Broncos would miss go-to Stokley if he sits Monday against Patriots
By Jeff Legwold, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published October 14, 2008 at 6:37 p.m.
Photo by Barry Gutierrez / The Rocky
Receiver Brandon Stokley "just makes catches," teammate Champ Bailey said. "It sounds simple, but it isn't. . . . He makes those tough catches with people all over him."
Excluding leading receiver Brandon Marshall, who is the Broncos’ most valuable pass catcher?
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Brandon Marshall is a highlight reel in waiting, his catch-and-runs replayed coast to coast almost as many times on a game night as tacklers he pinballed away from.
Jay Cutler has a television show, a rare arm and the marquee job title of quarterback in a football-mad city.
Daniel Graham has Super Bowl rings and wears the captain's patch on his jersey. And rookie Eddie Royal has the megawatt smile and performance of raw potential.
But when it comes to making the Broncos offense go in key moments the rest of the way, there might be no more important factor than receiver Brandon Stokley.
"No question," Cutler said. "(Stokley), you know he's going to be there every time. When he's in there, I know I can go to him."
After suffering a concussion in Sunday's 24-17 loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars - he left the game in the second quarter - Stokley is a question mark for the Broncos' Monday night game at New England (6:30 p.m., Fox 31, ESPN). And given what happened Sunday, that will have an impact on what the Broncos do.
And because Stokley said he believes it might be the 10th concussion - combined major and minor, he said - in his football career, his recovery will be closely watched.
"I keep hoping I feel a little better every day," Stokley said. "I want to play, I want to be in there, it's a game we need. We'll just have to wait and see."
Stokley has played as the Broncos' third receiver this season, almost exclusively in the slot, on passing downs. And he's good enough at a difficult, highly specialized job that the Broncos pursued him with zeal before the 2007 season despite the fact he was coming off surgery to repair a ruptured right Achilles' tendon.
The Broncos were 3-for-4 on third-down conversions with Stokley in the game Sunday, but 3-for-9 after he left the lineup. They also had to scrap a four-receiver grouping they had planned to use - they lined up in it twice late in the first quarter - after Stokley left.
In all, his three catches produced two third-down conversions and a touchdown.
"Thing about Brandon is, he's so deceptive," Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey said. "He's faster than people think he is, he's quicker than people think he is, he's stronger than people think he is and he always catches the ball.
"He just makes catches. It sounds simple, but it isn't. When you're down in there, things happen fast and there is a lot of traffic. Some guys, you can be all over them and they don't make the catch. Brandon always makes the catch. He makes those tough catches with people all over him."
Cutler routinely has talked of Stokley's feel for the flow of things in the middle of the field. Despite being in a high-traffic area, Stokley usually finds some space to work to get himself in a spot where Cutler can see him.
It's also not as easy as simply lining someone else up at the position and moving along. Stokley, whom coach Mike Shanahan has called the best slot receiver in the league, said it was trial and error over time, the hard-earned benefits of experience, that helped him learn the position.
"It's really night and day when you go from an outside spot down into the slot because, first, you've got a lot more room to work because you're in the middle of the field," Stokley said. "You run different routes, there's a lot of traffic and you don't get in the game a lot. It's a mental game.
"So you always have to stay prepared, keep your body ready. You have to stay sharp mentally because you might not get a ball for three quarters and then suddenly, it's a third down and you've got to keep a drive going or to win the game."
Stokley also draws defenders into the middle of the field when a defensive game plan might be to add help in covering Marshall on the outside. If he isn't in the lineup, and with Royal working through a painful bone bruise in his left foot and Tony Scheffler just coming back from a groin injury, the Broncos will have to find a way to get Patriots defense to worry about something in the passing game other than Marshall.
"If we have everybody, a defense has to play us honest," Stokley said. "Brandon's our playmaker, we get him the ball as many times as we can, but if everybody's going, (a defense) can't just follow him around, and that's good for us."
ETC.: The Broncos took a look at some running backs Tuesday. Former Packers and Texans running back Vernand Morency - he also played in the Rockies' organization - former Chiefs fullback/linebacker Boomer Grigsby and Alex Haynes were among the players brought in for workouts. Receiver Chad Jackson, a 2006 second-round pick with the New England Patriots, and veteran quarterback Craig Nall also worked out. The Patriots released Jackson at the end of training camp, and he has worked out for several teams. Jackson had surgery to repair an anterior cruciate ligament in early 2007, played in only two games last season and did not catch a pass. He has only 13 receptions for 152 yards in his career. . . . Fans can vote for the AFC and NFC Pro Bowl teams at NFL.com starting this week. The Pro Bowl - Bailey was the only Broncos player to go last season - is Feb. 8 in Honolulu.
Third and maybe
If Brandon Stokley can't play Monday night, the Broncos need others to help in some tough situations. He is their third-down leader.
Player Catches Yards Avg. TDs
Brandon Stokley 8 72 9.0 0
Brandon Marshall 5 78 15.6 0
Eddie Royal 4 73 18.3 1
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October 14, 2008
7:03 p.m.
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Dynamicdave writes:
I sure hope Stokley is ready to go. We do need him in there. We need a healthy (or somewhat healthy) offense when we go to Foxboro, Monday night. He keeps the drives alive. That's what we need, 3rd down converstions. He's the "go to guy".
October 14, 2008
7:18 p.m.
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AZBroncosFan writes:
I said when they originally picked Stokley up that he was going to become an important addition to the team. I hope hes ready to go on Monday. How about Royal? Is he playing on Monday?
October 14, 2008
8:20 p.m.
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Dynamicdave writes:
AZBroncosFan, they said he practiced, as did Stokley(light practice) so that's a good sign. We will need them to take the stress (pressure) off of Cutler so that he won't try to force it, as he did last week.
October 14, 2008
8:27 p.m.
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Seawen writes:
What a joke this is. This guy is a fraud created by Payton Manning, Marvin Harrison, and Reggie Wayne.
October 14, 2008
8:32 p.m.
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Dynamicdave writes:
Seawen, the only joke was your comment.
October 14, 2008
9:31 p.m.
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incognitoboy writes:
hey, seawench.......do you ever actually watch stokely play? the guy is one of the top three slot receivers in the league.
at 262 yds, he's currently ranked #44 in the league. that puts him ahead of such players as antonio gates(#47) braylon edwards (#49) marvin harrison (#51) roy williams (#57) chris chambers (#59) and ocho cinco (#62)
btw - stokely is our #3 receiver, not the #1 or #2 as all those other guys are.
with a joke like that, i'll be happy to laugh for 3 hrs straight on any old sunday. now go play in your sandbox......
October 14, 2008
11:35 p.m.
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Dynamicdave writes:
incognitoboy, tell him like it is. Some people will say the dumbest things. Like, "Oh, Cutler is a horrible QB and should be traded" or 'Marshall is overated" or "Champ is overated". I read that kind of garbage all the time. You can't point out the facts to an idiot. They will never understand the truth.
October 14, 2008
11:59 p.m.
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Seawen writes:
How could Stokley be one of the top three slot receivers in the league when he's not even the best slot receiver on the team. That would be Eddie Royal. Once the Broncos get a real #2 receiver Royal will take over for Stokely in the slot.
To the person who listed Stokley stats are higher than some receivers;
Well Chad Johnson is having the worst year of his career. You are not really comparing Stokley to Chad Johnson at his best are you?
Marvin Harrison is coming back from injury, and his best years are behind him.
Gates is a TE
Roy Williams does not have a QB, and Chris Chambers is not a #1 receiver. No Williams and Chambers are not as good as Stokley, but so what. I never said they were. I never even mentioned those guys.
Compare Stokley's Bronco numbers to his Colts numbers and you will see that he is a ghost. A phantom created by Manning, Harrison, and Wayne. Compare that with the fact the he's ALWAYS injured.
October 15, 2008
4:18 a.m.
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AZBroncosFan writes:
I dont think even P'E'yton Manning could force the ball into an unopen reciever and make him look as good as Stokley does unless Stokley is literally that good. Put it this way, Stokley gets open and catches the ball everytime it comes to him. I mean if thats not what being a slot receiver is all about then I dont know what is?
Seawen its pretty obvious you have not been watching the Broncos since Stokley got here. He has made clutch catches in almost every game I have seen. In fact he was the only consistency last year in the wide receiver position while Marshall was still learning the league. I mean I dont know what more you could ask out of a slot receiver lol he does every thing asked of a slot receiver, get open in the middle and catch the ball.
BTW I dont think Royal is really considered a slot receiver?
October 15, 2008
8:27 a.m.
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Dynamicdave writes:
Seawen, Royal is NOT a slot receiver. You need to do your homework. Brandon Marshall plays one side and Royal the other. Royal is usually on the right side. You makes excuses about other WR's not having a QB? Stop making excuses. Stats don't lie. To try and say Stokley is a fraud speaks loudly of your ignorance of the game. Do your homework because you'll never win that arguement on this blog. Now go back to your Colts blog where you obviously belong.
October 15, 2008
9:19 a.m.
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Jubei writes:
Fellas, Royal was projected to first, be a return man, and second, be a slot receiver BEHIND Stokley. No one saw him at the #2 receiver split out wide when he was drafted. Yeah, he played in the slot at VT, but when you get drafted by the Broncos and Stoke is healthy, you are NOT the best slot receiver on the team. Instead, the kid beat out a bunch of veterans to become the #2 WR. I'll take BM and Royal on the outside and Stoke in the slot any day.
And who gives a rat's rear end what Stoke did at Indy, anyway? I'll base my judgment on the myriad 3rd downs the guy has completed for the Broncos that have kept the offense on the field. The dude is the most clutch possession receiver in the game right now.
Jason
October 15, 2008
9:20 a.m.
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LingLingfor_prez writes:
Go Chargers! I think that if the Broncos get off to a shooting start and then hold on they will beat New England. I wouldn't let them linger around. May the Raiders stay at the bottom...
October 15, 2008
9:27 a.m.
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Jubei writes:
It hurts my head to type this, but I agree with LingLing. Fast start = win for Broncos. And not the fast start from the Jax game, either.
I hope we butt-stomp the Pats like the Chargers did.
BTW Ling, if Davis is still breathing, the Raiders will continue to be the worst franchise in the league.
Jason
October 15, 2008
9:51 a.m.
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racf617 writes:
Hey guys---Not all of us Colts fans are jerks ;) I'm actually just stopping by to say how happy I am that Brandon Stokley is getting the praise and recognition that he deserves. Like many of my fellow Colts fans, I thought he was a huge asset to our team, not to mention a class act off the field.
Oh, and since I've always liked the Broncos and loathe the Pats with the fire of a million blazing suns: good luck butt-kicking those guys this weekend. A lot of us Indy fans will be rooting for you!
October 15, 2008
10:03 a.m.
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bronc4evah writes:
We all would have to agree with LingLing that the Raiders make a mighty fine carpet for the rest of us. He is also right that our team operates much better and with more confidence when we get a lead. I think the Chargers are far from being out of it and we are going to have to play better than we have in order to maintain a lead over them.
October 15, 2008
10:18 a.m.
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bronc4evah writes:
Judging from Semen's obvious astute acumen in judging talent, I'm positive he must be one of Al Davis's go to men when inquiring about the talent of players for his team.
October 15, 2008
12:19 p.m.
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Seawen writes:
Yes Royal is a slot receiver. Anyone who does not see this does not know anything about football. He is currently not playing the slot because we have Stokley. Like I said earlier. Once the Broncos get a real #2 WR they will move Royal to the slot. That probably will not happen until next year but it will happen. Please wrap your tiny brains around the concept that Royal is playing out of position.
No one has addressed the fact the Stokley is prezel. Every two good games and the guy gets hurt. Oh look he's hurt again. Now he's talking about his 10th concussion? That guy is not long for the league.
October 15, 2008
12:45 p.m.
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Biohunter writes:
Just remember folks, Jerome Bettis was also playing out of position technically. He "should" have been a fullback or heck, even an OG at his size. But I think we can all agree he was a hell of a RB. So who cares if Royal is or isnt technically a "slot" receiver. He's awesome either way.
October 15, 2008
1:47 p.m.
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Dynamicdave writes:
racf617, works for us. Have a good one.
Seawen, wrong again. You never talked about his college position. You said Royal is a slot receiver, which he's not. And Brandon isn't going anywhere. If he retires, then we will get another slot receiver. Royal will stay on the outside. So please wrap YOUR tiny brain to the facts, not the "what ifs". Also, I would love to see you throw your body into the middle of the field with 2-3 defensive players hitting you at the beginning of the catch, while STILL maintaining possession. Stokley does that. Many, many slot receivers take their eye off the ball because they hear "footsteps". Brandon doesn't. That's why he's one of the best. Besides, you lost all credibility with anyone on this blog when you called him a fraud. So take your opinion and tell it to a Raiders fan or someone. Maybe they will listen or believe your ridiculous rant.
October 15, 2008
2:04 p.m.
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Jubei writes:
Dave, well said. And if Seaguy says that ER is not a legit #2 receiver, then he may want to ask DeAngelo Hall about the validity of that point of view.
I think he has the speed, and the route-running ability to do just fine outside. And if we need him to move into the slot if Stoke is hurt, he would do it in a heartbeat. If D-Jack and ER are healthy for Monday night, and Stoke isn't, that is exactly what will happen.
Besides, if you ask ER who the best slot guy is on this team, he'll tell you the same thing we are: Stokley. All the guy does is keep that offense on the field.
One last thing: Expecting the guy who gets creamed by LBs and safeties to play injury-free is just plain stupid, and may indicate some tiny-brain syndrome of your own.
Jason
October 15, 2008
2:23 p.m.
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Dynamicdave writes:
Jubei, exactly right. They leave their head and ribs open for punishment, over and over again. It's a dangerous, brutal position to play. But Seawen thinks that coming onto the blog and bashing our guy is going to earn him any credibility is ludacris. I'm hoping he recovered from the concussion and is well enough to play. Same with ER. As Hank would say... "Are you ready for a party? A Monday Night Massacre?" (well, sort of said, anyways)
October 15, 2008
2:25 p.m.
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fjv1026 writes:
Seawen also says Stokely is not long for the league.....almost 10 years in the league building a widely held reputation as a "go to" receiver who isn't afraid to make any catch. Speaking of which, I can't recall him NOT catching a single catchable ball this season. Check your facts Sea.
October 15, 2008
2:55 p.m.
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kmeissner writes:
Way to stick up for Stoke, guys! Dynamicdave is a true Bronco fan from the posts I've read in the past. Seaweiner just wants attention. He's obviously a closet Raiders fan who knows nothing. Stokley is the best slot receiver in the league at the moment. HOpefully he recovers soon. Take your time and get better, Brandon. We need you for the long run!
October 15, 2008
3:08 p.m.
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Dynamicdave writes:
kmeissner, appreciate the perks. Next will be a commercial, then an hour long TV talk show, then a full length movie, then Oscars, then.... I woke up.
October 15, 2008
5:07 p.m.
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deezBroncs1127 writes:
It doesn't matter where Stoke's, Royal or Brandon Marshall play. We need all three healthy and productive to win games. If we can get out of Fosboro with a win then head into the bye week to rest up that will be huge.
Seawen is just rambling on about how Stoke is worthless pretty much. Numbers are numbers and he has better numbers than other WR's up until this point. We're not saying he is a better WR than the big names out there but as of this point, he is special and important WR for the Denver Broncos. So take all your negativity and go blog somewhere else, because we don't wanna hear all your garbage.
PEACE !!!
October 15, 2008
5:14 p.m.
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tonyfromjersey writes:
Stokely is just like Ed Macaffrey, tough in traffic over the middle. That said I dont think he is going to be around long, this team especially the defense, isnt playoff caliber, and he shouldnt risk any more head injuries.
October 18, 2008
11:10 p.m.
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Seawen writes:
I never said Royal is not a legit #2. I said he is built to play the slot. He will be more productive, help us more and put up better numbers in the slot. Why don't you read the post before commenting. That means you Jubei.