The Broncos returned to the Dove Valley practice field this evening for their second full-squad workout of training camp.
The team was met at first with a brief rain shower, but fans weren’t deterred.
Despite the weather early on, a Dove Valley-record crowd in the morning practice was followed up by an attendance of 1,891 — a record for an afternoon session.
With interest at a high, the evening session commenced under cloudy skies and what turned out to be quite comfortable, cooler weather.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
Nate Jones and Akin Ayodele joined the defensive fray, seeing reps with the first team when the squad had an extra defensive back lined up against the offense.
Nick Greisen got some reps with the first unit during a 7-on-7 session.
DRILLS
Matthew Willis, Kenny McKinley, Jones and Josh Barrett worked with special teams coordinator Mike Priefer on finding punts in the air, catching them and downing them inside the 10-yard line.
When running backs and tight ends worked against linebackers in a drill focused on protecting the quarterback, the defense was dominant at first. Wesley Woodyard seemingly couldn’t be stopped, and player after player found their way to the blocking dummy that represented the signal caller. But after running backs coach Eric Studesville got on the offense to step up its game, Toney Baker got the first win for the offensive side of the ball. Later in the drill, Richard Quinn earned congratulations after he kept Elvis Dumervil away from the quarterback.
The defensive line ran through a drill focused on recognizing and reacting to screen passes, then followed that up with a drill working on handwork to get past offensive linemen.
PLAYMAKERS
Head Coach Josh McDaniels singled out Willis as a player who impressed him in the first practice of training camp. The third-year receiver kept his hot streak going in the evening session, including a few long catches during 7-on-7 drills. He almost held on to a leaping attempt, but Mario Haggan was there to lay into him a little and force the incompletion.
Kenny McKinley drew cheers from the crowd, as well. First, he was part of five consecutive completions for the receivers in 1-on-1s against the defensive backs (The first breakup of the drill belonged to Alphonso Smith, by the way, on a pass intended for Brandon Stokley). Then, in 11-on-11s, Brady Quinn launched a deep pass toward McKinley down the left sideline. Tony Carter was right there in coverage and stuck his hand out to deflect the pass, but McKinley kept his eye on the ball, maintained control and essentially bobbled it to himself for a long completion.
It seemed to be the session of the receivers, as Brandon Lloyd opened up the first batch of 7-on-7s with a catch right in front of Champ Bailey, who jumped up in disgust after not breaking up the pass. Demaryius Thomas capitalized on every one of his reps in 1-on-1s against the defensive backs, and made a tough catch just past the outstretched arms of a leaping Jones on a pass from Quinn during 7-on-7s. Then Brandon Stokley got involved, closing out the final 7-on-7 session by holding onto a pass even as Syd’Quan Thompson dove in for a relatively big hit.
OFFSEASON CHAMPIONS
The offseason — certainly not the most glamorous stretch of the NFL season, but a great place to get a jump on the competition.
The team’s offseason conditioning program began in March, and the team has accomplished plenty between then and now. But the locker room voted that 10 Broncos’ hard work during that stretch stood out.
Josh Barrett, Daniel Graham, Russ Hochstein, Chris Kuper, Spencer Larsen, Ryan McBean, Jarvis Moss, Brady Quinn, Matthew Willis and Wesley Woodyard were all voted Offseason Award Winners by their teammates.
The perks of the selection include a prime parking spot adjoining the practice field, close to the entrance to the facility, and the privilege of picking the playlist for a training camp practice session.
QUICK HITS
With Knowshon Moreno and Correll Buckhalter out of the afternoon practice, all four remaining running backs — Baker, Lance Ball, Bruce Hall and Kolby Smith — saw reps. Smith and Ball, however, seemed to get the majority.
During 7-on-7s, Richard Quinn found himself wide open and hauled in a pass, but Andre’ Goodman came closing fast. The tight end lowered his shoulder, but the collision caused both players to fall down. The sound alone drew a few “ooohs” from the crowd.
A 7-on-7 session in the middle of practice divided the reps fairly evenly among the three quarterbacks. Kyle Orton got four reps and Brady Quinn and Tim Tebow both took three snaps.
After a false start infraction late in practice during an 11-on-11 session, Seth Olsen took a lap around the field.
TRAINING CAMP JUKEBOX
Larsen took advantage of his offseason champion status early, as his playlist was already being blared through the speakers on day one.
Chris Ledoux’s “Hooked on an 8 Second Ride” was up first, followed by Red Hot Chili Peppers with “Snow (Hey Oh),” Rise Against’s “Savior” and finally the Chili Peppers made a repeat appearance, closing it out with “Tell Me Baby.”
Below are some photos from the session. Be sure to check out the DenverBroncos.com training camp page for all camp-related links.
-Gray Caldwell, DenverBroncos.com
Tags: 2010, Training Camp
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KFS, I hear you, and now this situation is on McD’s lap, that’s why he makes the big bucks because I sure can’t think of anyone out there who could fit the mold, the times of free agency and the draft are long gone, specially the draft, there were numerous good power backs to go after…
yeah baylin, lets hope we get some insurance at RB.
Yovi21,
I agree.
Forget the should, could or the would OF”S and see which RB step’ up and takes this opportunity and RUNS with it. I’ll pick Mr. Baker. Oh wait does anyone have the size, speed and # of the RB”s left on the roster. Thanks, whoever comes up with it. Then I’ll pick my Back.
I just know 1 of these backs is gonna take this chance and earn a starting spot and keep it.
Go Broncos!!!
wereamr, I posted this earlier:
This is exactly the depth that we have at RB on the team right now, read really carefully about their experience, it’s right dow scary:
Bruce Hall, 5-11, 205, 25
On the Bills’ practice squad the past two seasons. Followed RB coach Eric Studesville to Denver.
Lance Ball, 5-9, 220, 25
Two years of practice squad. In Indy 2008 finale, rushed for 83 yards on 13 carries (6.4 average).
Kolby Smith, 5-11, 215, 25
Former Chief had success in 2007 but has battled injuries since.
Toney Baker, 5-10, 225, 24
Undrafted rookie from NC State who can plow and catch.
Since two of the other ones have proven that they can’t get out of the practice squad and the other one has only played 11 games in the last 32 due to multiple injuries, I would tend to go along with you that Baker might be the best chance, but it’s probably not much better odds than winning the lottery, LOL. We need help buddy, I know you think we got it in house, I don’t see it that way.
Since you brought Toney Baker up, here is is scouting report:
RB Toney Baker, North Carolina State
Why Baker is Overlooked: Baker was also a top high school prospect, but he had a major knee injury during his sophomore year. Complications from the surgery also caused Baker to miss his junior season. When Baker returned to the lineup as a senior, he gained a total of 1,128 yards from scrimmage with 9 touchdowns – not impressive enough for him to vault back into the collective conscience of talent evaluators.
Why Baker Has Promise: At just a shade under 5’10”, 235 pounds, Baker has the balance and strength to gain yardage after contact. Runners with this height-weight dimension are generally effective power runners at the pro level because they have a low center of gravity to power through hits. What also stands out is Baker’s patience on zone plays to press the hole and find the cutback, and his shiftiness on trap plays to get small in narrow creases. A good receiver out of the backfield, Baker’s size and talents are reminiscent of former N.F.L. starters Leroy Hoard and Gary Brown.
Man, it’s like every RB nowadays has had injuries issues, tough game.
From the description of him, this is the guy McD picked as our power back, too bad he didn’t think that power back was an important position enough to actually draft an accomplished one, we had plenty of shots at many, oh well…
wereamr, is that enough info for you to make an educated decision? LOL.
If we trade Orton for Hillis, we’d essentially be giving up Orton and a couple of late round picks for Quinn. Talk about a terrible deal.
That was a joke some bloggers made, every Bronco fan knows McD doesn’t like Hillis and wouldn’t play him. Hillis was the player who the term McD’s doghouse was invented for..
Of the above mentioned RB’s you mention bay, Toney Baker stands out. None of the other backs are as strong as Baker. All have a low center of gravity but I like Bakers chances to make the squad.
Just read over at rotoworld the UFL’s Omaha Nighthawks have announced the signing of numerous former NFL players, including former Raiders RB Justin Fargas.
At 30 year of age, Fargas should still have some gas in the tank. I did read earlier this summer he had a tryout with someone…I believe it was the Saints.
Bay, you truly are a Bronco Bro. Thanks, your insight is great, your opinions although I might agree with you 100%, it does however open up new ways to see things. Thanks for the scouting report and all the knowledge you part to us fans of the Orandge and Blue.
Sidenote to u BA, you did state the ” Tebow”.
Go Broncos!!!
But B. Hall has was brought in by the RB coach, now that is something to consider. I hope Moreno and Buck is on the sidelines come Aug. 15th and that McGenius lets each of the remaining BACKS get a whole Quarter and that he just keeps pounding the rock to eliminate the facades. Anyone know where to find the speed of RB’s1,2,3 and 4?
Go Broncos!!!
Yea dude, like Baylin said, that was a joke, and im sure u got the joke but just felt the need to point out why it would be bad. Like Bay says, everyone was a fan of Hillis but McD. Maybe McD like alot has a thing against white RBs I tend to sympathize because there has never been one with enough hype (but they are never given the chance so its a catch 22), but I always say, If u can get it done, get it done.
But in all honesty, while joking, I would really like to see Orton or Quinn (prefrably Orton) Traded and if it were for a powerback so be it. It seems everyone is sold on Tebow being a possible future especially since he is our first round pick. I think a possible future should ALWAYS be second string behind a starter while he learns, but 3 potentially good QBs on the same team is a waste of a trading chip and a waste of their young careers. THIS IS ALL, OF COURSE MY OPINION. but come preseason or something, Orton or Quinn needs to go in my book (Probably Quinn) cuz his contract will give him a huge pay out if he takes a high percentage of snaps that a starting QB obviously would.
Disclaimer: I like them all, for all different reasons. If we could smash em together and make 1 QB I would be excited
Toney Bakers speed in the 40 is 4.45.
weareamr
I agree about Bruce Hall and apparently so does Royal. This was posted by him yesterday.
Eddie Royal – ” Just had lunch w former ACC rival and current teammate RB Lance Ball .. join his page and watch out for this dude he is a big time sleeper both for us and for fantasy teams out there lol http://www.facebook.com/LanceBallRB?ref=ts ”
May the best man win (in TC as a whole) – Go Broncos. TRB out…
You may be onto something there weareamr. Bruce Hall looks like he’s about the same build as Moreno…(hidth and weight). I couldn’t find anything on his speed. Bakers speed I found at NC Wolfpack website.
Personally I like Baker because of size and agility, but as 1nOnlyBRB says, “May the best man win”.
Here’s a link from the Mile High report and the columnist, Steve Nichols seems to favor Bruce Hall as a darkhorse.
http://www.milehighreport.com/2010/7/10/1540025/2010-denver-broncos-positional
Another Bronco Bro TRB. Thanks . U 2 RBF another BroncoBro of mine nice info. Makes it a lil harder to pick my new RB, who will make the probowl this year.
Go Broncos!!!
Surprised there is no report here on today’s practice yet, Klis has already come up with something on Tebow today:
This isn’t going to surprise the critics any but during the Broncos’ training camp session Monday, rookie quarterback Tim Tebow looked good running the ball, but in the rare times he got a chance to pass, he was off mark.
It could be rookie nerves. It could be Tebow is pressing. It could be he simply needs more time to develop. Remember, the reports were John Elway was woefully rough around the edges during his first training camp.
And remember about the QB’s running, they wear orange jerseys, they can’t be tackle, that would help the running, right, LOL.
And about the RB rotation today, since it’s the topic of discussion, also by Klis:
With Buckhalter and Moreno sidelined, the Broncos’ tailback depth chart read, in order: Kolby Smith, Lance Ball, Toney Baker (an undrafted rookie from North Carolina State who moved up from No. 4) and Bruce Hall.
Update: Check that. In team drill, especially the two-minute drill, Ball was the first-team back, Hall was the backup. Smith and Baker didn’t get any reps.
Did they run the ball in the two minute drill or were the RB’s decoy, I don’t know Klis didn’t talk about that, but it would of helped understand the rotation a bit better. Anyway, Klis always does the best job first.
And Lindsay Jones reports the absents from today’s practice, curious about Baker:
The only players missing are running backs Knowshon Moreno and Correll Buckhalter, both of whom were injured Sunday morning, and nose tackle Chris Baker. Ryan Clady, Darrell Reid and Jamal Williams are also still being held out of practice for various injury and conditioning reasons. Baker left the field a few minutes early Sunday morning. The Broncos have not given a reason for his absence.
Go Broncos!!!
oops, mistake, my last post was for Lance Ball not Bruce Hall. I am hoping Ball does well. Ball, Hall … Always mixing their names up when I read and write. Go Ball but still, may the best man win lol
TRB out…
Well, no one got hurt today.
Thank Bay nice info .
I’m going with the RB who’s name, first or last begins with a “B”
Go Broncos!!!
So, you rule Kolby Smith out, LOL.
Funny, we just talked about McD’s doghouse and Lindsay Jones just wrote a report titled something like McD sends the entire O to the doghouse:
It’s a bad sign when you see one player being sent off to a run a lap around the practice field during training camp.
So consider it a really, really bad sign when you see the entire offense sent off to run at once.
Josh McDaniels punished the entire offense for its overall “sloppy” play during a team drill Thursday afternoon by sending all 40 or so players for a jog around the field. McDaniels said after practice he was upset after a series of errors, including a false start and having too many men in the huddle.
She just posted that so she must of made a typo saying Thursday afternoon instead of Monday or today, because on Thursday only the rookies were in.
I am having a lot of trouble trying to get the new comments. I get different results depending on which window I open to get to the blog… I have to make a comment to view any other new comments…
It’s a little frustrating when you just want to read along….
Maybe Josh shoud give Larson a chance to tote the rock??
ILMSDB!!!!!!
A lot of bloggers have had issues with the blog since it closed down for maintenance last Friday night through Saturday AM, it’s working fine for me now.
foung a little info on the RB’s in the Broncos stable. ONE needs to seperate himself from the back and never look back.
Lance Ball=http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=10912&draftyear=2008&genpos=RB
August 1 7:32 ET Denver’s running back rotation at practice, minus Knowshon Moreno (hamstring) and Correll Buckhalter (back), was as follows: Kolby Smith, Lance Ball, Bruce Hall, Toney Baker.
Denver’s running back rotation at practice, minus Knowshon Moreno (hamstring) and Correll Buckhalter (back), was as follows: Kolby Smith, Lance Ball, Bruce Hall, Toney Baker.
Go Broncos!!!
Yo day 2 blog is up.
this new wesite sucks some times!!
Does not show all the post in the blog
BOO
Man I`m looking forward to the preseason games. I can hardly wait.