ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- As the 2015 season drew to a close, the Denver Broncos' two-tight-end formation was largely set aside in favor of the three-wide-receiver set.
The Broncos used a two-TE look on just six snaps in the regular-season finale to go with six snaps in the Week 16 matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals. But they had games in November and December against the Patriots, Raiders and Chargers -- when Brock Osweiler was starting for the injured Peyton Manning -- in which they topped 30 snaps in the two-TE look and in two of those games they topped 40 snaps.
Now that Manning is retired, that is more like the template the Broncos figure to use this season with either Mark Sanchez or Trevor Siemian at quarterback.
ESPN Fantasy projection: 28.4 catches, 251.4 yards, 1.9 TDs
Over or under: Logic says, with the amount of times the Broncos offense will be in two-tight-end sets and with the way Green performed in training camp practices, that he would be an over on the projections. But it comes with the caveat that it’s an annual rite of Broncos summer to think, and for Green to think, he will be more involved in the passing game but yet things simply haven’t worked out that way. Despite his athleticism and the belief the coaches have in him, he still has 35 receptions in five seasons combined and two career touchdowns. He will be busier than that this season, but just tread carefully.
ESPN Fantasy Projection: 33.2 catches, 361.7 yards 2.5 TDs
Over or under: The projection may be right on here. The Broncos think highly of Heuerman and at times in training camp he showed why his size (6-foot-5, 255 pounds) makes him a matchup problem for defenses. And because he is a willing blocker, he will get plenty of snaps. But he hasn't always shown the ability to separate from linebackers and safeties at the top of this routes, so there wasn’t always room for the quarterback to fit the ball in. Because of his ACL surgery last year, this is essentially his rookie year on the field and he should improve quickly. And not every defense, can cover like the Broncos can, so he may have faced his most difficult challenge there in practice.
Who else could see time: As the preseason rolled along the Broncos had the look of a team that may only keep three tight ends on the roster since they have added a full-time fullback this year. John Phillips, the combination blocker/receiver, and Garrett Graham, primarily a receiving tight end, are fighting for that third spot.