Was Scheffler a Mirage?

[Taco John]

We saw all this great stuff out of Scheffler in the preseason, yet he's been virtually invisible during the regular season. 1 reception for 9 yards. Is this kid the real deal, or was the guy nothing more than a pre-season mirage?

[watermock]

I honestly think Scheff and Cutler got on the same page that isn't there with Jake yet. Jay and Scheff worked alot together and I think eventually he will be fine. It's hard to get great stats when your behind Alexander and Jake locks down on Rod.

[Pendejo]

We saw all this great stuff out of Scheffler in the preseason, yet he's been virtually invisible during the regular season. 1 reception for 9 yards. Is this kid the real deal, or was the guy nothing more than a pre-season mirage?

It's hard to tell with how erratic/inept the offense has been to this point. He did get himself wide open in the endzone last Sunday...but the connection was not made.

[Goobzilla]

Well, Jake did throw behind him down on the goal line. And he was interfered with in the Rams game despite a horrible call. He's getting a few good looks, it just hasn't come together yet.

[Jens1893]

He got his shot on second and goal on Sunday, but ran the wrong route. I mean the guy´s a rookie and I think he´ll pan out ... asking this question after 2 games is a bit early IMO.

[WABronco]

Well, I think I'll wait a bit longer than two games to decide whether or not he's "the real deal" or a "pre-season mirage." I'm sure that's not what you're implying, but still...he's an unpolished rook from a small school, he's still got some developin' to do.

[Taco John]

I guess I do have to remember that fade route he was wide open for...

He had some good preseason games, with some pretty huge plays. A 24 yarder against Detroit where he went 4 for 54 yards, and then 4 for 73 and a touchdown against the Titans. He had a nice 30 yard play in that game. Those were really the only games he's had of any consequence. He was 1 for 6 in the Houston game, receiving Jake's first pass and then was invisible the rest of the game.

We're going to need him to show up against New England.

[Houshmazode]

It's fine with me if we use him as a decoy until Cutler starts.

[BigPlayShay]

He has been a part of the offensive plan for sure, just hasn't connected with him yet. A pass was thrown to him within the first drive of the St. Louis game, meaning it was scripted and they had something for him. Throw was behind him and he didn't adjust to it well. Then in the KC game he was thrown to twice in the red zone.

If/when the offense starts clicking he will be a major part of it.

[-Slap-]

He was a little behind in his development because he spent a lot of time playing baseball. Had he concentrated on football exclusively, he goes in the first round without a doubt.

His physical tools are too good for him not to succeed. I think he'll be a factor this season. Possibly this week. New England has played two opponents that don't feature the tight end, so they're going to have to be ready to adjust. Since the Pats figure to feature Watson, Graham and their young TEs a lot, I think we might counter by trying to get ours more involved in the gameplan early.

[DeusExShanahan]

Once he starts getting more catchable balls thrown his way, Scheff will prosper. Most of the balls thrown to Scheff were uncatchable.

[Jens1893]

I guess I do have to remember that fade route he was wide open for...

He ran the wrong route. I watched that play at least 10 times yesterday and he ran inside and tried to adjust to the ball whereas Jake threw the ball outside. Jake may suck, but he´s not to be blamed for everything.

[wabbit]

Scheffler makes all kinds of plays in practice. I know the DBs respect his ability.

It may just be the NFL game-speed adjustment that most rookies find pretty intimidating.

He has limitless potential, so the feeling is he'll develop very quickly.

[Vegas_Bronco]

Agreed, at this point our whole offense has been a mirage I can't wait to see what they do this week against a decent Pats team - should define the team even more. I can guarantee some heads will be rolling if they don't get some offense going this weekend. I really feel like the running game is going to be the emphasis this week - making trucking lanes in the Patsies defense isn't going to be easy but somewhere, somehow Shanny will muster the troops and I think it should be a good game on the ground. As for Scheffler, the dude HAS TO catch and hold on to the ball. Jake goes to his security blanket on every play and has yet to establish anything with Scheff - the guy had a few drops in week 1.

[Hulamau]

I honestly think Scheff and Cutler got on the same page that isn't there with Jake yet. Jay and Scheff worked alot together and I think eventually he will be fine. It's hard to get great stats when your behind Alexander and Jake locks down on Rod.

Precisely, and all three throws Jake threw to him were uncatchable, well maybe he could have snagged the dirt ball Jake threw, but the lazy floater thown behind him at the goal line that nearly got Scheffler killed, and the 90 degree overhead fade that had Scheff twisted into a pretzel just trying to put a finger on the ball where classic Jake all the way.

Hopefully, PLummer now realizes his very football life DEPENDS on him getting extremely familiar VERY quickly with Kircus, Marshall and Scheff in addition to Walker of course. He doesn't need to practice a single pass to Rod from now on. ONLY drill with the new guys until its second nature, then Jake and the team will have a real shot to climb out of the doldrums.

[Kaylore]

Scheffler isn't a mirage. He had Jay Cutler throwing to him in a simplified offense. Tony is swimming in this system just like all the other newbs. I think that is a large part of why the offense was scaled back. As Scheffler gets more comfortable in the system he'll get more looks.

[SouthStndJunkie]

He and Cut came in together and have been on the same page since day one. Just like Jake and Rod are on the same page. Now Jake and Scheffler have to try and find the same rapport. Problem is a lot of the balls Scheffler was catching were from throws that about 5% of the QBs in the league are capable of making. Cutler can throw every route on the passing tree with equal precision and I think that was evident in the various ways Cutler got Scheffler the ball.

Does that mean Cutler should play now? No.....this is a veteran team and Shanahan is treading lightly and knows that Jake deserves his shot. But before you shoot my above paragraph down, sit back and realize it is the truth: Cutler can put the ball into places that Jake, as well as most QBs in the league cannot. He threaded the needle to Scheffler on a lot of those.

[watermock]

I wish Scheff were the only player struggling on offense. Again, I don't think Jake has developed enough chemistry. I'm getting pretty nervous about this team with San Diego looking so strong so far. There is serious talent on that team. Hell, their backup RB is the 8th leading rusher. Merriman is a beast, Gates might be the best TE in the NFL now, Tomlinson is still great, Rivers shows moxy and confidence.

[SoCalBronco]

Tony is a very special weapon that is developing. As Khan pointed out, he is probably going through some growing pains in the beginning because each week there is alot of brand new stuff being put in tailored specifically for the opponent so he's trying to adjust a little, but I definitely expect him to become a very reliable target game in and game out as the season goes on. He gets excellent seperation and has damn good hands. He's been a little unlucky. The ball hit him in the helmet on that early corner route in St. Louis and he got open in the endzone this week but Jake threw it out of bounds.

He will be a force this year.

[Popps]

We've only thrown to him a few times, and a couple of those passes were pretty bad. He caught one, and one other I thought he should have had.

Not sure why we're not calling his number more. Maybe we're just breaking him in slowly.

I truly believe this kid is capable of just dominating. He looked absolutely impossible to cover in the pre-season, and seems to have a good nasty-streak, which a big oaf tight end like that should have. He's shown good hands for the most part, too.

[BroncoBuff]

We saw all this great stuff out of Scheffler in the preseason, yet he's been virtually invisible during the regular season. 1 reception for 9 yards. Is this kid the real deal, or was the guy nothing more than a pre-season mirage?

wtf? Are you sniffing glue?

[CoBear23]

I don't think we've seen him beraly enough to make judgement, certainly I've been disappointed in the lack of production I think that once the rest of the offense starts clicking we'll see some numbers.

What I've noticed after watching the pass that Steve Young said was the worst throw of the week (Plummer to Scheff) was that while Jake's throw while certainly not pretty should have been caught. Scheff turned back saw the ball coming over his left shoulder turned right then stumbled over him self while tipping the ball away from himself. We need that touchdown and while Jake duffed the third down and no doubt could have placed a better ball to Scheffler players need to make plays in that situation. Scheff will make those plays in the future something tells me that he'll get another shot or two.

[BroncoBuff]

I can't believe you guys took TJ and this thread seriously ...

Mirage?! After 8 quarters of crappy offense, you want to call a rookie TE - who's not even starting - a mirage?!

Actually ... I'm much more worried about Brandon Marshall ... he has yet to catch a ball in any game, not even pre-season! The Marshall pick might've been just a flyer, you think? He did play safety one year ... oh well. I wonder who else was available at that pick in the fourth round, because it doesn't look like we'll be getting much out of the guy. No WONDER we picked up Quincy Morgan ... and I can't wait for Domenik Hixon to heal - maybe he can do somthing to make up for the Marshall pick.

[Garcia Bronco]

I think Plummer looks for Rod Smith....when Rod isn't there....he panicx

[BroncoMatt]

I can't believe you guys took TJ and this thread seriously ...

Mirage?! After 8 quarters of crappy offense, you want to call a rookie TE - who's not even starting - a mirage?!

Actually ... I'm much more worried about Brandon Marshall ... he has yet to catch a ball in any game, not even pre-season! The Marshall pick might've been just a flyer, you think? He did play safety one year ... oh well. I wonder who else was available at that pick in the fourth round, because it doesn't look like we'll be getting much out of the guy. No WONDER we picked up Quincy Morgan ... and I can't wait for Domenik Hixon to heal - maybe he can do somthing to make up for the Marshall pick.


If Scheff is a mirage than Marshall is an urban legend

[OrangeShadow]

if jake wasnt locked on rod every play scheff might have even more looks

[Dedhed]

Judging any new receiver in Denver is fruitless because Jake never looks at them. It's similar to the "if a tree falls in the woods and no on e is there to hear it" discussion. If a receiver gets open and the QB never looks at him, did he really get open.

In pre-season I don't know if Scheffler caught more than one pass from Jake "Where's Rod" Plummer. Part of it is Scheffler adjusting to real NFL football, but I think more of it has to do with Jake's inability to go anywhere with the ball other than Rod.

[Orange_Beard]

Our QB has a 36.8 passer rating. Hard to rip any WR or TE at this point.

[DarkHorse]

We saw all this great stuff out of Scheffler in the preseason, yet he's been virtually invisible during the regular season. 1 reception for 9 yards. Is this kid the real deal, or was the guy nothing more than a pre-season mirage?



He's only a mirage to Plummer - seemed to do very well with the kid throwing him the ball

[BroncoInferno]

We saw all this great stuff out of Scheffler in the preseason, yet he's been virtually invisible during the regular season. 1 reception for 9 yards. Is this kid the real deal, or was the guy nothing more than a pre-season mirage?

Two games is hardly enough time to start throwing those questions around. Rookie receivers don't generally come out of the gate kicking ass and taking names. He'll come around, we just need to show a little patience.

[gunns]

Whew! Saw TJ's initial post and about died that someone might be capping on my boy after only two games. He's a rook and is adjusting to the speed of the NFL. He also has had balls thrown at him that few could catch. He'll be a stud on this team in the future. Let's give him more time than just two games.

[BroncoInferno]

I can't believe you guys took TJ and this thread seriously ...

Mirage?! After 8 quarters of crappy offense, you want to call a rookie TE - who's not even starting - a mirage?!

Actually ... I'm much more worried about Brandon Marshall ... he has yet to catch a ball in any game, not even pre-season! The Marshall pick might've been just a flyer, you think? He did play safety one year ... oh well. I wonder who else was available at that pick in the fourth round, because it doesn't look like we'll be getting much out of the guy. No WONDER we picked up Quincy Morgan ... and I can't wait for Domenik Hixon to heal - maybe he can do somthing to make up for the Marshall pick.

Buff, by all accounts he was tremendously impressive until he hurt his knee in the first preseason game, and may have won the #3 WR job had that injury not occured. That cost him reps that are very valuable for a rookie. Plus, once he returned after a few weeks of relative inactivity, he needed to get back into game shape. It's way to early to call him a wasted pick. The missed camp/preseason reps have no doubt set him back, but I think we'll start see him make a major contribution by midseason.

[Rohirrim]

I think Plummer looks for Rod Smith....when Rod isn't there....he panicx

That's one of the benefits of the Mane; You notice something watching the games but you don't want to say it out loud because you couldn't be right about that, right? But then somebody else notices it too. I don't think Jake knew Javon was on the team until Rod went out.

[BroncoInferno]

Our QB has a 36.8 passer rating. Hard to rip any WR or TE at this point.

Yeah, I'm sure the receivers are just skipping scot free through the secondaries and Jake just can't get it to them...even with the offensive line giving him 30 seconds to find someone. You're right, everyone else is playing SO well right now on offense...I don't see how anyone could find fault in another offensive player at this point. We'd have ten offensive All-Pros if Plummer weren't holding everyone back.

[Mediator12]

He ran the wrong route. I watched that play at least 10 times yesterday and he ran inside and tried to adjust to the ball whereas Jake threw the ball outside. Jake may suck, but he´s not to be blamed for everything.

That is wrong jens. The play was a fade and plummer threw it to the outside of the end zone instead of the pylon.

[Mediator12]

The players have been open about as much as any other team in the NFL. The problem is that teams are FORCING Plummer away from Rod Smith and making him look to the actual open WR's.

Scheffler and Alexander have been open quite a lot for modest gains on first and second down, but Plummer keeps looking for deep routes that are designed to push the coverage out of the middle where the TE's are supposed to be.

Jake did the exact same thing to Putzier last year. And when he finally started throwing his way, he threw the ball too late in the route's and got Jeb top billing on "Jacked up".

Again, my main frustration with Plummer is the opportunity cost of having him be a poor presnap reading QB. There are plays to be made, and he is not making them.

[Rohirrim]

The players have been open about as much as any other team in the NFL. The problem is that teams are FORCING Plummer away from Rod Smith and making him look to the actual open WR's.

Scheffler and Alexander have been open quite a lot for modest gains on first and second down, but Plummer keeps looking for deep routes that are designed to push the coverage out of the middle where the TE's are supposed to be.

Jake did the exact same thing to Putzier last year. And when he finally started throwing his way, he threw the ball too late in the route's and got Jeb top billing on "Jacked up".

Again, my main frustration with Plummer is the opportunity cost of having him be a poor presnap reading QB. There are plays to be made, and he is not making them.

If only we had a QB with a rocket arm who could burn it into tight coverage...:welcome:

[Traveler]

Actually ... I'm much more worried about Brandon Marshall ... he has yet to catch a ball in any game, not even pre-season! The Marshall pick might've been just a flyer, you think? He did play safety one year ... oh well. I wonder who else was available at that pick in the fourth round, because it doesn't look like we'll be getting much out of the guy. No WONDER we picked up Quincy Morgan ... and I can't wait for Domenik Hixon to heal - maybe he can do somthing to make up for the Marshall pick.



wtf? Are you sniffing glue? I can't believe you guys are taking BroncoBuff seriously ...Yikes! J/K

Seriously folks, please be patient and lets revisit this topic at the midpoint of the season.

[BigPlayShay]

That's one of the benefits of the Mane; You notice something watching the games but you don't want to say it out loud because you couldn't be right about that, right? But then somebody else notices it too. I don't think Jake knew Javon was on the team until Rod went out.

I think you are wrong. Javon was thrown to 8 times against the Rams, Rod was thrown to 5. Javon was the go to guy against KC.

[sirhcyennek81]

Oh, Lord. Lets smack the rookies around, thats a way to be behind the team. I bet sheffler has a productive day vs. New England, we will have to wait and see, however, being that its thursday, and not sunday.


:Broncos:

[bendog]

yeah, I think TJ's pulling chains ... and with that I cannot resist:

the only place rookie talent is a good thing is in porn.

[Jesterhole]

When Jay was in the game, he probably zoned in on Scheff more than he should have. And since he can instantly teleport the ball to any 1 inch square on the football field, Scheff got the ball a lot.

The kid probably isn't as used to going after wounded duck non-spiral floaters after the preseason. He'll be fine next year...if not sooner.

[defenseman]

Oh, Lord. Lets smack the rookies around, thats a way to be behind the team. I bet sheffler has a productive day vs. New England, we will have to wait and see, however, being that its thursday, and not sunday.


:Broncos:

I smell some dink/dunk/slants on our part , from the shotgun. Requisite draw/counter from under center and shotgun. They gotta take advantage of the D trying to bottle up Plummer. At least one reverse, and IF the coordinator does his job, Plummer will get outside on some bootlegs/ rollouts I'd say two or three times. Second, Walker will be thrown to deep at least 2 or 3 times to keep them honest, IF Plummer is on his game, the Pats D does support some getting "healthy" medicine for the bronco Offense. The offensive line? They have to come to play. However, if they do, the gameplanning for this offensively stands a good chance of being very successful IF executed properly. I agree , Scheffler needs to be used against NE, he can make some plays out there and could end up being a key...dman

*On the same token, it's put up or shut up time. The "O" needs to fill the hole they've dug or not say a damn word.

[manchambo]

Once he starts getting more catchable balls thrown his way, Scheff will prosper. Most of the balls thrown to Scheff were uncatchable.

I absolutely agree with that. Lost in the glare of his many interceptions so far is that, when he is not throwing interceptions, Plummer has been terribly inaccurate. Query whether Rod Smith would have gotten a concussion if Plummer hadn't hung him up on that pass.

I will reserve judgment on every Broncos receiver until they get decent balls thrown to them, either by Plummer if and when he pulls out of his funk, or Cutler, if Plummer never does pull his head out.

[GonzoLays]

We saw all this great stuff out of Scheffler in the preseason, yet he's been virtually invisible during the regular season. 1 reception for 9 yards. Is this kid the real deal, or was the guy nothing more than a pre-season mirage?

I guess the whole offense was preseason mirage then. We saw a lot of great stuff from the offense during the exhibitions yet they have been virtually invisible during the regular season.

[Orange_Beard]

Yeah, I'm sure the receivers are just skipping scot free through the secondaries and Jake just can't get it to them...even with the offensive line giving him 30 seconds to find someone. You're right, everyone else is playing SO well right now on offense...I don't see how anyone could find fault in another offensive player at this point. We'd have ten offensive All-Pros if Plummer weren't holding everyone back.

You can make excuses all you want for Jake. He has made so many bad throws, watch the films.
He had Scheffler wide open in the end zone last week and we all saw the throw, not even close.

[Steve Sewell]

Query whether Rod Smith would have gotten a concussion if Plummer hadn't hung him up on that pass.


Its statements like this that make me question whether some people even watched the football game. Rod's concussion game on a quick read slant that he caught and advanced about 7-10 yards before a defender made significant contact with him that resulted in a concussion. Jake has sucked, but by no means did he "hang Rod out to dry" on that particular play.

[Master___Pain]

That is wrong jens. The play was a fade and plummer threw it to the outside of the end zone instead of the pylon.

Sorry med, the rook ran the wrong route. This play happened directly in front of me in the south stands. Granted Jake may have thrown a bad ball but Scheffler looked inside first and then realized the pass was to the outside. I knew people were going to bang on Plummer for this one. I was watching Scheffler the entire time this play was developing. I turned and looked the wrong way then tried to recover.

[Mountain Bronco]

Simply asking this question after two games shows how unrealistic and reactionary some of you are. Chill out people, you give Bronco fans a bad name.

[Steve Sewell]

Simply asking this question after two games shows how unrealistic and reactionary some of you are. Chill out people, you give Bronco fans a bad name.

This is a baiting question, that much is patently obvious. Don't take this too seriously. I'm surprised the original poster didn't create a 2nd handle to post this and have some fun with it.

[GonzoLays]

We saw all this great stuff out of Scheffler in the preseason, yet he's been virtually invisible during the regular season. 1 reception for 9 yards. Is this kid the real deal, or was the guy nothing more than a pre-season mirage?


When the owner starts spamming his own board, you knew it was only a matter of time before everybody caught on and started to do the same. You can only blame yourself.

[Mediator12]

Sorry med, the rook ran the wrong route. This play happened directly in front of me in the south stands. Granted Jake may have thrown a bad ball but Scheffler looked inside first and then realized the pass was to the outside. I knew people were going to bang on Plummer for this one. I was watching Scheffler the entire time this play was developing. I turned and looked the wrong way then tried to recover.

NO. I am sorry but the route was a fade, not a quick out. If it was a quick out he ALSO should have looked over the outside shoulder. That Scheffler looked over his inside shoulder for the ball is irrelevant. The Ball was not thrown in the zip code it was designated.

[Taco John]

When the owner starts spamming his own board, you knew it was only a matter of time before everybody caught on and started to do the same. You can only blame yourself.


Not sure what you mean by spamming. I am sure that I don't really care what you have to say about it. Your act here isn't to discuss football, it's to get into skirmishes with other posters so you can get your self flagellating self esteem boost out of the exchange.

Regardless of what other rookies are doing, I think the question on Scheffler is legit. Scheffler and Dumerville are the only rookies on the team (aside from Cutler) that I'm expecting anything of right now. We need both of them to perform if we can reasonably expect to win this season.

[Master___Pain]

NO. I am sorry but the route was a fade, not a quick out. If it was a quick out he ALSO should have looked over the outside shoulder. That Scheffler looked over his inside shoulder for the ball is irrelevant. The Ball was not thrown in the zip code it was designated.

Agrre to disagree then. The ball was thrown poorly but even if Jake had thrown at the back pylon, Schef still went inside first and would have never caught the ball. The rook made a mistake on the play. Not absolving Jake by any means, but the rook was culpable as well.

[Bronco_Beerslug]

This is a baiting question, that much is patently obvious. Don't take this too seriously. I'm surprised the original poster didn't create a 2nd handle to post this and have some fun with it.
Yeah, this was in no way a valid observation or question :)

When the owner starts spamming his own board, you knew it was only a matter of time before everybody caught on and started to do the same. You can only blame yourself.
Isn't the Internet great! Your words are forever ingrained in the knothead hall of fame. :~ohyah!:

[Orange_Beard]

No. I was just thinking that is Cutler does get the start, that Scheffler will finish the season as our leading TE. Being a rookie Jay will lock on him a bunch.