A picture of Wes Welker hangs in the hallway leading to the Broncos’ locker room. He’s diving for a first down. The snapshot defines his career, his toughness.
Then came Tuesday.
The NFL suspended the receiver four games for violating the league’s performance-enhancement drug policy. With a single positive test, Welker tarnished his reputation and the Broncos lost oxygen in their rocket-fueled offense.
Now comes the hard part, replacing Welker, arguably the best slot receiver in NFL history.
“I think it falls on a lot of people. It’s easy to say one person has to fill that gap, but I really feel it’s maybe next men up, if that makes any sense,” quarterback Peyton Manning said. “It’s kind of a plural thing.”
Mike Rowe has nothing on Welker when it comes to “Dirty Jobs.” Welker runs underneath routes between the hash marks, exposing himself to becoming a human pinball for linebackers and safeties. In the season opener last year, Welker caught nine passes for two touchdowns, illustrating Manning’s trust in him.
Welker’s value amplifies in crucial situations. He caught 18 third-down passes last season, one shy of Demaryius Thomas’ team best. Welker turned 15 of those into first downs, tying Thomas for the Broncos’ lead.
“I think it will be difficult without him,” CBS analyst Rich Gannon said. “Peyton can do it, but it won’t be as easy as people think. You can’t just get his production from anyone.”
The Broncos will use everyone to try to make up the difference. Their options begin with Emmanuel Sanders, a prized free-agent acquisition from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Sanders starred in the preseason, though in limited snaps. He spent his career in Pittsburgh as a slot receiver and said he’s prepared to fill that role Sunday, if necessary, which probably would leave Andre Caldwell in his spot.
“This isn’t one of those systems where you have an outside receiver and an inside receiver,” Sanders said. “Everyone is moving around. And I’ve told you before, this is one of the toughest offenses I have been a part of because you have to know every single position on the field. Guys already know the concepts, have run those routes. But of course we are going to miss him. He’s Wes Welker.”
Welker excels with quickness, cuts. Sanders moves like a blur, creating separation with speed. He caught 18 third-down passes last season, four for touchdowns.
Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase, a mad scientist of X’s and O’s, excels at creating mismatches. He could lean more on Jacob Tamme in two-tight end sets with Pro Bowler Julius Thomas. Tamme possesses wide receiver skills and said, “I am ready to do whatever they need.”
A third, if less likely, option is employing Caldwell and blossoming rookie Cody Latimer in the slot. They are capable but lack experience.
The advantage the Broncos have at receiver starts at quarterback. Manning puts in so much time with his receivers, beginning at Duke in March and continuing after practices in June, that he has an uncanny familiarity with them.
“That’s why you do all those things in the offseason. This is an opportunity for someone,” Manning said. “There are a number of guys who we are counting on to step up and raise their level of play. You hope all the work pays off.”
Troy E. Renck: trenck@denverpost.com or twitter.com/troyrenck
Slot machine
Replacing the suspended Wes Welker won’t be easy. He was one of Peyton Manning’s favorite third-down targets, converting 15 of his 18 catches into first downs last season. NFL reporter Troy E. Renck analyzes the Broncos’ options:
WR Emmanuel Sanders: Quick. Mismatch for a linebacker or safety. Spent career in Pittsburgh in slot.
TE Jacob Tamme: Reliable, versatile. Six of his seven third-down catches last season went for first downs.
WR Andre Caldwell: Valuable insurance policy who has knack for making plays in limited opportunities.
WR Cody Latimer: Has terrific leaping skills, making him a goal-line weapon. But might be eased into mix.
