As the Broncos took the field Thursday afternoon, a few rain clouds loomed in the distance but the sun was shining at Dove Valley. About 10 minutes into the stretching period, a strong wind started to blow and the camera towers started to shake. But despite the wind gusts, the team started the session strong in full pads to the delight of the 1,130 fans in attendance.
The Broncos turned in a productive workout as they began to ready for Sunday’s preseason opener in Cincinnati. Most of the 11-on-11 sessions were designed for either the offense or defense to simulate the Bengals with select players sporting red jerseys corresponding to Cincinnati players. Intensity took a back seat to learning for most of the day as both sides practiced against a variety of packages and formations.
The session ended on a good note when Matt Prater booted a 61-yard field goal to earn the team’s offseason champions a night without curfew. Several of his teammates started getting loud and the crowd joined in, but everyone was excited when the kick — hit with the wind at his back — easily cleared the uprights.
DRILLS
Tight ends coach Bob Ligashesky busted out an invention to make sure his players focused on keeping their hands inside the opponent’s pads during blocking drills. The tight ends drilled with several towels taped together in a circular shape looped around their arms to keep their hands close together when blocking.
Linebackers and defensive linemen worked on using their hands to maintain balance and shed blockers doing drills in which they had to disengage from a blocker, stop a ball rolled toward them by a coach and then chase down a ball carrier. The linebackers used a big red ball, while the linemen had a smaller one.
Inside linebackers and running backs drilled together for a period. First, the defenders had to try to cover the backs coming out of the backfield. Later, the running backs had to try to pick up the blitzing linebackers.
During 1-on-1 pass rushing drills, linebackers Robert Ayers, Mario Haggan and Jammie Kirlew mixed in to give linemen a taste of blocking a speed rusher off the outside edge.
PLAYMAKERS
There wasn’t as much hitting during the drills designed to gameplan for the Bengals, but during a rushing period, Ben Garland swatted a fumble away from Lance Ball. Ball headed off on a lap to remind him the importance of ball security.
Late in the session during a defensive period, Brian Dawkins grabbed an interception tossed by Brady Quinn.
Prater took advantage of the high winds during kick-off drills. With the wind at his back, he blasted kick-offs through the end zone, including several through the uprights. Most times a coach simply tossed a ball to the returner and the play continued, but when they wanted the returner to make the catch, Prater moved up and took just one step before hitting the ball. His kick to end practice likely earned him some friends as well.
During the team periods, there weren’t a lot of big plays, but a long catch by Patrick Carter from Brady Quinn gave the fans something to get excited about.
WIN THE GAME
The final drive was an end of game 2-minute drill led by Orton. The team had one timeout and started at its own 10-yard line, needing a field goal to win.
On the drive, Orton went 6-for-9 to move the team down the field, including a big conversion to Brandon Stokley on 3rd-and-17 after a sack. Brandon Lloyd made the last three catches on the drive to get the team into field goal range. One was a 12-yard out on which he tapped his toes before ending up in the crowd. The last was a 13-yard sideline route with 7.5 seconds left to set up a 37-yard field goal, which Prater connected on.
QUICK HITS
New Bronco Johnny Williams, a linebacker who signed this morning, took part in position drills and jumped right in on the first team kick coverage unit.
Former Broncos quarterback Brian Griese, who will serve as the primary radio color commentator in the KOA Radio booth beside Dave Logan this season, watched the session from the sideline. At one point, Broncos President and CEO Pat Bowlen joined him for a chat.
There was a steady stream of players heading to the team’s weight facility for individual workouts throughout the afternoon that included nearly every player who did not practice. Dustin Fry, Chris Kuper, Eddie Royal, Marquez Branson, Demaryius Thomas, Knowshon Moreno, Correll Buckhalter, LenDale White and Eric Decker made the trek.
TRAINING CAMP JUKEBOX
Offseason champion Russ Hochstein designed an interesting mix for the stretching period. The time began with a few bars of “Soul Glo,” the fictional jingle from the 1988 film “Coming to America.” This got the players excited as Brian Dawkins, Ryan McBean and Brandon Lloyd were among the players dancing to the beat.
But it quickly did an about face with a pair of country hits, George Strait’s “Cowboys Like Us” and Jamey Johnson’s “Between Jennings and Jones” before finishing with Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight.” These three selections earned much less rave reviews from his teammates.
Starting with the first 11-on-11 period, the music to simulate crowd noise blared and returned often throughout the workout. Selections meant to mimic the noise the team will face at Paul Brown Stadium included AC/DC’s “Back in Black” and Modest Mouse’s “Float On.”
- Eric Detweiler, DenverBroncos.com
Below are some photos from the session:
Tags: 2010, Brian Dawkins, Day 12, Kyle Orton, Matt Prater, Training Camp
This entry was posted
on Thursday, August 12th, 2010 at 3:02 pm and is filed under DenverBroncos.com.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.
first! ah!
Second, wow! just kidding.
Looks like Lloyd’s job is pretty secure….
Both Quinn and Tebow are listed at 6’3″, but it looks like Quinn has got Tebow by an inch or so. Well, there is no story posted about the practice yet, I have to come up with something, LOL.
Seriously, this is a full pad practice, I’ll cross my fingers.
Could Tebow be 6’2″ and a half, and Quinn 6’3″ and a half, well that changes EVERYTHING!
Whats up my fellow Broncos. Some news I heard today is that Gaffney is back in pads today.
Broncos not practicing: Royal, L.White, Moreno, Buckhalter, D.Fry, C.Kuper, M.Branson, Decker, D.Thomas, Dumervil, Moss.
Here is a good link to the mess that had to be cleaned up by Xanders/Mcdaniels on the cap room that Shannahan scrtewed up.
http://broncotalk.net/2010/08/16845/broncos-buzz/mcdaniels-cleans-up-shanahans-cap-mess/
here is a great article from nate jackson former Bronco on how tough training camp is.
http://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/08/06/what-an-n-f-l-training-camp-is-really-like/?src=mv
And that was TC ran the Shanahan way, LOL.
Great news about Gaffney though, I heard that earlier and couldn’t be happier that our #1 WR is a ok.
About the dead money, Woody talks about it also in today’s mail bag.
whos naughty, notty that coach is refering to along with DJ about wearing the headsets? Anyone?
during his video of day 11.
Posting to view comments.
scratch that, during his day 12 video
weareamr, it’s probably Hill, I’m saying that mainly because he is the main guy to direct the D in the backfield, and DJ up front, it’s probably a Naldy nickname for Renaldo.
I got it he is refering to Renaldo Hill. Any news on Hochstein?
Go McGenius, Go Broncos!!!
well done Bay, thanks, and did I read were you said something to the effect that Cox should be huge for the Broncos?
Go McGenius Go Broncos!!!
Hochstein is kind of stuck between a rock and a hard place as Klis says, but he is recovering well from last year knee injury and should be ok as far as I know:
LG-C Russ Hochstein: This is a case where versatility can hurt a guy. Hochstein is a capable starter at left guard and center. But Beadles is a left guard and Walton is a center, and it makes sense for Hochstein to wait and fill in where first needed.
And Cox, yeah I’m very familiar with him since he played for Oklahoma State and my step son just graduated there this last May. I would agree that he might have a very big impact this year, namely on special teams, his returns are electrifying. But long run he could very well become #1 or #2 corner, he is that good in my opinion.
Prater kicked a 61 yard FG! wind aided, but who cares…
Lloyd grabbed the last three throws of a two minute drill to set up another FG. Still anyone here who thinks Lloyd will be cut? I remember after the draft a lot of folks here had Lloyd as a casualty, and I totally disagreed, it was clear he was never given a shot last year but when he did at season end he made the best of it. He is a super experienced WR who can play all the positions, he is going to be fun to watch with Gaffney, Royal and Willis. Stokley is the wild card to me right now, he has come through real good the last couple days, but he could go down anytime, funny I don’t mention the rookies, oh well, they’ll have to wait their turn, LOL.
I think Lloyd and Willis both make the 53 man roster. IMO.
Seems like intensity is slowly coming to an end in TC, it has been scaled back down since last Friday and today was no different, McD has had enough of losing players as far as I’m concerned, and who could blame him. Canceling multiple practices and playing them in shell and shorts or like today toning down on intensity and tilting it to learning as reported above:
Intensity took a back seat to learning for most of the day as both sides practiced against a variety of packages and formations.
The majority of the readers were asked in a poll in the DP if because of the injuriess, McD should tone down the practices or lighten them up a bit. The vast majority said keep kicking arse all the way, I and a minority (like 12 % or something, I couldn’t believe it) answered slow it down, glad to know that McD and I think alike, at least regarding this matter, enough is enough.
I wonder if the people that answered slow it down are people who have never played the game.
I thought McD played the game….
was talking about the fans that voted. Im sure McD will get physical once again, because thats his team philosophy, just letting some guys heal. But he knows to be a physical team you have to be practice physical and he has stated that many, many, many times.
and yes Baylin Coach McD played the game.
Its a sad day when Gaff is the number 1 receiver. Please step up Royal. You are my number one now!!! Dont like gaffs hands. Doesnt have sure hands. Hopefully he has worked on that.
Excited about preseason football. All in all, minus the loss of my hero, I am excited to watch some Broncos football this season. Not sure if we are going the the right direction, but I find it hard not to be excited about broncos football
lol
I wonder what the Miami Dolphins think of this Statement from BM on playing in the NBA next year if there is a lockout. No distraction here right? BM says: “I’m gonna get with a basketball coach and get to work, prepare for the lockout,” he said. Right after that came this:” I’m serious,” Marshall told ESPN. “There’s not going to be any football. If there’s a lockout, I have to find a job. I figure the Nuggets will be a better choice because of the welcome home cheer I’ll get — a couple of boos at first.”
Is there not a football season getting ready to begin! Amazing–Loved him playing here but glad we have lost his ability to prove his media/immature distractions! Just me.
GO BRONCOS
FTR
KFS, I was attempting at being humorous, of course I know McD played football and my point was you wondered if people who said to slow it down had never played the game, but McD slowed it down on the field and he played the game, so obviously even people who played the game wanted to slow it down.
what baylin, no mention of Orton? I expect that from a certain individual, but you cant be that LOW on the guy can you??? lol (just bustin your chops)…
Marshall as cager…lmfao. I dont forsee a lockout in any event! just my take!
No way Stokely is getting cut. Not with the Decker Injury. And the Royal injury. And Gaff injury. And Demarius Injury. Unless of course he lands on that injury list.
Cant wait for Sunday!
GO BRONCOS 2K10!!!!!!!!!!
Marshall is just a baby in a grown up body, a very good player who unfortunately doesn’t have the brains to go with the talent. I didn’t want him on our team as TRB knows very well since I ran the campaign MARSHALL MUST GO here since last year’s pre season, yeah that long ago, what a dumb arse the things he says. I have no idea how Parcells is going to sit there and take all his antics, eventually something will give and it won’t be pretty.
Your turn TRB, lol.
sndvl, I’ll give you kudos on your boy Orton, he has clearly distanced himself from the competition, and I have voiced that here many times, but I will reserve my judgement about him until the season gets underway, when he no longer wears the “do not touch” red jersey, and DE’s are all over his back, and he has to escape the pressure, and he has to make quick decisions, you get the picture, haha.
Twilight zone, because I agree with McD’s assessment concerning Orton! But you are right, we can carry on this convo when the real whistles are blown!
This is how Legwold saw the worth of the QB’s in today’s practice, you can see why I didn’t bring up the QB’s today, not exactly a stellar report:
Quarterback watch
Kyle Orton — Rebounded some from a difficult set of practices Wednesday. Finished things off with a field-goal drive.
Brady Quinn — Struggled some in the wind early, lost the handle on one pass before his arm came forward in the delivery. Threw a nice deep ball to Patrick Carter, but was picked off by Brian Dawkins.
Tim Tebow — Up and down in terms of accuracy as his release point drops at times. Had a nice rollout play, to his left, in team drills.
blog still messed up!
Baylin would you please throw out Kyles link once again so I can drop him an email,I know a lot of people are very frustrated,including me! thanks.
Glad to see how well Orton and Prater are doing…other than that not much going on today! Watched the Raiders game tonight and they looked terrible as usual! Campbell looked really mediocre! Grankowski or whoever their kicker is missed a 34 yd fieldgoal and their punt returner dropped the punt and Cowboys retrieved it.
They’re definitely looking like they did last year!
On another note, I also watched the Panthers game and Clausen played well!! He doesn’t have that good of awareness and got sacked a few times and threw a pick but he seemed pretty accurate tonight!
If our boy Tebow does better than Clausen I will be sooo stoked!!!
I love me some Broncos Country!
I want to start by saying I HATE the Chargers! who here thinks we can win this devision? I personally feel the chargers have to much going on to be better than 9-7 and thats at best IMO! Without Jackson to make amazing catch after amazing catch Rivers will look like the average QB he is! Go get whats rightfully yours Denver!
Just heard GREAT news Correll Buckhalter is expected back “this week” and will likely play next week against the Lions! What a great relief to get someone back haha!
GO BRONCOS 2010!!!
FTR, Baylin
Are you guys really seriously mad about that statement. What is immature and childish about that. And how is that a distraction. He was probably joking. He jokes all the time. Ive said, “im serious” alot in my jokes. And so what if he is considering a basketball career if theres no more work. As long as it isnt messing with his TC which from the cheers and stuff ive read on the dolphins site, he isnt. And for a guy who people said hated denver, nuggets was the first team to come to mind. Saying he would get boos cuz he is no longer a bronco but he looks forward to a welcome home cheer.
You guys are reaching on this one. Not even worth talking about. This is all my opinion tho. so u know. whatever. TRB out…
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5459355
thats the vid link by the way. The only distraction is how serious the media takes this and runs with it. “distractions” are created by the media. To get fans to watch and worry about distractions. Cuz team members always say they arent distracted. Only thing marshall did wrong was give them something to blow out of proportions so people like FTR and Baylin can bite…..no offense…lol
posting to see!
1nOnlyTRB
Right. I did not blow any thing out of proportion. Nor am I mad. I was just making a statement if anybody’s going overboard here its you–no offense. Leave me out of it Bro.
GO BRONCOS
FTR
Getting rid of Marshall is one less thing to disagree about, haha.
GO BRONCOS!
BFE, here you go:
kyle.sonneman@broncos.nfl.net
Nothing really worthy of commentary so far today, the DP is boring and I can’t wait for after tomorrow:
Pretend game #1 at Cinci
posting to see comments
pretend game #1, I like that, never heard a pre-season game being referred to as a pretend game before. I like it Bay.
Looks like Mount Cody was a monster on the defensive line yesterday, after his offside penalty.