Denver Broncos: Jeff Heuerman can be playmaking tight end
It is all about what to do with an opportunity. Broncos tight end Jeff Heuerman is in position to seize the chance as a playmaker in 2018.
Denver Broncos fans were treated to an athletic tight end in Julius Thomas during the 2013 season. Thomas burst on to the scene making plays everywhere the ball was thrown to him. His introduction to stardom would have never happened if the team showed patience with Thomas throughout the countless injuries he sustained.
Once Thomas saw a clear bill of health and fresh legs, it was evident he was one the best players on the football field.
Jeff Heuerman is seeing the same thing happen to him. The only difference between Thomas and Heuerman is game action. While it is minimal action, the fans did see a glimpse of the tight end Heuerman can be in Denver.
In the game against the Indianapolis Colts, Brock Osweiler threw a perfect pass deep into the middle part of the field. Heuerman caught the pass, stiff armed the defender. This resulted in him separating and seeing green grass for a touchdown.
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Another injury halted Heuerman during the season, but there are signs of his talent. Fast forward to preseason of 2018, he appears healthy and ready to work. Heuerman proved to be a near dominant force with the football in his hands.
Against the Chicago Bears, Heuerman displayed strength, stiff arming the defensive back. This technique might be Heuerman’s best trait to fight for more yardage.
Always keep your legs moving. That’s what coaches tell you in any sport. When players surround or attempt to stop you in their tracks, continue to move. In the same game Heuerman shook off two to three defenders, carrying them to a first down. Heuerman is a player that might be stronger than we all think.
In a division with Hunter Henry and Travis Kelce leading the way, Denver must find the tight end to become that player. Jake Butt is capable and so is Heuerman in small amounts. We will turn back the clocks to this throw from Trevor Siemian. Heuerman lines up out wide and attack middle part of a field with this seam route against the New England Patriots.
Fact is there are signs Jeff Heuerman can be the athletic tight end Denver needs to play alongside Butt. However, we do need to pump the brakes a little bit. Not because of the talent, but due to the few games played. It’s not that there isn’t talent, but it is about seizing an opportunity.
Both he and Case Keenum are forming chemistry in a hot tub….. yes a hot tub. Maybe all Heuerman needed was a “hot tub time machine” and a starting quarterback to get him where needed to be. Here’s the quote from Heuerman in the rapport with Keenum.
Jeff Heuerman made a good first impression last Saturday. Let’s see if it continues Friday night.