I think really our mentality is we’ve got to win, string together some games. That’s what good teams do.
For me, the long pass from Peyton late in the game that I couldn’t bring in, that one is on my mind. I wish I could have that one back. I should’ve made a play on it. Unfortunately I didn’t. But next time I get the opportunity, I’ll make the play.
But like I said, we’re on to Houston. Right off the bat, you know they’ve got a very tough defense. Very sound across the board. We’ve got to play physical, we’ve got to use our technique and we’ve just got to execute every play that’s called. Again, move the chains, eliminate turnovers and stay ahead of, obviously, the chains — no third-and-longs and second-and-longs.
Of course we’re expecting the fans to be out in full force on Sunday. With a big game, second game at home, I know the excitement level’s still there. We’ve just got to feed off that and give them something to cheer about. Hopefully we can use you guys as a 12th man on defense with the crowd noise.
One other thing to note, I’m definitely excited about Rod Smith getting into the Ring of Fame. I know he gets inducted at halftime. Just his story of being an undrafted guy who now has the record of most receptions, it’s a pretty neat deal. It just shows hard work, dedication — really his ability to do that through his career speaks a lot about his character and the work ethic he has.
He’s been around the facility for practices and has been on the sideline at games. It’s always great to see alumni come back. He’s a guy that will always pop his head in and give advice, have some jokes with us — he’s a pretty laid-back guy. Those type of people are always great to be around.
Now let’s get to some of your questions.
I saw Laura asked when I started playing football. I think baseball was always my first love, then when I got into high school I started to get a little taller, a little bigger, and I think football just grew on me. It was more of a team sport. Then it became my passion. I got a scholarship in college and that’s when I really started to focus on it.
Caramelloo asked which division rival I like playing against the most. Really I think all three are equal. A division game is so important, whether it’s home or away. You have to play your best because you want to get that win. That’s really what ultimately gets you to the playoffs or not.
Strandoftds82 wanted to know about my favorite fishing holes back home in Minnesota. To answer that, I used to do a lot of fishing — but I can’t give away my hot spot. We had a cabin up north the whole time I was growing up. But now it’s hard for me to get back home, so I don’t do much now.
Big game on Sunday. I’ll catch up with you all next week.
Tags: Atlanta Falcons, Eric Decker, Houston Texans, Rod Smith, Week 2, Week 3
Eric, interesting your first love was baseball. I’ve seen your college highlights, including throwing the ball, looks like you have a strong arm. When are we going to see some razzle dazzle from the offense and have you throwing the ball?
Cool to hear from you Eric! Bring us a W this sunday. This 12th man will be watching from home in Colorado Springs! Rock On!!
He has done that once before. Not the best throw though…no offense Eric. You are a great WR. Forget the one you dropped and keep looking forward.
While the turnovers obviously cost us the game, I was very, very encouraged by the entire teams, never say die attitude. Lastv year when we got way behind the Raiders early, we just phoned in the rest of the game. What a difference a year makes!!!
ALL HAIL THE NECK!!!
DON’T WRECK THE NECK!!!!!
Amen to that RH709. On that particular play it looked as though both WR and Defender got their feet tangled a bit if I remember correctly.
I left some interesting insight into the mind of the the texans on the last blog if anyone is interested.
Can I just say how proud I am of both the Texans and the Broncos? They have done toning but say absolutely nice things to each other all week. Which makes me think they’re taking this super seriously, which you always hope they do.
Eric, I saw that sliding catch on Monday. I know you didn’t get the one you wanted, but that one was nice. Just wondering who your favorite football team growing up was?
Ok, this is hilarious, via Denver Post:
“Manning showed he’s still got a sense of humor when he zinged reporters during a goal-line passing drill early in practice. Manning warned a group of reporters to “watch out” as he hurled passes into the end zone.
“Even the wobblers hurt when they hit you in the head,” Manning said, pointing to his helmet.”
Hey Deck, thanks for another great blog.
This isnt as much of a question as it is more of a heads up. First of all my family is from Colorado, and I grew up in Colorado Springs So Ive always been a die hard Broncos fan, but I eventually moved out to Sacramento California with my family looking for better job opurtunities and what not when I was still in school. I was able to see my first Broncos game in 96 when I was 9 but unfortunatly it was in oakland so it was a horrible experience. My mom and I went wearing our Elway Jerseys not knowing what we would be in for since we were from Colorado, so we naturually expected that it would be fun, instead what happened was the raiders fans were relentless with throwing beer on us, spitting, and throwing everything else on us that they could find, but fortunatly for us the Broncos lost to the raiders so we were able to walk out of that stadium alive. As you would expect after that experience I grew up despising the raiders and their fans with a passion.
-As for the heads up I am hearing from alot of the Raiders fans out here that the Raiders are on a mission to take out Peyton Manning since he never really gave them the time of day when they were intereseted in him. I dunno if they are just saying it to piss me off, or if there is some inside Intel that they are getting this from but I just could’nt keep it bottled up any longer and wanted to tell you and hopefully you give the team a heads up and tell them to make sure they are on there best game. Its already hard enough living out here being surrounded by raiders fans, but its unbearable to be walking around and having random raiders fans comming up to me when I am wearing somthing with a Broncos Logo on it and they brag to me that their team is working hard to take Manning out for payback.
Go Broncos!!!
FTRaiders!!!
Has Gray posted this weeks link to his predition contest, or is there a link to it somewhere?
Eric I feel so honored that you answered my question:))) I love u so muc. You one of my favorite football players ever:) sucks I don’t live in Denver but I would love to meet you if that is possible:) my other question is: do you like working with peytob manning so far??
yes I was a huge tebow fan to:) still am:)
Will be the 12th man in Dublin! Let’s bring home a win against the top. Get that long catch.
Eric I am learning a whole new football team to me I started last year when T-bow came your way. In a year Ive got most of the offense numbers names and stats for the previous year in my p brain. I have to admit you are awesome wremind me of M Harrison. I hope you and Peyton start connecting in the same way. I cant imagine how you feel when you drop the ball but as a fan I always say its ok get the next one. I want your team to come together and WIN Win Win. How does the team as a whole feel about Peyton? Do you conider him an asset? Does the team like John Elway? I think your an awesome player and I wish you the very best this year!!! One game at a time!!! Go Broncos!!!!
Wondering if the Erick Decker pictured here, is someone I remember from my old High school! (Fort Myers High/Cape Coral High) in South Florida) Any way of asking him? Wendy A. Close Eskew from Kodiak Island, Alaska
Doing great focus on the Texans and whoop their behinds. I am from Texas and do not support or care for either teams. Just keep the good work.
Thank you for the reply E. Deck and look forward to seeing you do your thing this Sunday.
Hey a fellow Alaskan has been spotted on the blog. Lol very cool.
Great article Eric!! I know all about not giving away the secret fishing spots. While I wasnt the biggest fisher but those I was around were and wouldnt give away their hotspots even on their death bed.
Eric who is your favorite DB to face off in practice and in the rest of the league?
Been a Bronco fan all my life so a 1-1 start doesnt even bother me there is alot of football left and Eric is right nothing that cannot be fixed!
As a response to Wendy, No he is not the guy from high school. sorry
hes from minnesota..
But being from Illinois I dont get to watch many Broncos games, so i was upset to see the loss on one of my few chances to watch the game. I think its gonna be a different story this week against the Texans. Hopefully Peyton
hmm.. computer just auto posted that unfinished..
anyways
Hopefully Peyton can see his mistakes in the film room and build from there. Aside from that I think its week 3, the rust is pretty well gone for most guys, so we should have one hell of a ball game on our hands.
Good Luck and GO BRONCOS!
Eric, i’ve been watching football since leather headgear, seen them come and go, last season Tebow was great to watch and you guys went alot further than most expected. However: this season with with you in your reciever position, Manning at the helm, Beadles, MaGahee, Baily, Ball and the rest of the guys, I think we’re in the position to repeat the 3-peat. Love watching you play ball dude. Right up there with McCaffry and Sharpe. You and Manning get in sync, it’ll be super ball and super bowl.
Thanks for the great blog Eric………love that you’re contributing. It’s so great that you’re a part of our blog community.
I have a question for you…….
Do you have any sort of pre-game rituals?
Getting so excited for this game on Sunday. Everyone is talking about just how good the Texans are……….and I get that they’re a tough team, but C’Mon Man! They’ve played who exactly? The Fins and the Jags? Not exactly elite competition………whereas we’ve gone up against the Steelers and Falcons and came out 1-1.
This will be a stiff test for both teams, and one that will show that our Broncos need to be seriously taken as a contender in the AFC……..not just AFC West, but AFC!
There’s a good chance there might only be 2 or 3 undefeated teams left in the entire league after this weekend…….which would be the fewest after week 3 in some time.
I hope the Falcons remain undefeated……which would mean they beat Phylis. And I doubt the Raiders have a chance at home against the Steelers……..and I highly doubt that the Saints will drop 3 in a row, especially being at home.
So it’s looking like a great weekend to climb even with the Chargettes…….as long as we take care of business at home!
Kod, I agree. And Kiszla wrote an article talking about Peyton Grumpy Manning… Which is what I’ve been saying all week. We needed to always win this game in my opinion, beat the Falcons or Houston, and he is mad as a hornet right now that people are still questioning him. Dangerous place to be and as the article says “Houston You Have A Problem!” When we win it will make a huge statement and for at least a week make people back off of our QB who, even at 75%, is better than what we’ve had for a long time… But I don’t think he’s 75%.. His brain makes him smarter than any QB ever! And I loved seeing Eli go out there and shred it up after throwing three INTs last week so I know Peyton will follow suit! GO BRONCOS!
morning cat! If I have to hear the phrase…..”after 4 neck surgeries” again, I might snap myself. The media always brings this up in analysis and in games and it’s driving me mad…….I can only imagine how it is for PM.
He is pissed off and rightly so and still able to make fun of himself because of it… But I don’t care if he throws fifteen million wobbly passes, most likely they’re going to get where they’re supposed to go anyway. I had a bad dream about it last night. He was almost refusing to do interviews by the end of the season in my dream. Let’s hope they stop being stupid and ask more appropriate questions, like, “What kindof weapons does Houston have on defense that’s going to make this game difficult for you” blah blah blah!
Kod you have a good day! I’m off to a field trip!!!
have a great day cat and I’ll catch you over the weekend.
Thanks Eric for checking in with us!!!! we love you!!!!
It was hard to see the media chastise you guys this week, but its ok, hopefully with Peyton experience against Houston, and they horrible loss they had against Jacksonville proves they have weakness in there offense and defense. Good luck buddy!!! Martinez family will be screaming for you!
Jessica Martinez!!
Lets go ED!!! Statement game this week. I have been reading the Texans blog and they are giving us no chance!! At Mile High!?!?!? Really?? Lets smash these boys and send em back home!!! We must protect this house!!!!! You are getting in the endzone this sunday Eric I feel it!!! Good luck and GO BRONCOS!!!!
Hey Scalp………like I said earlier………they beat the fins and the Jags………nothing to really brag about. Games they should’ve won anyways. We’re gonna be the real test and WE ARE THE ONES WHO WILL PASS!
I just made NFL AM history………they used two of my tweets for the Caption This bit on the same pic! AWESOME!!!!
Just for the record, the Panthers looked bad last night and are beatable in their own backyard. The Giants hosed them up good. And as we know we play them in Carolina in the middle of the season. We first got to take care of business Sunday against the Texans. BRONCOS 2012!!!
Thanks for the updates Eric! I was wondering which route is your favorite to run with Peyton, and why?
Watch out Houston, Peyton Manning is mad. Houston, THE EAGLE HAS LANDED!! HaHa!
Outstanding blog Eric, really enjoyed reading it. I was with a good group of fans for Sunday’s game & we all knew y’all would come back in the 2nd half & give the Falcon’s a run for their money. I have no doubts that y’all will find your rhythm this week & keep moving that ball forward. We’re all excited here (Columbus) for the game Sunday & I’m looking forward to seeing you play.
It’s so beautiful in Denver today I wish I lived here!
Ya I hear ya kod, they still are one of the top 3 teams in league and they have talent at pretty much every position. This will be a solid test and I hope we can pull it off!! Thats cool about NFL am what were the tweets? I am going to watch todays show online somewhere haha
DO, this is the best time of the year to live in Colorado, perfect weather to start Autumn.
It’s either hot or rainy in Kansas no in-between not even sure what to do today I might go to Estes Park and check out the Hotel from the Shining
Eric, Watched you when you played for the Gophers. I am now a complete Bronco fan. Keep up the good work and the positive attitude. You and the team will go far.
Eric,
I just bought your jersey this passed week and it came in the mail a couple days ago so that sparked a couple questions:
Do you have any of your own jerseys at home (high school, college or pro?)
And…
What’s it like seeing your name on a pro jersey?
Keep up the good work,
Shiloh from South Dakota
CoachCasey supporting you from Hawaii. Go Broncos.
Eric, I can’t explain it but you’ve been my guy since the day you were drafted even through all that sideline time when all I had was the promise that you’d one day be great. And then you get my favorite receiver’s (EM’s) number.
I say all that because I’d needed to preface my comment with a display of support. I believe in your brains, charater, and talent!
But what’s with the dropped passes. That long one in the last game wasn’t the first or even 2nd VERY catchable, through the hands, miss. Is it a lack of focus? Afraid of the impending Hit? Muscle control? Jeez, please put glue on those gloves!
And reaching out with the ball through a crowd of defenders to get the touch down was pretty risky. That’s bad enough with the normal refs but these 6th stringer refs don’t see and judge possessions correctly. Please don’t do that again. Have faith that we’ll score from short yardage in 4 plays.
Which current NFL WR are you a fan of?
I was just wondering if you like the new nike jersey? Do you like that we went back to the orange? I hear the nike jersey is more comfortable what do you think?
Can you post a picture and the pattern on the palms of your gloves since you have such good hands
Going to Broncos game at Kansas city any tips on what to bring in November
I need 2 touchdowns from you for my fantasy league this week. I am sure you can do it, you are due.
when are you getting married? lol.