Should The Broncos Miss Brandon Stokley?

At the bottom of the Broncos list of problems are issues at wide receiver. However, after reading Mike Klis’s article about Brandon Stokley’s success this season as a Seahawk, I find myself missing the twelve year veteran.

After suiting up for the Broncos for three seasons, Josh McDaniels made the decision to release the “Immaculate” receiver because the team was stocked full of receivers and he was working through a groin injury prior to the season beginning.

It’s ironic now that McDaniels has been without a job for over a month, the Broncos are watching the playoffs from their couches, and Brandon Stokley is set to haul in more receptions and touchdowns in round two of the playoffs.

In 11 games for the Seahawks this season, Stokley had 31 catches for 354 yards. In last week’s Wild Card game against the Saints, he had 4 catches for 73 yards and one touchdown.

While the Broncos have much greater things to worry about like hiring a new coach, improving the running game, and stopping that of other teams, it may be a little much to tell you that I want Stokley back. He would bring a tremendous amount of leadership to the offense and give Tim Tebow another solid set of hands to work with. 

Of the eight players listed as wide receiver on the Broncos roster, two of them (Jabar Gaffney and Brandon Lloyd) have more than three years of experience in the league. That leaves five wideouts, including two rookies, with a lot still to learn.

Stokley’s production isn’t where it used to be when he was with the Colts, but he hasn’t played with another quarterback like Peyton Manning either.

The amount of knowledge that guy brings to the team that he’s with is irreplaceable. He’s a 6 ft. 192 lb. receiver that has made big play after big play when his team has needed him the most. That kind of attribute is hard to come by, and the Broncos could have used him this season after converting on just 32% of third downs and 31% of fourth downs.

Yes, I’m well aware of the fact that the lack of running game was 85% of the Broncos issue in keeping drives alive, but it would have been nice to have another slot receiver to go to.

Stokley could also be DeMaryius Thomas and Eric Decker’s wise man, teaching them about life as a WR on and off the field. Stokley’s family is based here, and if given the opportunity to play for the Broncos again, one would think that it would be hard to turn down.

So bring Stokley back. I would be, well, Stoked.

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