The Broncos picked up the pace in Saturday’s walkthrough practice.
The team worked on its hurry-up offense, forcing the players to jog to the line of scrimmage during the the early portion of the session.
Offensive Coordinator Mike McCoy was giving constant instruction to his offense, repeating the amount of timeouts left and a particular down-and-distance he wanted his unit to work through.
Defensive Coordinator Dennis Allen emphasized communication as he sent various packages onto the field. The energetic coordinator was the only one on the field who got some actual running in as he sprinted to the huddle to give instructions.
The team later settled back into its normal routine as they walked through the playbook and finished the practice with some special teams work, as players participated in a punt-block drill and worked on blocking assignments during kick returns.
Here are some other notes and observations from the session:
Eddie Royal participated in the walkthrough with the first-team offense after sitting out the morning practice.
Brodrick Bunkley — who also missed the morning practice — watched the walkthrough from the sidelines.
Head Coach John Fox stopped by for a brief chat with media and revealed that team captains will be voted on a game-by-game basis as opposed to naming season-long captains.
Matt Willis brought down a nice one-handed catch on a sharply thrown ball.
Brandon Lloyd spent some time working on his batting stance when he was off to the sideline, and Knowshon Moreno had some fun showing fellow running back LenDale White dance moves during a break in the action.
A candidate for best throw of the session came from none other than left tackle Ryan Clady, who took part in a contest with quarterbacks Kyle Orton and Brady Quinn to hit the crossbar from 25 yards out. Orton and Quinn failed to hit the target, but Clady stepped up, drilled the crossbar and made sure to celebrate. Afterwards, he got some congratulatory high-fives from both Orton and Quinn.
The players have the day off tomorrow, and Coach Fox apparently told the players they have the rest of the evening off as well, as there was an audible cheer as they broke the huddle.
The Broncos are back on the practice fields at Dove Valley in a session open to the public Monday afternoon from 2:20 to 5 p.m.
-Max Henson
Tags: Training Camp
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BTW, it is extremely rare that TRB and I agree on peronnel issues, and here we agree on the 4 TEs, amazing! We must be onto something….
you must be onto…….. release nate jones day!
We are going to run the ball more than we are going to throw it hence blocking TEs are a huge part of the deal. It’s going to be hard to keep 2 TEs on the roster, Virgil and Thomas, who haven’t gotten much of a clue how to block yet.
Interesting having game-by-game captains. I’m not entirely sure if I dig the thought but maybe it will be more appealing to the players themselves.
Brian, how on earth did you manage to get on a computer on a weekend?
Well that might be the case but the rumor was that the Dolphins werent budging on giving up more than a 4th rounder and Denver declined (McNabb was traded for a 4th and a player i believe) and Denver thought Orton was worth alot more….
also i was impressed with WLB #48 Braxton Kelly late in the game he seemed to be all over the place and in the right places…UNLIKE Mike Muhamed who should be 1 of the first cuts IMO
Where did anyone see us planning on only keeping 3 tight ends? I’ve been trying to find a link where Fox stated that but with no luck. All I’ve seen is the denverpost (back on July 31) saying we had the potential to keep 5-6 tight ends. Which I definitely don’t agree with.
I’m not sold on us completely changing our offensive scheme. While I think we are going to run the ball a lot more, I don’t think it is going to be an extreme change. In Carolina, Fox had NO quarterback and NO receivers… hence he ran the ball a bunch. In Denver we have a capable set of QBs and solid weapons on the outside.
Yeah I brought that up earlier but nobody bit. Anyway I believe it’s just his approach to the team too, he doesn’t know what he’s got yet, it’s like he is trying to figure it out and he is not willing to lock anybody at any starting position or captaincy long term, he is wanting to have everybody get a fair shot to show who can really stand out on his team, at least I’m hoping that’s his approach, specially with the QQ.
While it is an extreme situation, if Fox had Peyton Manning I’m pretty sure he’d be slinging the ball around the field more than he did with Delhomme, Claussen, and Matt Moore. Just a thought
Brian
My thoughts as well on the captains deal…I think the players would like to have a set occupancy on that … of course with D J Williams being striped of his last year it will be interesting when or if he is
Clausen**
The captain title is a bit overrated to me. If Champ Bailey has something to say, people are going to listen whether he is the captain or not. Same goes for Ryan Clady, Brian Dawkins, Mario Haggan, and Elvis.
The week to week thing is fine with me. Kind of gives players an incentive to work harder to earn the title each week.
quick note:John Fox will be on NFL total access “Broncos Cam” Monday night at 7 et
HOF..the Panthers have Steve Smith arguably a top 5 WR in the NFL.
just saying.
I’m kind of for the whole captain thing in general. I know Fox is a “player’s coach” but a team captain not only demonstrates class and athletic talent, he also provides a voice for the team and an ear for the other players. Sometimes I think players don’t really care too much about “captains” but I think that you always want a “good” captain and someone who is willing to represent the team for what it is worth.
baylinorcrush: There was some bug with my computer because I couldn’t get on at home just at work, but now I can get on at home as long as I behave myself. LOL
The DenverPost considered Fells AND Rosario to be “proven blockers”. Having 3 blocking tight ends seems unecessary considering a 3 tight end set is hardly ever used. Most teams throw in another tackle in the goal line formation.
Show me a two tight end set with Green and Thomas in the red zone. If Orton can’t hit one of those huge targets then… I’d be speechless lol. But it would create favorable matchups for us in the red zone.
True BFE he is talented. That receivers comment wasn’t a shot at him. Receivers 2-4 on that team have been horrible for the past few years. Plus he has had his own health issues throughout as well. No QB on that roster has figured out how to get him the ball consistently either. Hence why the running game was a huge staple for that team.
My point is that we are much more balanced than his Carolina teams the past few seasons. Hopefully we are a 50/50 or a 55/45 run to pass team.
65 catches in 2009
46 catches in 2010
I wouldn’t call him a top 5 wideout anymore, but that’s obviously more a result of not having a capable QB
Yea i know bay, when we agree, chances are its a good thought process because we usually dont on personell lol.
In Quinns defense, he was never used in the pass game cuz McDaniels used TE’s as lawn ornaments. His first reception came after McDaniels was fired from Tebow, I remember the reception very well cuz i was like Holy $h*+ Quinn is still alive? lol. For all we know he is a phenomenal reciever (doubt it lol) … Vernon Davis first couple of years he was used primarily as a blocker, it wasn’t till after a while he had that break out year as a receiver. Its the reason greg olsen was traded to carolina (for the record I woulda happily traded a 3rd for Greg Olsen lol). But I agree he never should have been a 2nd round draft pick. Quinn can block but in McDaniels scheme no one looked like they could block lol.
Fells and rosario being proven blockers is cool. Probably why they will start. Fells can catch too for a big man. Like 48 receptions last year, and rosario is a receiving TE. For the record i was watchign the first drive again, OMG Julius Thomas was so lost when it came to blocking lol, but the kid will get it, he has alot of untapped potential lol.
either way as long as gronkowski doesn’t make it im good lol.
and yea yea wearmr we know … release nate jones. TRB out…
The reason greg olsen being traded over to carolina being that Mike Martz doesn’t use TEs.
For the record, Fox is primarily run, but i think there will be alot of pass love. McCoy has been bit by the McDaniel bug so im sure we will have a good does of running and passing. We just havent revealed much in preseason, not to mention only one game. From all the trickeration pass plays ive heard about in camp … best believe we will be passing with our amazing recieving core. We won’t just be ho hum running, there will be some aerial excitement, but you win the game by running the ball, and its not surprise Fox puts and emphasis on running the ball because like any other D minded coach, he understands that the defense needs to rest and the best way to have your defense be effective is by running the ball well. But our core of receivers and TEs are too tempting. We will pass. TRB out…
I agree on losing Gronkowski, he`ll be waived I`m sure.
Agreed TRB. We have the weapons, it’d be foolish not to use them. I expect a balanced attack. An improved run game is going to open up a lot more in the passing game. We were like a 60/40 pass to run team last year. No reason why we shouldn’t be 50/50 this year.
I have a feeling it will be 60/40 with the pass on the 60 side, we have to many weapons in our pass game. Also if you notice running 2/3 of the time leads to 3 and outs. Most of our 3 and outs were run run pass. Also I see Thomas making the team but Virgil Green even though I like him has not shined enough, I am still hoping that he makes it, I could see him being a Mercedes Lewis type of player it’s just trying to get it out of him. As for the team captains I don’t like the idea, I see the captains like team or squad leaders in the army, you go to them for anything you need and if they are good you will want to follow them and they will lead you. Now if that changes weekly then you have weeks where you have a captain you don’t feel is good enough for the job.
@ 1nOnlyTRB – one reason I watched that Dal game was to see a glimmer of that orange crush we’ve been promised is coming back. Who knows though right? I don’t like comparing players to players but i had a few John Lynch flash backs when I saw McCarthy running around making plays. He seems like he is getting smarter about the game. I hope to see McCarthy get even better.
IMO we might be in trouble at the TE spot if Daniel Fells is #1 on the depth chart, he lost his starting job last year to a rookie and is at best an ok blocker and his career ave per catch is 6 yds…hardly something to be desired..
The young DBs will always go to Champ and Dawk for advice and follow their lead. Whether or not they are the captains by title or not, that’s how it will be. I see football in that way, there are veterans at each position that the young guys will look up to and seek out for advice. Then you have the guys that will command an entire room regardless of position. Dawk, Champ, Doom, Woodyard, Clady, Orton (Ayers tweeted that he has the respect of the locker room and whatnot so I’ll go with it)
It’d be cool to reward a guy like Decker who works extra hard one week in practice to be the captain that week. Gives the young guys an opportunity to lead and develop into leaders down the road for this team
Marty, I hope he works out, he is showing potential i didn’t see last year.
CladyBunch, while i agree with your assesment of Fells, he is probably the best blocker we have now with the loss of Graham, and with his 272lbs frame im even surprised he can catch. He is mainly here for blocking, and he is a stop gap TE which is why we signed him for only 1 year until our Rookie TEs can learn up on the intricacies of blocking and acquire 1 year experience. Fells will likely not be here next year, and he was an undrafted TE for a reason, he is good enough but nothing stallar.
As far as the weekly captain, i think its silly, i feel like just name a captain and get it over with. Altho i don’t even care much for the whole captain thing but it exists in like every sport. But i think consistency at Captain is good. Only thing this will do is give multiple players chances to be captain, so they experience and understand the responsibilities (watever they are) instead of just always willing to be a follower and never a leader … people get complacent that way.
TRB out…
There may be perks in house that we are not aware of with being named a captain.
A little extra incentive to work harder in practice, meetings, film study, game time!!! Even off the field. Which is sorely needed. Because frankly, a lot of bad news with off field activities has struck our team.
I like it. It’s innovative, conducive to a positive work environment and most of all- holds each member of the team accountable. Fairly
It’s like the employee of the month recognition, only on a weekly basis!
I know Darren Shaper is an old 35 and was hurt half the year last year but if were looking for some depth at FS and possible upgrade at position why not give him a look he’s always been a ball hawk and knows the system being he played for Allen in New Orleans, just a thought
Sndvl i like the assesment on the captain opinion…I wish we had captains like we had in Al Wilson…he took it very seriously
I’m devastated. I’ve been camping since Wednesday, and have been looking forward to my DVR of the game upon my return. I just got settled, turned on the tube to watch the game and it didnt record! Now I have to wait until Wednesday. Dammit!
I know this aint some incredible thought here, but WR Anderson just may be our 3rd down answer. Since it is obvious imo that our TE’s wont be used utilized as a good 3rd and short to mid range option in this system. If Anderson can stay healthy from the slot, he can be the answer. Screens and wide out 0 patterns just don’t cut it anymore in the league going against any defense that can tackle. With the absence of an effective short yardage catching TE, we are headed for continued drama on 3rd down. We HAVE to have that guaranteed 4 yard opportunity. Running and passing. Average just 4 yds a play, and there you go Ball Control heaven.
Anderson could contribute, fact that Texans were willing to release him and then later sign a guy in Devard Darling that hadnt played since 08 makes ya think they werent impressed, but ya never know i guess.
I’m not taking up for what Prater did (DUI,hit and run,plus leaving the scene of an accident,hitting a parked car,btw) but I don’t see how in the Hell you can convict a man for DUI,afterwards at a hotel,giving him a sobriety test when he wasn’t even in the car when he was given the test,I thought the police had to see you driving the vehicle before they could charge you with DUI.I’ve seen several cases thrown outta court because the Officer didn’t see the driver behind the wheel.
Maybe I don’t know all the facts here,but it seems like a clear case of no proof to me,even if there were witness’s…….
Although the laws in Colorado may be different than in TN!
Baylin
ya got thinking about the Orton deal with Dolphins and actually came across a few articles that stated the deal didnt happen basically cause Broncos were asking to much, but then again who really knows why…
Beast
I’ve read / heard that the stripper he was with rat’d on him, if that helps ya any…but i get the whole “caught in act” theory
This might be the deciding factor of Thomas or Green making our team.
At tight end, Richard Quinn is out two to four weeks because of a strained medial collateral ligament.
When the Orton messed up trade deal to Miami was all said and done that is what was reported from people like Klis and Legwold who quoted reliable organization sources, Orton was the one who wouldn’t budge on the money so the draft pick compensation was never even discussed and I believe that rather than the hundreds of articles you read that likely didn’t have any inside information. Sure that’s what we were led to believe all along by the media just like you, I included I must confess, but we got set straight on the matter at the end and I would of thought most bloggers remembered that, you must of missed it, it was about a week after the debacle. Now Klis and Legwold suck about cap numbers, haha, but in matters like these I usually can trust them.
And about TE Quinn hurt, yeah, that was two days before the Dallas game, the only reason we didn’t see him in that game and others got his reps.
I hear ya, were all intittled, but I can tell ya 1 person I heard say Denver
was asking 2 much was John Clayton and I know he is credible