Andre Caldwell Needs To Enter The Broncos Doghouse
By Tylor Walden
Oct 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Andre Caldwell (12) prior to the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Andre Caldwell signed a new contract during the offseason which basically spelled the end of Eric Decker’s time with the Denver Broncos. In eight games this season, Caldwell has not earned that contract.
In eight games this season, we have seen Andre Caldwell completely drop the ball when his number has been called. And I mean that literally. It seems every time the football gets to him, he finds some way to drop it. No matter if he is catching passes from Peyton Manning or on the kick return, not a game goes by without Broncos fans holding their breath and looking disgusted when Andre Caldwell places the football on the turf.
The worst of it came against the New England Patriots. It was clearly stated in Sayre’s article that he lined up in the wrong position and got flagged for it. He should know better than to line up in order to cover a lineman. And the fact that he has not caught a pass since Week 1 spells a lot of trouble for a player that should be helping the team reach its goals, not make it worse.
I think that the Broncos should give Andre Caldwell the Ronnie Hillman 2013 treatment. Which is place him on the inactive list for a period of time until he can prove himself once again. Let someone else handle the kickoff returns. Having Isaiah Burse handle those duties will give him more experience and learn another element of special teams.
Cody Latimer has only been active for a handful of games this season. It is time to see if he can make the Broncos offense any better. Activating Latimer and deactivating Andre Caldwell for a period of time would make the most sense. Andre Caldwell has not proven anything to the Broncos organization with the season officially halfway over. Perhaps it was a mistake to resign him in the offseason.
His future with the team could warrant some consideration. With Demaryius Thomas and Julius Thomas entering contract years, the Broncos would be smart to free up as enough cap space as they can. And with promising young rookies in Cody Latimer and Isaiah Burse on the roster, it could mean farewell to Andre Caldwell.