Jim Schwartz: “Tony Scheffler is an important part of our offense”

Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz gave tight end Tony Scheffler a vote of confidence as the team opened up their training camp.

"“Tony’s (Scheffler) an important part of our offense. He’s a match up problem for defense as a tight end. And he’s a play maker, particularly around the end zone. I think that, when our offense runs at full effectiveness, Tony’s a big part of that.” Jim Schwartz told Detroit Free Press"

Scheffler is coming off a rough season, where he dropped 6 passes and managed a pathetic 50.6 catch percentage, the NFL’s second worst mark among tight ends with at least 15 targets. Only ex-Chicago Bears tight end Kellen Davis had a lower rate.

"“I wouldn’t necessarily put the down year on Tony last year, but a lot of dynamics changed on offense last season. I like the way that he fits with Brandon Pettigrew. I like the way he fits with other guys on offense, like Nate Burleson, Ryan Broyles, Reggie Bush, Mikel Leshoure, Joique Bell. No player stands alone and no player is the reason that we succeed or fail. It’s a collective effort, and how we do as an offense is going to be based on how well we execute as a team, not an individual player. Tony had a great off-season. I think he set himself up to have an outstanding training camp. And if he does that, then he can be in position to have a good season.” – Jim Schwartz also said in the interview"

The Detroit Lions still paid Scheffler a $500,000 March bonus and he’s due $1.95 million in salary this season.