Mile High Report
The Broncos’ first big move this offseason was signing former Jaguars tight end Evan Engram to be the much-talked-about ‘Joker’ in Sean Payton’s offense. However, after just two games, his role in the Broncos’ offense has been more of a bad joke than a ‘Joker’.
Many assumed Engram would be a big part of the Broncos’ offense this season, but through two games, he has been an afterthought. Through two games, Engram has only been on the field for 38% of the offensive snaps, only played 43% of the offensive snaps vs. the Colts, and has totaled 6 targets and 4 receptions for 33 yards this season.
Meanwhile, we have seen Adam Trautman out snap Engram with Lucas Krull factoring in a little bit as well. It has to be noted that Engram did suffer an ankle injury during the Broncos’ week one victory over the Titans, but he told reporters he felt “good” and did not have an injury designation entering the game.
Engram was supposed to be a big part of this offense, or at least that was the assumption many had. However, he is being used like a part-time player, being out-snapped by Adam Trautman, and is not really being utilized in an offense that spreads the ball around.
The Denver Post’s Parker Gabriel asked Engram about not getting many snaps early. The veteran tight end stayed positive and told him that he has to stay ready, keep staying in the game, support the guys, and do everything possible to help this offense be successful, and that the opportunities will come.
“Just gotta stay ready. Keep staying in the game, supporting the guys, doing everything possible for the success of the offense, and the opportunities will come.”
Maybe it is health-related, but these opportunities need to start coming soon. The Broncos are 1-1 and have a tough stretch of games coming. You signed Engram to be a big part of this offense, your ‘Joker’, let’s start using him that way. Having a dynamic tight end in the passing game opens things up for an offense, and Engram needs to start playing like one and/or being used like one. Otherwise, what was the point of signing him?
I hope we start seeing him be the ‘Joker’ player we all thought we were getting, and that this doesn’t turn into just another bad joke.
