Broncos slot receiver Wes Welker knows the record isn’t for everyone, just for a proud, determined fraternity.
Demaryius Thomas, for instance, can’t set the NFL record for most catches by an undrafted player. He was drafted by the Broncos, and a first-round pick at that.
But to be tops among all the undrafted players?
“There’s still a lot of work involved,” Welker said.
His seven catches Sunday against Arizona gave Welker 854 in his career, breaking the former undrafted reception record of 849 that had been held by Rod Smith, who still holds all the Broncos’ significant career receiving records.
“Anytime you can break a record held by Rod Smith — I followed him growing up,” Welker said. “I didn’t know he was undrafted until I came up. He was so good, you wouldn’t have thought.”
Welker, either. He not only set receiving records at pass-happy Texas Tech, Welker broke NCAA punt-return records.
How was he not drafted in 2004?
“Look at me,” Welker said, smiling about his 5-foot-9, 185-pound frame. “I wouldn’t have drafted me either.”
His quarterback begs to differ.
“It’s kind of a ha-ha moment for scouting for not drafting him,” said Peyton Manning. “So whoever was a general manager during (2004), those guys ought to send him an apology letter.”
The Broncos were prepared for the moment. Welker broke Smith’s record in the first half, and at halftime, the Broncos showed a video tribute for Welker that included comments from Manning, receiver Emmanuel Sanders and Smith. Manning isn’t the only Bronco employee who is well-prepared.
“I saw that when I came out for halftime,” Welker said. “It was really nice. I wasn’t expecting that.”
Field of dreams. Bye weeks benefit more than players. The maligned turf at Sports Authority Field at Mile High turned green in the Broncos’ absence. Multiple factors contributed to the poor appearance early in the season, the Broncos said. The team began the preseason at home for the first time since the new stadium was opened. The facility also hosted an exhibition soccer game, a Colorado-Colorado State football contest and three Broncos practices.
PHOTOS: Arizona Cardinals vs. Denver Broncos
Regardless, it didn’t meet the team’s standards. The promise was that it would improve as the season progressed. The turf met expectations Sunday.
No timetable. Arizona coach Bruce Arians couldn’t predict when his quarterback position might stabilize. He was down to rookie Logan Thomas from Virginia Tech when Sunday’s game against the Broncos ended.
As for starter Carson Palmer, who didn’t play because of a nerve problem in his right shoulder, Arians didn’t provide a timetable for his return.
“I have no idea,” Arians said. “He tossed the ball today, and he’ll have another treatment. We’ll just have to see how it goes.”
Drew Stanton, an eight-year pro, started for the Cardinals, but left in the third quarter with a concussion.
Numbers that count. The Broncos did a number on Arizona’s touted defense.
Denver had the edge in first downs 24-9, total net yards 568-215, third-down efficiency 7-for-16 to 3-for-16 and in possession time 35:17 to 24:43.
Footnotes. Marvin Austin changed the name on his jersey. After the death of his father, the back of Austin’s jersey reads: Austin Jr. … Demaryius Thomas wore gold shoes to his news conference. They were sent to him. He believes they brought good luck, so they could become a Sunday wardrobe staple. … Receiver Andre Caldwell walked through the locker room after the game, providing a hint that his left knee injury was not serious.
