When he isn’t practicing, Broncos tight end Tony Scheffler is watching practice. When he isn’t in on a play, he’s watching those who are.
So which receiver has caught Scheffler’s eye?
“Brandon,” said Scheffler. “He makes five or six plays every practice, so he’s definitely our go-to guy.”
He wasn’t talking about Brandon Stokley.
Nice player, Stokley. But he’s no Brandon Marshall. Other than Jay Cutler, Marshall is the Broncos’ most indispensable player on offense.
Unfortunately, he was officially suspended Tuesday for three games.
“We’re going to miss him those first couple of games,” Scheffler said. “We’ve got guys who are going to step up.”
They had better. Since 1978, when the NFL went to a 16-game schedule, and excluding the abbreviated 1982 season, 225 of the 426 teams that won their season openers went to the playoffs. Of those that lost, 99 went to the playoffs.
The Broncos’ opener is Monday night, Sept. 8, at Oakland. Shouldn’t be a problem, right? The Raiders have finished 4-12, 5-11, 4-12, 2-14 and 4-12 since their Super Bowl loss.
Trouble is, the Raiders usually wait a couple of months to quit. They’re 34-13-1 in home openers, and have won seven of their past 10.
Follow Jim Armstrong’s daily sports commentaries on The Jimmy Page midday during the week. And read his columns on Sundays at .
He can be reached at 303-954-1269 or jmarmstrong@denverpost.com.
