Jacob Tamme One of the Broncos Unsung Heroes of 2013

Broncos tight end Jacob Tamme (84) runs with the ball after catching a pass during the second half against the Tennessee Titans at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 51-28. (Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports)

One unsung heroes of this Denver Broncos team is without a doubt tight end Jacob Tamme.

With the emergence of Julius Thomas this season and his 11 touchdowns, Tamme (and Joel Dreessen) have taken more of a back seat in this record-setting offense. Tamme, however, hasn’t taken his job less seriously.

That says a lot about the man, who just a year ago, was third on the team in catches (52) and receiving yards (555) in addition to his two touchdowns.

Tamme has been a standout on special teams this season, particularly in coverage. It always seems like he’s in on the play.

“I know it’s not quite the role he had last year and I’m sure that was a little disappointing,” offensive coordinator Adam Gase said Thursday. “But he’s never said anything. He’s just constantly worked. ”

Tamme has just 13 receptions for 124 yards and one touchdown this season. It’s a far cry from his output in 2012, but Tamme will see a lot of time this week against the Chargers with Wes Welker sitting out. Tamme moved to the slot position when the team lost Welker to a concussion last week.

“We feel like we have a lot of flexible guys at tight end,” Tamme said. “I feel like I can do a lot of different things, play in a lot of different spots and hopefully we can help move the ball and get it down the field.”

This is Tamme’s sixth year playing with Peyton Manning, so we know the chemistry will be there. It’s up to Tamme to run the precise routes.

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