After a short press conference with Head Coach Mike Shanahan, John Lynch officially announced that he is leaving the Broncos to explore other options. The Broncos granted his release.
I have always looked at Lynch as one of the class acts in the NFL. He has been one of my all-time favorite players for as long as I can remember following football. I wish that I could have worked with him more.
47, best of luck in all your future endeavors!
Now on to some of the meat from this morning’s practice.
ATTENDANCE REPORT: After participating in yesterday afternoon’s jog-through practice, Montrae Holland continued to work out on his own this morning. Tom Nalen continued to watch from the sidelines to rest his knee, but he kept his eyes on all the offensive line action. Michael Pittman donned his jersey, but was yet again out of pads. He stuck with the rest of the running backs, observing and giving pointers. Peyton Hillis and Chad Mustard both remained sidelined with their sore hamstrings. Also out of pads was Ebenezer Ekuban. He was on the field watching the action, but not participating.
POSTURING FOR POSITION: Wiegmann continued to work at center with Nalen out, and today he spoke with a couple reporters after practice.
“I’m getting reps in there with the starters, and the important thing is actually me getting used to them,” Wiegmann said. “I have been so used to my guys in Kansas City, so it’s just getting a feel for everybody here. That’s part of camp.”
Jarvis Moss and Marcus Thomas joined Tim Crowder in taking turns rotating in with the first unit D-line during 11-on-11 drills.
Nate Jackson continued to work with the ones, and the quarterbacks continued to look his way. He even split out to the slot or wide receiver position for several plays.
Cecil Sapp got back in the action at fullback, taking many of the snaps at that position. Brett Pierce also rotated in at FB.
The competition at MLB continued with Nate Webster back with the first unit while Niko Koutouvides ran with the twos. At this point, there is no way to even make an educated guess as to who will win the starting job.
Josh Mallard got into the action with the first unit defense as well, rotating in at DT.
FOCAL POINTS: There weren’t as many big plays on either side of the ball as has been the case in earlier practices, nor were there any glaring mistakes. Both the offense and defense looked as if they were focusing on being consistent. If I had to take a side, I would say the offense may have just barely edged out the defense for the top spot this morning.
TAKE AWAYS: Laughter again filled the air as the team went through stretches and breakdowns. It wasn’t a rookie leading the group this time. Instead, the team welcomed one of the training room assistants, Masashi “Mabo” Yamamura. The team chanted “Mabo” and clapped as he led the breakdown, and with his height somewhere in the mid-five-foot range, it was quite a sight to see.
- New to practice were a set of NFL referees who officiated today’s action and will later give a rules seminar to the players. Naturally, anytime a play went wrong, both the offense and defense would call for penalty flags.
- Nate Jackson continued his strong showing at tight end while also splitting out to the slot receiver position. He even split out wide once or twice. Cutler and Ramsey both connected with him several times. In a play of the day contender, Cutler tossed a high ball to Jackson in the corner of the endzone. Both he and Hamza Abdullah went up for the ball, and Abdullah had a shot at the interception, but Hamza missed and instead tipped the ball up into the air. Jackson maintained concentration and was able to haul in the wobbly ball for a touchdown.
- Brett Pierce worked at both tight end and fullback, but his play of the day contender came at TE during 7-on-7 drills. Pierce ran straight down the hashmarks, splitting two defenders, and Cutler launched the ball to him. Pierce made a leaping fingertip grab in tight coverage, tucking the ball as he came down flat on the turf.
- During QB to WR drills, Cutler would always hit Marshall first followed by Royal second on the next play. They seem to be working on building chemistry, and it is working.
- Brandon Stokley beat Dre’ Bly, resulting in a touchdown during WR-DB drills. Bly pleaded with the refs to throw an offensive interference flag but was denied. Stokley taunted the not-so-happy Bly by dancing around a little in the endzone.
- Eddie Royal continues to be a big hit at camp, snaring several tough passes that got the crowd cheering. One the crowd couldn’t see, because it was on the opposite field, may have been his best of the day. In tight coverage, he caught a fastball from Cutler that was thrown behind him as he was falling down. Royal continues to get the first crack at every punt return.
- Anthony Alridge aka “Quick”, as his teammates and coaches call him, practically juked fellow undrafted rookie Wesley Woodyard out of his shoes. After breaking through a hole, Alridge stutter-stepped as Woodyard approached. As Woodyard stepped up to make the tackle, Alridge made a big juke to the right. Woodyard couldn’t adjust and simply fell to the ground.
- The final play of the day contender came when Cutler launched a high ball on a rope to Keary Colbert. Though Karl Paymah had good tight coverage, Colbert went up and snared the ball on his fingertips, hauling it in on a sideline comeback route, tearing his long sleeves in the process.
- The defense had its fair share of big plays as well, beginning with Marcus Thomas. He burst through the O-line and stopped Ryan Torain in the backfield.
- Jack Williams had a strong showing in WR-DB drills. He broke up a couple passes and had Bly encouraging and coaching him from the sideline.
- Domonique Foxworth closed quickly and broke up a bullet of a pass from Darrell Hackney to Royal.
- Selvin Young ran a sweep around the left side and Nate Webster read and followed the play from the beginning. Young barely made it back to the line of scrimmage before Webster shoved him out of bounds.
- Dre’ Bly closed out the morning on a high note by intercepting Patrick Ramsey on the final play of the practice session.
- Finally, it was a record-setting day at Dove Valley, with over 1,100 fans making it out to watch this morning’s session. It really was a huge crowd, and we thank you for coming out to cheer on the Broncos!
- And new news on the John Lynch front…he and Coach Shanahan will be speaking together at the podium outside at 3:30 this afternoon. Make sure you check back here shortly thereafter for all the info!
Pictures to come…
– Adam Zinser, DenverBroncos.com
Tags: Adam Zinser, Casey Wiegmann, Cecil Sapp, Chad Mustard, Domonique Foxworth, Dre Bly, Eddie Royal, Hamza Abdullah, Jack Williams, Jarvis Moss, Jay Cutler, John Lynch, Marcus Thomas, Michael Pittman, Mike Shanahan, Montrae Holland, Nate Jackson, Niko Koutouvides, Patrick Ramsey, Peyton Hillis, Selvin Young, Tim Crowder, Tom Nalen, Training Camp, Uncategorized
Great stuff Adam. Can’t wait for the pictures.
Great work again guys, but you know, we gotta know….what’s up with the rookie Barrett? Does he looked lost most of the time or does he look like he understands the pro game?
hrdnokd: Well Barrett is a rookie, so there is undoubtedly an adjustment to be made. But he has looked good. He plays with intensity and has good speed. There was an article in the Denver Post this morning about him doing well.
I feel sorry for Lynch and wish he would stay, he’s my all-time favorite player even when he was in Tampa.
First they practically tell Lynch to give them money so he can come back to play. Then in freakin camp they don’t at least give him some passing down reps to see where he’s at. It’s obsurd. The Broncos let another great player go.
Maybe John felt that he only had a year, maybe 2 left and he feels the Broncos are in “transition”, so he wants to go to a Super Bowl contender, like his home-town San Diego Chargers. They reported on CBS4 that they spoke to a GM in San Diego and he said he would sign Lynch in a heart beat.
Please John go into broadcasting and don’t play for San Diego! Please I’m begging you
Thanks for the great stuff guys. I cant thank you enough, one cant put a price on the value of this information. Truly a great resource for us who cant make it over to dove valley. I was wondering about Spencer Larsen, has he been getting reps with the second team? I am glad to hear Barrett is doing well, big fan of his and Larsens. Great late round pick ups.
getlynched47… Your not serious I hope. John on passing downs? It seemes that we will always play the best possible players. If there was no exceptions for Atwater do you seriously think we should make an exception for Lynch? Our defense sucked last year for a reason and Im sure John at his current age is not a first team starter on any contending team, period.
UMMM… Why isnt Lynch taking the “anything the coaches want me to do to help the team” approach like so many others (Pittman, Peterson, Foxworth, Royal, Kuper, etc) have? Shame on him.
Adam is there any news on CLEM? I know hes a project but his measurables make it interesting. I’ve seen camp blurbs on everyone but him. I know his frame makes it an obvious Marshall comparison and Im not expecting that.
Also it seems like the 07′ D-lineman are working their way into the Ones quickly. Whats the real 7 day report on How Moss, Crowder, Thomas play the run? Play the Pass? Are they shedding blocks consistently? Are they getting past Clady/Kuper consistently?
Is Kuper playing with a cast? I heard he broke his hand a few days back.
Hows Harris look at RG?
allo57: I would love to answer your question about CLEM, but neither I nor anyone in our office here knows who you are talking about. Could you please let me know who you are referring to?
As far as the second-year D-linemen, they have had very solid camps thus far. It’s far too early to say anything like, “They’re pushing for starting jobs,” but they have been impressive. Mostly they are rotating in when first unit guys like Dumervil and Engelberger need a rest. Moss, Crowder and Thomas have all had their moments, with Thomas coming on especially strong lately. They have been able to get into the backfield.
As for Kuper, he does have a cast on his hand. It’s one of those monster club casts that looks like one swing could knock someone flat out. But, he has not really missed any time on the field.
And Harris plays at RT, not RG. He has looked good and has said recently that he feels he is doing a good job, but there is still a lot to learn. It’s still a competition for that RT spot.
what are the odds that royal could start over stokley this year? also is selvin young the clear cut starter? who is the leading receiver to the 2 spot - jackson or colbert? with royal stepping up i would like to see some 5 wide this year.
I dont know but losing John Lynch’s leadership leaves only Baily and Bly and Williams but they lead by example John is the vocal leader of the defense. If Lynch was a bit bigger he could take reps at the linebacker position but since he is only 220 he is probably going to be a situational player for any team at the safety position its really too bad i dont think he is past his prime yet i still think he has a little left in the tank but if shanahan wont let him play in coverage i dont think you can argue he has a keen eye for talent like cutler marshal elvis all in one draft, the foundation so he probably knows what he is doing even if it is classless in my opinion and disrespectful to a future hall of famer. What i want to know is if Selvin is getting beat out by Anothony Aldridge i mean every day it seems you guys say he made a big play.
I would also like to know if Foxworth has any chance of taking the starting job from Dre Bly and if Jack Williams has looked solid in camp?
Im sure allo57’s referring to the DLineman project Nic Clemons! I would like to know what the team/staff are thinking about Woodyard and Polumbus? Any thoughts or updates?
columbusOHbronco: At this point, anything is possible at the WR spot. There are 11 wideouts on the roster, and seven of them (Colbert, Jackson, Marshall, Martinez, Parker, Royal and Stokley) have worked with the first unit at times. Thus far, D-Jack has taken the most reps with the first unit, but it’s still very intense.
The same goes for RB. Selvin is the incumbent starter based on what he did in 2007. He is getting the majority of the first unit reps, but he has a stable of capable guys behind him.
HOGblog: I thought of Nic Clemons, but then he made a comparison to Marshall, so I’m lost. Hopefully he can clear that up so I can be of some help.
Woodyard has looked good in camp and really has a nose for the ball. He did get schooled pretty good today by Alridge, as I mentioned in the blog. But he has been making the most of his opportunity, and only time will tell.
Polumbus has the body type of a prototypical Broncos lineman, and he is still getting his feet wet at this point. He is getting reps and learning the system. The zone blocking scheme out here will take a while for anyone, rookie or 10-year vet, to learn. He will be a guy to watch, in terms of how he adjusts during preseason games and as camp continues.
Nate Jackson actually has a use *shock*, hopefully he stay healthy.
Lorne Sam? He’s a big guy, could be a physical receiver–and I haven’t heard one word about him.
Great…..so we are just going to flat out CUT Johnny? I will be sooooooo pissed if he goes to another team and has a great year. DO NOT let him go to a division rival. I think you take the starting job 4
Mason who?! Great blog guys, we haven’t had it this good in years.
Adam im still having trouble figuring out which RB is the real deal here. I know Selvin is good and is expected to start…. but is Torain expected to get a large roll in this offense for his rookie season? Also, Michael Pittman seems like he would be more suited to be a 20 + carries a game back than any other RB we have…. what’s your take on all of this?
Thanks Broncsman, I was flying through that post and Flopped his name.
(probably thinking baout Clemons who I have seen some reviews on)
Lorne Sam was profiled on The Broncos site a few weeks back and since then I hadnt seen a word written about him.
Sorry Adam, any news?
Thanks for responding to the rest of the post.
PS- I thought it was reported that Harris was taking reps at RG with Holland out of practices?
i really really really dont like the decision to let lynch go.. not only on a talent stand point (say what you want but he was definately the best safety on our team) but also all the experience and leadership he brings.. he was the most experienced player on defence and now with him and rod, and even Al gone the team is going to have to do some searching for the next big leader of the team.. you’ll be missed john
lynch4prez,
what would you do? keep him under contract and MAKE him play his role?
Lynch has requested the move, not the staff.
I think hes being a little unreasonable after a week of camp.
And if there are better options in our pass coverage packages, dont you want those guys on the field?
We will find out shortly what the resulting situation is.
i hope john LYNCH will play for another team this year. also…. ANYWHERE BUT SAN DIEGO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What about Hillis? I think he has the potential to be a real sleeper.
Broncsman and allo57: I wish I could tell you more about Lorne Sam. He is a quiet young guy, but he has the physical attributes to be a WR in this league. He has been working out there everyday, consistently. I think we will see more after next week’s preseason game. The same goes for Nic Clemons on the D-line. And if Harris has been taking those reps, I have not seen them. He very well may have been, but I try to get this blog out as soon as practice breaks.
stephanie_hollis: Thank you very much for the compliment! We are working hard here to provide what y’all want.
bronc fan in WA: At this point, I’d have to say each of the guys could be the real deal. They all have great skills and have flashed big play potential. Young is the incumbent who surprised us all last year. Pittman is the savvy proven vet. Hall exploded onto the scene against Chicago last year. Torain and Alridge are very different, but both could easily play major roles. We all know how Coach Shanahan loves his running backs, so it is up in the air.
Eeeeeeeeeeenooooouuuughhhh, Already!
People,……. I know this looks bad and doesn’t make sense to some…..but all enthusiasm aside, all ‘fair wishing’ and super bowl hopes aside….The NFL is a Corporation, not a high school team, or college team. It …. Is …. A …. Business….. A B-U-S-I-N-E-S-S….., some of us keep forgetting that! Of course We acknowledge Lynch is a HOF’r, I personally know he’s still got it in Him to be a force. Our organization has a vision with John intended, John also has a ‘warrior’s vision’ of himself and how He feels he can compete. As we learned with Chad Johnson, the athlete can have a different perception of “a teams vision”….look no further than the Favre saga, case and point. The reality is this, Bottom line…..ITS A BUSINESS. Maybe John felt like it was a hint by not putting him in Nickel or Dime packages with the first team, maybe he feels that he can’t take a back up role. Whether this is true or not, we will soon find out.
However, for us older but still got something in the tank athletes, it’s emotional…..very emotional. We wrestle with this paradigm in all sports…and this is a crossroads. If my ability was deemed as starter material, and my attributes supports it, yeah I wanna start. If it makes me feel like a “needed” warrior , then I wanna play where I “feel needed” not just where I can be.
Sure we all can say, “take one for the team”, but the Honest to G’d truth, not everyone is a Rod Smith type of Athlete, and for the record, I’m not saying John doesn’t possess Class, quite contrary. It is a Business…….and in this case, ……….It really is “emotional and Personal”. Let’s see what John says, before we go slinging comments around, heh???
John, whatever you do, May G’d bless you and your family!!!
Thanks for helping us “hold our own” for the last few years……IT COULD HAVE BEEN A LOT WORSE, and we were fortunate to have you. If you decide to once more listen to your ‘Gut feeling’ like you did when you were a free agent and decide to stay, you Will get that ever elusive “one last ring” that you truly deserve.
As for everyone else, I apologize if I’ve offended, that was not my intention, but rather ……to offer a little insight from a Player’s point of view, and not just an outside of the field opinion.
I was at the morning session and I have to say I am pretty excited about this team. I paid close attention to : Torain, Royal, Clady, and Jackson.
Torain looks real good IMO. Clady seemed to be pretty strong but nothing made me say wow! Then again not too many o-lineman will blow you away.
Jackson I had to watch. I am notorious for blasting the poor sap on the forums for being a consistent barnacle on the pine. Yesterday Shanny raved about him being “consistent” and a “guy [they] could count on.” Huh?!?!? News to me! The guy is always hurt. But he did look good at practice this morning.
The more camp goes along the more it looks like this team will have an embarassment of riches at the TE position-which is definitely good news.
GO BRONCOS!
docwho: Though Hillis has missed the last several days with a sore hamstring, he has looked like he could be a sleeper like you say. He may be a seventh-rounder, but that is more a product of the NFL not using fullbacks as much. It does not reflect his ability. If you check out his stats, he not only blocked for two 1,000-yard rushers at Arkansas but also put up some numbers on his own.
How is sammie Parker doing? With his speed and cutlers arm, I think he could be our best deep threat
slimwigg: He has shown flashes, and everyone knows he has ridiculous wheels. Earlier this offseason he and Anthony Alridge raced, with Parker edging out the rookie RB. He has made some nice grabs in practice, including a couple today and yesterday.
Hey Adam thanks for the in-depth reports.
Just wondering who you think will end up winning the #2 WR spot from what you’ve seen so far? I hear a lot of good things about Jackson and Royal.
hey adam,
what can you tell us about Manuel Padilla, that guy we have on our international practice squad? Is he out there practicing? If so, how does he look. That guy has some major eye brows on him!
Well I am at the airport about to hop on a plane to head back to my hometown of Nashville, TN, for my sister’s wedding, so I’ll be out of pocket through the weekend. Until then, check out the top of my blog today for my salute to John Lynch, and stay tuned for more from my colleagues Jake Grilley, Gray Caldwell and Kyle Sonneman.
Just to clear one thing up, Ryan Harris has been playing at the right tackle position with the first unit offensive line thus far in camp. Chris Kuper has been playing right guard.
Here here west coast. I got one thing to say nobody would give Lynch the time of day four years ago the broncos did and the fans accepted him and his family with open arms and this is how he shows respect back? Ohhhh woe is me I am not playing every down boo hoo hoo. I don’t like you anymore i am leaving so bah! For being almost forty i have never seen such an immature act in my life, I hope he does play in our division so we can put him on his butt. Tonight I burn the jersey of a traitor, He is stricken from Broncos history. See ya Lunchy don’t let the door hit ya where the good lord split ya.
I just watched the video of John leaving and have to tell you I have a totally different view of John know. Tell me what the difference between John and Javon Walker? Because we dont hand him the position he wants to quit on his team? How about fighting for the position like everyone else and being ready when your coach calls your number? Bronco bloggers do not even think about defending him. He is a glorified Javon Walker. SAD!
John Lynch=leader? I don’t think that is how a leader behaves. Shannaha=leader! I salute you coach, a class act! Makes me proud to be a Broncos fan! Hope Lynch is counting his lucky stars that he didn’t play for a classless team like the Packers.
It’s sad to have to say good-bye to ‘ol 47.We are all gonna miss JL back there heat seeking someone to lay the BOOM on.Yes,you do have a point.This is a new and improved bronco unit.With that said,nothing is a given.Like the late James Brown said “If you don’t work,You can’t eat,so I feel you.Javon was a joke!!! It was obvious that he was out for self.We will see him week 1,tighten up your chin strap because were coming at you J-Dubb,That is if your weak work ethics can earn you a spot!!!