The Broncos’ offense is highly charged most seasons. The annual production from the tight ends in the passing game is well documented.
Through the first five games of Denver’s defensive-dominated 4-1 start, the offense hasn’t been that way. The production of the tight ends in the passing game is documented as a disappointment.
Although the contribution of the tight end is not the primary cause of the Broncos’ lackluster offensive start – they have 62 points in five games, tied for the second-fewest in the NFL – there has been a lack of production at the position.
“It’s just a piece of it,” said Broncos assistant head coach Mike Heimerdinger, who is in charge of the passing game. “We want to fix it all. We’re working on getting more production from the tight ends, like every area.”
Starting tight end Stephen Alexander, who has been outstanding in blocking protection, has five catches for 56 yards. Rookie Tony Scheffler, expected to be a big part of the passing plans, has two catches for 16 yards. The tight ends are on pace to catch 22 passes after catching 60 last season. In 2004, the group had 66 catches, and in 2003, Shannon Sharpe’s final season, the tight ends combined for 75 catches, with Sharpe accounting for 62.
“It may take just one play, one drive,” Alexander said. “We know what the team has done here historically at tight end, and we’re working to get to that level, not just as tight ends, but as an offense as a whole.”
Tight ends coach Tim Brewster concurs, saying: “Maybe we can be a spark to this offense. We’re all trying. This offense is all together, and everyone knows we all have to do our jobs better. But as a group, we are trying to get things going.”
Heimerdinger said the tight ends have had to stay in and block as part of most of the game plans early this season. Sunday’s game at Cleveland could be more of the same. The Browns’ 3-4 front may call for them to stay in. Cleveland, which has allowed an average of 107 yards passing the past two games, is stronger on pass defense than on run defense.
“We have always been a team that schemes for defenses,” Heimerdinger said. “The tight ends have been staying in a lot in games because of different blitz packages we’ve seen. The tight ends have done a good job. But, of course, we do want to get them involved more in the passing game.”
Heimerdinger and Brewster said Scheffler is a work in progress. Scheffler, a second- round pick from Western Michigan, is expected to provide the down-field threat Jeb Putzier did the past two years. Putzier, who struggled as a blocker, was released by the Broncos and is with Houston.
Scheffler excelled in the preseason, when he averaged 44.3 yards a game. Scheffler said he is frustrated at his slow start once the season began.
“Tony has the all the ability in the world and will make a big impact,” Brewster said. “The regular season is totally different than the preseason. He is working through things mentally, as all rookies do. He has to do a better job of playing, and I have to do a better job of coaching him. Again, this is all a team effort. We’re all working on this to get better, and we all know it will get better in a team effort.”
Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-954-1262 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
