Decker’s historic year started against Chargers

Decker has scored six touchdowns this year, dating back to January when he scored in San Diego.(AP Photo/ Barry Gutierrez)

When the Denver Broncos face off against the San Diego Chargers on Sunday, Denver will be looking for their 400th regular season franchise victory and their 55th franchise victory over the Chargers. Second year wide receiver Eric Decker will be looking to build on his historic year.

Decker scored the first touchdown of his career on January 2nd in the Broncos 2010 season finale against the Chargers.   His score was one of his two catches that went for 22 yards.  It wouldn’t be the last time Decker would score in 2011.

Through four games of the 2011 season, Decker has scored five all-purpose touchdowns — the most ever in Broncos history by a non-running back through the first four games of the season.

Catching 20 passes for 270 yards and four receiving touchdowns, Decker has looked like a veteran, running crisp routes and providing a sure-hands option for quarterback Kyle Orton.

During the offseason, Decker got in better wide receiver shape, toning the bulked up upper body he developed while recovering from an ankle injury in 2010.  Now a little leaner and stronger below the waist, Decker has looked phenomenal.

While the lockout was still in place, Decker spent a lot of time with Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald in Minnesota, running routes and working out.  The Broncos surely had no objections to Decker working with one of the best receivers in the league.

Fitzgerald is a eight-time Pro Bowl selection who has had five 1,000 yard, ten or more touchdown seasons over the past seven years.  It appears that some of Fitzgerald’s greatness has rubbed off on Decker, who has quickly become a fan favorite.

I picked up Decker in fantasy football in week two, which was the second best decision I’ve made this season (drafting Cam Newton in the last round as my reserve quarterback was the best move — I now have the option each week to go with either Newton or Michael Vick).  Watch for Decker to continue to put up big numbers throughout the season.  He’s a keeper for the Broncos.