Randall Posted December 1, 2006 Share Posted December 1, 2006 Rocky Mountain News To print this page, select File then Print from your browser URL: http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/nfl/...5181774,00.html Scheffler is hoping to reconnect Broncos counting on tight end to catch up after time off field By Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News December 1, 2006 ENGLEWOOD - The highly touted rookie hasn't played in quite a while for the Broncos. He could be rusty but is looking forward to a legitimate chance to show what he can accomplish on the football field after a big preseason. No, not Jay Cutler. His buddy, Tony Scheffler. The first-year tight end has been declared inactive for three straight games. Scheffler wasn't tearing it up before that, either, with six catches for 67 yards in six other appearances. But the time apparently has come for Scheffler to return to the field and prove he was worth the second- round pick expended on him in April after a standout career with Western Michigan. And, not coincidentally, his re-emergence will coincide with the insertion of his offseason roommate, Cutler, as the team's new starting quarterback. "I just think Tony has had some time to kind of look at it and he's ready to come in and help us play now," tight ends coach Tim Brewster said. "He's going to be asked to do that, and we're depending upon him to perform now. It's time. It's time. He's had his indoctrination process. That's over. It's time to go." During the summer exhibition schedule, Scheffler had nine catches for 133 yards. Both totals were second-best on the team. He had the ball thrown his direction 14 times in three August games, with all but three passes coming from Cutler. The two hooked up for completions of 24, 25 and 30 yards and one touchdown. The Broncos are hoping the confidence each demonstrated in the other will carry over, and a strong showing in practices this week might be a good sign. "I'm not sure if it was living together for a couple months, but we did seem to have a little bit of chemistry in the preseason," Scheffler said. "I don't know. It's one of those unexplained things that sort of happened and you can look at different angles and try to pull something out of it, but we were just playing football." In recent times, neither has been part of the action. Cutler will be taking his first pro snaps Sunday in a regular-season game. Scheffler last played sparingly Nov. 5 at Pittsburgh. "If this is what it takes to get me back on the field, so be it," Scheffler said of the switch at quarterback. Outside of a four-catch performance Oct. 29 against the Indianapolis Colts, Scheffler has been a nonfactor with Jake Plummer behind center, somewhat expected because Plummer went the tight end's way only three times during the preseason, completing one pass for 6 yards. Still, Scheffler's disappearance during the regular season isn't entirely because of Plummer not looking his way. Scheffler had to get a better grasp of the playbook, improve his blocking and become more consistent with his hands before he would be entrusted to have a larger role in the game plan or earn Plummer's trust. "Preseason, we were pretty basic and a lot of stuff involved Tony and he was just getting open," Cutler said during preparations for the Seattle Seahawks. "Hopefully, we'll be able to incorporate him into the offense and get him going again." Cutler might need that kind of safety valve given the pressure he's expected to be under while making his first NFL start. "As a young quarterback, throwing to your tight end, you have to feel comfortable doing that," Cutler said during the summer. But a strong bond isn't the only reason Scheffler figures to make a reappearance. One of the key reasons the Broncos made a quarterback switch was an inability to attack the middle of the field from the pocket. The thought process is Scheffler can help solve that issue. Broncos tight ends as a group have combined for 26 catches for 251 yards. Only three of those receptions have gone for more than 20 yards. Scheffler finished his college career by ranking among the Division I-A leaders in catches per game (5.18) and receiving yards (60.9) and had been expected, with Javon Walker, to help stretch the field vertically for the Broncos. A 27-yard catch is his highlight to date. "Tony's got the ability to get down the field, get in seams and catch the ball," Brewster said. "So, obviously, that's something we're hopeful he'll do for us." rasizerl@RockyMountainNews.com Copyright 2006, Rocky Mountain News. All Rights Reserved. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AtomicCEO Posted December 1, 2006 Share Posted December 1, 2006 <-- Guy who just picked up Stephen Alexander Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bronco Billy Posted December 1, 2006 Share Posted December 1, 2006 You think Lee reads this board to get ideas for his articles? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Azazello1313 Posted December 1, 2006 Share Posted December 1, 2006 (edited) eh...cutler moving up the depth chart doesn't mean scheffler moves up the depth chart too. not how it works, even if they are bestest of buddies. if anything, i would think the superior blocking of alexander and mustard in particular will be more valued with a rookie QB back there. depends on the game plan, of course, but at this point i definitely don't see scheffler being much of a fantasy factor THIS year. sounds like he'll at least be on the active roster, but i'd temper my enthusiasm for now. Edited December 1, 2006 by Azazello1313 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randall Posted December 1, 2006 Author Share Posted December 1, 2006 eh...cutler moving up the depth chart doesn't mean scheffler moves up the depth chart too. not how it works, even if they are bestest of buddies. if anything, i would think the superior blocking of alexander and mustard in particular will be more valued with a rookie QB back there. depends on the game plan, of course, but at this point i definitely don't see scheffler being much of a fantasy factor THIS year. sounds like he'll at least be on the active roster, but i'd temper my enthusiasm for now. I believe he'll be in multi-receiver sets. He won't be the prime TE but I believe he will see action. If he performs he'll earn more playing time. TEBC. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big John Posted December 1, 2006 Share Posted December 1, 2006 <-- Guy who just picked up Stephen Alexander Your son picked him up for you? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AtomicCEO Posted December 1, 2006 Share Posted December 1, 2006 Your son picked him up for you? If you're to believe my wife. I still say it could be anyone's son. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randall Posted December 10, 2006 Author Share Posted December 10, 2006 eh...cutler moving up the depth chart doesn't mean scheffler moves up the depth chart too. not how it works, even if they are bestest of buddies. if anything, i would think the superior blocking of alexander and mustard in particular will be more valued with a rookie QB back there. depends on the game plan, of course, but at this point i definitely don't see scheffler being much of a fantasy factor THIS year. sounds like he'll at least be on the active roster, but i'd temper my enthusiasm for now. Scheffler 2 for 39 2 touchdowns. Sure Alexander is a better blocker but Scheffler has great hands, is fairly fast and has good leaping ability. If you're playing 1 rookie why not both. Shanahan's playing for next year anyway regardless of what he says. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whomper Posted December 10, 2006 Share Posted December 10, 2006 If you're to believe my wife. I still say it could be anyone's son. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mystykoekaki Posted December 10, 2006 Share Posted December 10, 2006 I just picked up schleffer, but now I see Davis just got a TD. Should I stay with Scheffler? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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