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Lonestar
04-20-2010, 02:08 PM
Scheffler trade sets Broncos' rebuild in high gear for this week's draft
The last of the trio who once appeared to be the team's foundation is sent to Detroit

By Mike Klis
The Denver Post
POSTED: 04/20/2010 01:00:00 AM MDT
UPDATED: 04/20/2010 02:57:11 AM MDT


Tony Scheffler was benched last season when his complaints about his limited use got to coach Josh McDaniels. (John Leyba, Post file photo )
Go back 16 months.

Glance at what the Broncos looked like just over 16 months ago. On Dec. 7, 2008, the Broncos had defeated Kansas City to boost their record to 8-5 and their AFC West lead to three games with three games to go, one victory from clinching a playoff berth.

The team was coached by Mike Shanahan and largely built around three young stars — quarterback Jay Cutler, receiver Brandon Marshall and tight end Tony Scheffler.

Cutler completed 32-of-40 passes against the Chiefs for 286 yards and two scores. His top target was Marshall, who had 11 catches and two touchdowns. Scheffler had five catches for 61 yards.

Could anyone have imagined that a bit more than 16 months later, things would be so different?

The Broncos lost their final three games and missed the playoffs for a third consecutive year. Shanahan was fired. Cutler, Marshall and Scheffler reacted to Shanahan's firing by expressing their desire to be traded. With Monday's trade of Scheffler, all have gotten their way.

"I think something had to be done, but the way it worked out for all of us, I think we're all excited," Scheffler said Monday.

Before a team can rebuild, it must destruct, and the dismantling phase was completed Monday when Scheffler was dealt, along with a seventh-round draft pick, to the Detroit Lions in a three-team deal. The Broncos received a fifth-round draft pick from the Philadelphia Eagles, who also nabbed outside linebacker Ernie Sims from Detroit.

Sims was the No. 9 pick in the 2006 draft class for Detroit. Cutler was the No. 11 pick. He's long gone from Denver. Scheffler was taken in the second round, Marshall in the fourth.

While the Broncos did well to get two second-round draft picks for Marshall, they got little in return for Scheffler, who led all NFL tight ends the past four seasons with a 13.7 yards per catch.

Scheffler became increasingly disenchanted with his limited use in 2009.

His complaints to teammates got back to coach Josh McDaniels, who benched Scheffler from the final game of the season, then dumped him for little more than the proverbial bag of balls.
"It's unfortunate the way it ended," Scheffler said. "But it's a business, and I'm excited about playing for the Lions."

At least the Broncos took the high road when it came to granting the trade wishes of their disgruntled stars. Cutler was dealt to the Chicago Bears, the team he rooted for while growing up in Indiana. Marshall was traded last week to Miami, which is down the road from his hometown in Orlando.

And now Scheffler will go home again. He grew up in Chelsea, Mich., an hour's drive from Detroit.

"Restore the Roar!" Scheffler said when he answered the phone after the trade, referring to the Lions' slogan since Jim Schwartz was hired as head coach to rebuild the 0-16 franchise before the 2009 season. "It's going to be surreal walking into that locker room and putting on those clothes for the first time."

He'll pinch himself soon enough. The Lions are having an organized training activity today, and they've asked Scheffler to attend.

That Scheffler wound up in Detroit is a bit surprising considering the Lions last year used a first-round pick, and $9.4 million in financial guarantees, on tight end Brandon Pettigrew. However, Pettigrew suffered a season-ending torn anterior cruciate ligament on his left knee in Game 11 against Green Bay.

Scheffler adds protection in case Pettigrew takes awhile to rebound, and he will play on the affordable $1.176 million salary he was tendered by the Broncos as a restricted free agent last month.

Expect the Lions' offense to employ plenty of two tight-end sets this season.

The three-team trade went through after Scheffler talked to Schwartz by phone and agreed not to seek a new contract. Scheffler will become an unrestricted free agent after next season if the league reaches a new collective bargaining agreement.

Until then, Scheffler joins a Lions offense led by quarterback Matthew Stafford, the No. 1 pick in the 2009 draft who had a 422-yard, five-touchdown game against Cleveland mixed with several rough outings as a rookie.

"Just hearing Jay (Cutler) talk about him — their personalities are different, but I think they're very similar about how they play on the field," Scheffler said. "I'm looking forward to playing with a young quarterback who has an arm like that."

Mike Klis: 303-954-1055 or mklis@denverpost.com

^^^
04-20-2010, 02:29 PM
Another gem from Klis.

broncofaninfla
04-20-2010, 03:20 PM
Cutler, Marshall and Sheffler each traded to their hometown teams. anybody know where Doom grew up?

TXBRONC
04-20-2010, 03:21 PM
Cutler, Marshall and Sheffler each traded to their hometown teams. anybody know where Doom grew up?

Miami.

nevcraw
04-20-2010, 04:29 PM
Scheffler trade sets Broncos' rebuild in high gear for this week's draft
The last of the trio who once appeared to be the team's foundation is sent to Detroit

By Mike Klis
The Denver Post
POSTED: 04/20/2010 01:00:00 AM MDT
UPDATED: 04/20/2010 02:57:11 AM MDT


Tony Scheffler was benched last season when his complaints about his limited use got to coach Josh McDaniels. (John Leyba, Post file photo )
Go back 16 months.

Glance at what the Broncos looked like just over 16 months ago. On Dec. 7, 2008, the Broncos had defeated Kansas City to boost their record to 8-5 and their AFC West lead to three games with three games to go, one victory from clinching a playoff berth.

The team was coached by Mike Shanahan and largely built around three young stars — quarterback Jay Cutler, receiver Brandon Marshall and tight end Tony Scheffler.

Cutler completed 32-of-40 passes against the Chiefs for 286 yards and two scores. His top target was Marshall, who had 11 catches and two touchdowns. Scheffler had five catches for 61 yards.

Could anyone have imagined that a bit more than 16 months later, things would be so different?

The Broncos lost their final three games and missed the playoffs for a third consecutive year. Shanahan was fired. Cutler, Marshall and Scheffler reacted to Shanahan's firing by expressing their desire to be traded. With Monday's trade of Scheffler, all have gotten their way.

"I think something had to be done, but the way it worked out for all of us, I think we're all excited," Scheffler said Monday.

Before a team can rebuild, it must destruct, and the dismantling phase was completed Monday when Scheffler was dealt, along with a seventh-round draft pick, to the Detroit Lions in a three-team deal. The Broncos received a fifth-round draft pick from the Philadelphia Eagles, who also nabbed outside linebacker Ernie Sims from Detroit.

Sims was the No. 9 pick in the 2006 draft class for Detroit. Cutler was the No. 11 pick. He's long gone from Denver. Scheffler was taken in the second round, Marshall in the fourth.

While the Broncos did well to get two second-round draft picks for Marshall, they got little in return for Scheffler, who led all NFL tight ends the past four seasons with a 13.7 yards per catch.

Scheffler became increasingly disenchanted with his limited use in 2009.

His complaints to teammates got back to coach Josh McDaniels, who benched Scheffler from the final game of the season, then dumped him for little more than the proverbial bag of balls.
"It's unfortunate the way it ended," Scheffler said. "But it's a business, and I'm excited about playing for the Lions."

At least the Broncos took the high road when it came to granting the trade wishes of their disgruntled stars. Cutler was dealt to the Chicago Bears, the team he rooted for while growing up in Indiana. Marshall was traded last week to Miami, which is down the road from his hometown in Orlando.

And now Scheffler will go home again. He grew up in Chelsea, Mich., an hour's drive from Detroit.

"Restore the Roar!" Scheffler said when he answered the phone after the trade, referring to the Lions' slogan since Jim Schwartz was hired as head coach to rebuild the 0-16 franchise before the 2009 season. "It's going to be surreal walking into that locker room and putting on those clothes for the first time."

He'll pinch himself soon enough. The Lions are having an organized training activity today, and they've asked Scheffler to attend.

That Scheffler wound up in Detroit is a bit surprising considering the Lions last year used a first-round pick, and $9.4 million in financial guarantees, on tight end Brandon Pettigrew. However, Pettigrew suffered a season-ending torn anterior cruciate ligament on his left knee in Game 11 against Green Bay.

Scheffler adds protection in case Pettigrew takes awhile to rebound, and he will play on the affordable $1.176 million salary he was tendered by the Broncos as a restricted free agent last month.

Expect the Lions' offense to employ plenty of two tight-end sets this season.

The three-team trade went through after Scheffler talked to Schwartz by phone and agreed not to seek a new contract. Scheffler will become an unrestricted free agent after next season if the league reaches a new collective bargaining agreement.

Until then, Scheffler joins a Lions offense led by quarterback Matthew Stafford, the No. 1 pick in the 2009 draft who had a 422-yard, five-touchdown game against Cleveland mixed with several rough outings as a rookie.

"Just hearing Jay (Cutler) talk about him — their personalities are different, but I think they're very similar about how they play on the field," Scheffler said. "I'm looking forward to playing with a young quarterback who has an arm like that."

Mike Klis: 303-954-1055 or mklis@denverpost.com

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Oh Bosco.. Complaints about limited use is different then saying he wished the season to be over..
Someone who wants to be used more - is not exactly a quitter...

Thanks for posting Jr.

Northman
04-20-2010, 04:33 PM
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Oh Bosco.. Complaints about limited use is different then saying he wished the season to be over..
Someone who wants to be used more - is not exactly a quitter...

Thanks for posting Jr.

It was reported that players overheard him saying that Nev despite his frustrations over limited use.

dogfish
04-20-2010, 05:56 PM
Before a team can rebuild, it must destruct, and the dismantling phase was completed Monday when Scheffler was dealt


it's funny. . . turf posts a thread saying that mcD is dismantling the broncos, and the pom-pom waving freaks come out of the woodwork to crucify him for the audacity of saying such things about our coach-- klis uses the exact same term, and apparently no one bats an eyelash. . .

oh wait, that's because he's entirely right, and you DO have to dismantle a team to some extent before you can rebuild it. . .


coupla reactionary chumps around here owe toad an apology. . .

Ravage!!!
04-20-2010, 06:01 PM
it's funny. . . turf posts a thread saying that mcD is dismantling the broncos, and the pom-pom waving freaks come out of the woodwork to crucify him for the audacity of saying such things about our coach-- klis uses the exact same term, and apparently no one bats an eyelash. . .

oh wait, that's because he's entirely right, and you DO have to dismantle a team to some extent before you can rebuild it. . .


coupla reactionary chumps around here owe toad an apology. . .

I was confused, as well. This suggests we are rebuilding, and I was told that we are NOT rebuilding, we are 'reloading'...... (by removing all the bullets :shocked:)

Ravage!!!
04-20-2010, 06:06 PM
Let me get this straight, so that I'm not confused. People are now trying to say that these players were dealt to their 'hometowns' because McD is a nice guy, or that its just coincidence.

Because.. my understanding is that we traded Cutler to Chicago specifically to get Orton over the other QBs from teams that offered better picks. If trading them to their hometowns is the 'truth' that would make McD pretty foolish and yet another lie. So those saying McD is a 'nice guy' by trading Cutler to Chicago was to let him go to his home town, what is it?

Same with Marshall. Wasn't it reported that Miami is the team that offered up the most picks? Coincidence, or did McD somehow talk Miami into offering up more picks so that Marshall could go to FLorida?

damajackal
04-20-2010, 06:18 PM
The 2008 team was built around Sheffler? What now?

dogfish
04-20-2010, 06:53 PM
Let me get this straight, so that I'm not confused. People are now trying to say that these players were dealt to their 'hometowns' because McD is a nice guy, or that its just coincidence.

Because.. my understanding is that we traded Cutler to Chicago specifically to get Orton over the other QBs from teams that offered better picks. If trading them to their hometowns is the 'truth' that would make McD pretty foolish and yet another lie. So those saying McD is a 'nice guy' by trading Cutler to Chicago was to let him go to his home town, what is it?

Same with Marshall. Wasn't it reported that Miami is the team that offered up the most picks? Coincidence, or did McD somehow talk Miami into offering up more picks so that Marshall could go to FLorida?

yea, that's a bunch of bullshit. . . McD traded those guys to the teams that made the best (only?) offers-- exactly what the coach is supposed to do. . . if he took less to send any of them to a preferred destination, then he's a sap who doesn't even follow his own "put the team above the individual" mantra-- and i don't buy that. . .

come on, we're supposed to believe he sent chef to the freakin' lions as a FAVOR? my ass! naturally the guy is going to say he's happy to be there (at least initially-- even seymour said he was "happy" to go to oakland, after a week of silent despair), and it may be that it does work for him to be back home, but this trade will most likely pretty much finish off his career. . . detroit is one of those places where careers go to die-- sending anyone there is the opposite of a favor, and i'm sure it put a big smile on mcD's face to exile chef there. . .

dogfish
04-20-2010, 07:01 PM
I was confused, as well. This suggests we are rebuilding, and I was told that we are NOT rebuilding, we are 'reloading'...... (by removing all the bullets :shocked:)

let's see. . .

2008 defensive scheme?

gone. . .

2008 defensive coaching staff?

gone. . .

2008 defensive personnel?

mostly gone. . .

2009 defensive coordinator?

gone. . . :lol:

2008 offensive scheme?

gone. . .

zone blocking scheme?

gone. . .

2008 offensive coaching staff?

gone. . .

2008 starting QB, OC, OLG, #1 WR, #2/receiving TE, and entire RB corps?

gone. . .


****'s sake. . . if that's not rebuilding, then there IS no such thing! about the only way he could "rebuild" any more thoroughly is if he changed the team name, colors and uniforms. . .

people get defensive about it because they automatically consider "rebuilding" a dirty word. . . which i find laughable, because most of the people objecting to the term are the same ones who so vehemently support everything mcD is doing-- they're the ones who wanted shanahan's way of doing things purged, but they get pissy when someone points out that it's what mcD is doing. . .

Dean
04-20-2010, 07:12 PM
coupla reactionary chumps around here owe toad an apology. . .

Now, I don't actually have first hand observation of the world wide weather. However, I have it on internet authority that it is not cold enough for hell to have frozen over. Until then it won't happen.;)

nevcraw
04-20-2010, 08:53 PM
It was reported that players overheard him saying that Nev despite his frustrations over limited use.

By Josina Anderson.. There is absolutely no quote or proof he said bubkis except according Anderson according to an unnamed or quoted broncos insider that a player or maybe a coach overheard him and ratted him to McD.
If it so easy to belive this fine piece of Anderson journalism it should also be as easy to believe it full of wholes..

but whatever. Schef is a cancer.. good riddance. F Schef.. Good luck in Motown you pos.

Northman
04-20-2010, 08:58 PM
By Josina Anderson.. There is absolutely no quote or proof he said bubkis except according Anderson according to an unnamed or quoted broncos insider that a player or maybe a coach overheard him and ratted him to McD.
If it so easy to belive this fine piece of Anderson journalism it should also be as easy to believe it full of wholes..

but whatever. Schef is a cancer.. good riddance. F Schef.. Good luck in Motown you pos.

There's no quote of him denying it either Nev. But your last sentence is spot on and now you get it. Atta boy! :beer::D

jhildebrand
04-20-2010, 09:50 PM
I was confused, as well. This suggests we are rebuilding, and I was told that we are NOT rebuilding, we are 'reloading'...... (by removing all the bullets :shocked:)

I recall avery brash and confident McDaniels interview on FM 104.3 the FAN with Scott and Al where McDaniels denigrated the 08 offense and boldly proclaimed how he was going to make them even better. They got worse in every single category.

I recall Brian Dawkins revealing his conversation with McD and the reason for coming here was because the team was built to win now. I recall McDaniels proclaiming this team is built to win now.

Now we are rebuilding one season removed from those comments? :confused:

Which is it? We are built to win now or we are re-building? Someone please let me know.

Lonestar
04-20-2010, 10:21 PM
I recall avery brash and confident McDaniels interview on FM 104.3 the FAN with Scott and Al where McDaniels denigrated the 08 offense and boldly proclaimed how he was going to make them even better. They got worse in every single category.

I recall Brian Dawkins revealing his conversation with McD and the reason for coming here was because the team was built to win now. I recall McDaniels proclaiming this team is built to win now.

Now we are rebuilding one season removed from those comments? :confused:

Which is it? We are built to win now or we are re-building? Someone please let me know.
Do you not get it that before jay whined his way out of town, we very well could have been a winner last year.

But he did not want to play controlled passing game, he apparently wanted to play long ball.

As for the OLINE it was thought to be one of the best in the NFL, fell apart playing real football being unable to pass protect, keeping folks out of the pocket or run block.. Both very basic components in football 101.

Add to that the DL was undersized up front and wore down as the ear rolled over them.

If you did not notice the D was scrapped format eh year before as was the ST area.

Anyone that does not get that 8 of the 11 starters format eh year before were gone does not understand the concept of reloading verses rebuilding.

The D was totally destroyed and rebuilt. With 10 of the 11 starters being new to the team or positions with in the scheme.

I think that Dawkins figured it out fast that is was a rebuild not a tinker here or there.

turftoad
04-20-2010, 11:30 PM
Do you not get it that before jay whined his way out of town, we very well could have been a winner last year.

But he did not want to play controlled passing game, he apparently wanted to play long ball.

As for the OLINE it was thought to be one of the best in the NFL, fell apart playing real football being unable to pass protect, keeping folks out of the pocket or run block.. Both very basic components in football 101.

Add to that the DL was undersized up front and wore down as the ear rolled over them.

If you did not notice the D was scrapped format eh year before as was the ST area.

Anyone that does not get that 8 of the 11 starters format eh year before were gone does not understand the concept of reloading verses rebuilding.

The D was totally destroyed and rebuilt. With 10 of the 11 starters being new to the team or positions with in the scheme.

I think that Dawkins figured it out fast that is was a rebuild not a tinker here or there.

And we ended up with a stellar record. Josh did a phenominal job. :tsk: After a fluk first 6 games they sucked. Did you notice?

Lonestar
04-20-2010, 11:50 PM
And we ended up with a stellar record. Josh did a phenominal job. :tsk: After a fluk first 6 games they sucked. Did you notice?

YEs I was well aware of the games I did get to see.

While I did not get to see all of the games last season the late season melt down was because of the wrong players in the scheme IMHO. WHile Nolan seemed to be doing all the right things you flat assed can't expect a NT at 308 to play stellar ball all year, especially since he had never played the position before.

Now who was a fault for not having eh right players for the scheme. Ultimately it was Josh but having hired one of the best DC in the business you have to rely on his expertise in building the D.

can you dispute that fact or premise, if fact is to strong a word for you.

While he may Know football he was willing to allow Nolan to run the D while he tried to patch the other holes in the team.

As for another reason they faltered down the season. I believe he thought he had a premier OLINE when he came here. He did not make any changes and brought in minimal replacements or draft choice because of that.

I'll bet one of the first things Josh did was ask his OLINE coach Dennison if he could teach old dogs new tricks in from ZBS to PBS. Wanna bet what the answer was?

we all saw what a failure that was hamilton was to light in the shorts to hold a power block or keep the NT out of the Backfield. HE was replaced forth with. Casey also proved to be ineffectual and now has been let go. as had the RB coach and OLINE coach.

Look Josh may not be the long term guy , but I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt through this next season.

Im willing to bet that he will shore up those weak spots on the depth of the DLINE and bring in some studs for the OLINE open spots. If he does not do that then he is going to make it one long season this next year.

dogfish
04-21-2010, 12:38 AM
And we ended up with a stellar record. Josh did a phenominal job. :tsk: After a fluk first 6 games they sucked. Did you notice?

it's part of rebuilding-- and really, 8-8's not a bad record for a rookie head coach in a rebuilding year. . . IF what he's trying to do works-- replacing shanahan's poosy finesse teams with more rugged squads-- it'll be more than worth letting the coach go through some growing pains. . .

if it doesn't work, they'll fire him and somebody else can give it a shot. . . i'd rather have him make it-- works better for us. . . i think the foundation for his future success or failure here is going to be laid over the next four days-- should be interesting. . .

#1dolphinfan
04-21-2010, 01:30 AM
Cutler, Marshall and Sheffler each traded to their hometown teams. anybody know where Doom grew up?

Dumervil is from Miami and i would gladly take him off your hands if you dont want him :D