By Tom Pedulla
Eric Decker took more than a tumble in the standings when he left the Denver Broncos, the defending A.F.C. champions, to sign as a free agent with the Jets, who finished 8-8 and missed the playoffs for the third consecutive season.
Decker, a fifth-year wide receiver, went from an explosive offense that led the N.F.L. in points (37.9) and passing yards (340.2) to one that ranked 29th in scoring (18.1) and 31st in passing yards (183.2). He left behind Peyton Manning, perhaps the finest quarterback to ever call signals, to team with Geno Smith, a second-year passer who continues to have much to prove after a rocky rookie season.
“I’ve been telling people I feel like I am a rookie all over again, which is nice,” he said Wednesday after repeatedly displaying sure hands during practice.
Me and my boy @saalimhakim15 getting that work in this week! #JetUp
Decker, 6 feet 3 inches and 214 pounds, spoke of the two years he spent with Manning as “incredible.” He credited Manning with helping him to understand offenses better while improving his approach to practices and games, lessons he hopes to pass on to Smith and other Jets.
Manning threw for 5,477 yards with 55 touchdowns and 10 interceptions last season. Smith passed for 3,046 yards, but the raw nature of his game was reflected in his turnovers. He finished with 12 touchdown passes but was intercepted 21 times, and he lost half of his eight fumbles.
Decker said of Manning: “There are only so many greats who play the game. He’s a first-ballot Hall of Famer. We all know that. My opportunity to play with him was tremendous, and I took so much away from that experience.”
At the same time, he expressed enthusiasm about joining a West Coast offense that is a work in progress under Marty Mornhinweg, a veteran coordinator in his second season with the Jets.
“I see a lot of talent in that quarterback room and I’m excited about growing with them,” he said. “I still have a lot of football to play. I still have a lot of room to improve.”
Decker elevated his game to another level once Manning arrived before the 2012 season. He blossomed into a 1,000-yard receiver in each of their two years together. He closed last season by setting career highs in catches (87) and receiving yards (1,288) to go with 11 touchdowns. He was one of many members of the Broncos to struggle in their lopsided Super Bowl loss to the Seattle Seahawks. He was held to one catch for 6 yards.
“Clearly, he’s going to be a go-to guy,” Jets Coach Rex Ryan said. “You can get him the ball in critical situations. You can get him the ball in the red zone.”
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