Well, it’s official. Brandon Marshall has started taking over training camp, and Saturday was certainly B. Marsh day. It’s only fitting that two receivers — Eddie Royal and Lorne Sam — opened up practice with a dancing breakdown, because the wide outs took care of business this morning in front of a crowd of 1,744 fans.
ATTENDANCE REPORT: Hamza Abdullah watched practice from the sidelines with a groin…Boss Bailey was out of pads with a right knee…Chad Mustard remained out of pads with a right hamstring…Tom Nalen sat out with a left knee…Montrae Holland continued watching practice from the sidelines after working out with Rich Tuten…Michael Pittman and Peyton Hillis were back in uniform this morning.
Spencer Larsen also missed practice — his wife is having a baby.
POSTURING FOR POSITION: Niko Koutouvides was handling the first unit Mike linebacker duties today. The second team safeties were Roderick Rogers and Josh Barrett, who had a big day on the field.
FOCAL POINTS: The offense ran through its “rally” offense a little early in practice, working on hurrying up to the line and spiking the ball. Rather than one-on-ones with DBs vs. WRs, the entire units lined up against each other for several drills. The team once again worked on its 4-minute drill during 11-on-11 drills. It was a big day for the field goal unit — more on that later.
TAKE AWAYS: It seemed like Marshall was involved in almost every key play Saturday morning. Early on he caught a long spiral from Jay Cutler over Dre’ Bly on the sideline, then later it was virtually the same play but over the middle — Marshall just turned around and jumped, making it look easy.
During one of the WR vs. DB drills, Marshall ran to the middle of the endzone, turned and made a diving catch at the front corner in front of Domonique Foxworth. He got up and ran back to the receiver huddle yelling in celebration. Fox and Marshall had some great battles — in the other endzone during a similar drill, Foxworth had perfect coverage but Cutler rocketed the ball into Marshall’s hands, and it looked like he wouldn’t be able to hold on but as he fell he continued tipping the ball until he gained control as he hit the ground. Foxworth fell on top of him and put him in a playful headlock as coaches yelled, “Nice catch!” and “Good coverage, Foxy!”
And those were just the biggest plays. Marshall was all over the field this morning.
- With one of the biggest crowds so far in training camp in attendance, Matt Prater stepped up to his spot behind the line during field goal drills. He casually knocked in his first eight attempts — two from 35, two from 39, two from 42 and two from 46 yards out. Then Head Coach Mike Shanahan called him back a few yards and had him kick again. Prater lined it up, knocked it straight and made a 59-yard field goal with plenty of distance. The crowd erupted.
But Prater wasn’t done. He backed it up nine more yards and banged home a 68-yarder split right through the uprights. That got everyone pretty fired up. In other words, Prater finished 10-for-10 from 35-68 yards.
- Soon after Prater’s field goal clinic, Cutler launched a ball toward the secondary, but it was tipped at the line. Nate Jackson adjusted and snatched the ball out of mid-air, then Barrett laid a big hit on him that dropped him to the ground — Jackson held on to the ball, however.
That wasn’t the last Jackson-Barrett collision. During a goal-line play, Cutler threw a quick pass out to Jackson who made it to the three-yard line before Barrett clobbered him out of bounds. Barrett said after practice he might have been a little overzealous, but luckily Jackson is the kind of guy who can laugh it off.
- Marshall wasn’t the only receiver to get involved. Stokley had a couple nice catches over the middle, and the tight ends got into the action as well. Brett Pierce made another tough over-the-shoulder catch, just two days after making a big diving grab in front of a couple defenders. Jackson made his big plays, Daniel Graham caught two bullets from Cutler over the middle including one for a touchdown, and Tony Scheffler caught a long bomb from Darrell Hackney on a play action play that had the tight end running all alone down the middle of the field for a touchdown.
- The defense wasn’t totally outdone, however. Barrett had his big hits, and Domonique Foxworth made up for his tough battles with Marshall with an interception towards the end of practice. What made the play even more interesting was what happened just before it. Abdullah was talking with Montrae Holland on the sideline, and told him to watch the next play closely. “If they even look in his direction, Fox is going to pick it off,” he said. After the play he celebrated a little — “Told you! Told you!”
BIRTHDAY BOY: Pro Scouting / Director of Special Services Fred Fleming celebrated a birthday today. Fred is an integral member of the organization who patrols the sidlines between the two practice fields, making sure the media behaves itself.
QUOTABLE: “Until I do it in a game, there’s going to be questions. But hopefully I’ll get the opportunity and do well.”
- Matt Prater, on his 68-yard field goal.
-Gray Caldwell, DenverBroncos.com
Tags: Brandon Marshall, Gray Caldwell, Josh Barrett, Matt Prater, Spencer Larsen
WOW! Prater had to be happy with his performance! But no matter how good he looked, he still has to do it in a game. I just can’t wait for game time. The offence is going to be fun to watch, and I think the defense will be much improved. LUV DEM BRONCOS!!!
two questions for you Gray.
1. How is Clady doing? I’ve been hearing that he’s put a lot of defenders flat on the ground. Does he seem to be ready to start at left tackle right away?
2. I haven’t heard much from Darrell Jackson, and from the sound of it, it looks like Keary Colbert is headed to the #2 receiving position. Is that true?
I would appreciate a reply. Thanks and good job guys
Were these field goals contested? Was the defense on the field, trying to disrupt/block the kicks, or were they essentially kickoffs where he was aiming for the uprights? Either way, impressive, but much more impressive if the defense was actually playing.
ROGER GOODELL please dont suspend marshall!
getlynched–
Clady is definitely playing very well in camp, and has put some defenders on the ground, including Elvis Dumervil a couple of practices ago. I’m not in the coaching meetings, but Clady has been working with the first unit offensive line since day 1, so all things point to him looking pretty good at that left tackle position.
As far as Darrell Jackson, he’s been consistent. He goes out and catches the ball during practices and doesn’t make too many mistakes. Right now, Jackson has been running as the No. 2 receiver, not Colbert. But as with every competition, that one is still pretty open and up for debate as camp rolls on.
Dave–
The defense was actually playing, everyone was lined up. Clearly the defense wasn’t actively trying to run in and block it, but he still had to kick it above the line of defenders — it wasn’t just a line drive or something. So yeah, it was pretty impressive, even the media was amazed at the distance.
-Gray
Good to hear that Prater has that kind of range. Also good the hear that B-Marsh is looking like the beast that he his (now if he can just stay out of trouble). When are the cowgirls comin’ to town? I’m really looking forward to reading this blog and hearing your thoughts on how the Broncos look against the cowpukes. Hey, maybe Jessica Simpson will come along with Romo (if she does we will need pictures, of course
).
Glad to hear Hillis returned to practice. Any word on how he and Royal looked today?
Didn’t notice who replaced Abdullah on the first team, did you Gray?
Sounds like a god camp so far. I was curious I keep hearing alot about Barrett. Does he have a shot at starting? I like Mcree but he is barely over 200lbs. With Shanny’s system doesn’t he like to bring down that safety to put 8 men in the box? Is Mcree considered just a coverage safety? If so hopefully Barrett will get the start on our 4-3 and Mcree on the Nickell and Dime defense!
OH GOD I LOVE THE BRONCOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! cANT WAIT!
so whats our deal with the linebackers? williams is obviously our number 1 guy….. but whats the competition like between Boss, Niko, and Webster?
navy_bronco_fan–
The Broncos play the Cowboys in their first home preseason game on Aug. 16…the two teams will practice against each other on the 13th and 14th, though those sessions are closed to the public. We’ll definitely keep you updated on how all that goes, and CLEARLY if ol’ miss Jessica is here, we’ll get some shots of that. That would be pretty interesting.
Javalon–
Hillis was at practice today dressed out but didn’t get involved too much, they’re probably trying to make sure he recovers fully from the hamstring that was bothering him. As far as Royal, he has been a playmaker. He had a practice a day or two ago that he made a ton of leaping, diving, miraculous catches, so just go skim back through some of the other blogs to check up on that. Today he was solid, a couple catches though not one of the best plays of the day.
maceano–
Barrett has had a solid camp, especially lately. He seems to be catching on quickly — he’s had a strip and fumble recovery on Scheffler, a couple big hits today on Nate Jackson and a ton of pass breakups. As far as starting, he’s been getting most of his reps with the second unit lately, and with Hamza Abdullah being the incumbent starter and two veteran free agents in Marlon McCree and Marquand Manuel, one would think he’s got a few people in front of him.
As far as McCree, he is definitely not just a coverage safety, he’s been known to throw down some seriously big hits on occasion. With the Panthers in 2005 he was second on the team with 95 tackles, and he had 75 tackles last year with the Chargers. He has 16 career interceptions, so he can handle some coverage as well.
bronc fan in WA–
D.J. Williams and Boss Bailey have consistantly gotten reps with the first unit on defense, with Niko Koutouvides and Nate Webster splitting the duties at Mike linebacker with that squad. So far in camp it looks like the biggest competition will be at that middle linebacker spot, and neither man has pulled away so far, at least according to coaches. Jamie Winborn and Louis Green have been playing the outside ‘backer spots with the second unit, so it appears to be a pretty deep group.
Keep ‘em coming…
-Gray
hey gray,
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! Have you seen those bad boys?
Is there any updates on this kid, Lorne Sam? He seems to have th physical size, and athletic skills? He’s played many positions, but I cant believe he would be a WR for Fla St., and not have some talents…thoughts? Does he look any good? Is he a threat to play this year?
Thanks Gray for answering my questions! It sucks we have so much talent this year in camp. I know cuts are coming soon and it is gonna suck seeing some go. I really like Aldrige who would had speed to our running game, but dont know about his chances sticking around. I also like Peyton and hope he is around for awhile! I am a lil unsure about Nate Webster I dont want this to sound bad but I always kinda thought him to be a backup! Last year he and Ian gold blew many assignments. I hope the D comes through thats what wins ball games. Any word on Nalen to see how long he is going to be out? We need him! I thought Niko was supposed to be this huge force at the mike position. I heard the only reason he didnt start in seattle was because Tatupu is there and of course he is not going to start in front of him. CMON D!!! Also why all the shifts at tight end? Are Graham and Tony still our #1′s?
YEAH if jessica simpson is at the practices when the cowgirls come, Plz get some pictures
gray, whats up with the tailback position is selvin still the clear cut number one or is someone else catching up with him. do you think we will have that one guy this year that can lead us to playoffs and put up big numbers or are we just going to be rb by commity. if we are running back by commity this year then we need to make a move and try to get a great free agent or trade up and get beanie wells. its time to find the guy who can lead us for next 8 to 10 years.
Nice job, guys. That’s all I can say. Hopefully, the Broncos perform at a high level once they take to the field because as things appear now, everything whould work out fine.
Anyone hear the the final word from the commis. on Marshall?
2007 N.F.L. SEASON BELONGS TO THE DENVER BRONCOS, SUPER BOWL XL111 WORLD CHAMPIONS, BRING IT ON HOME JAY, ITS YOUR TURN TO GO TO DISNEY LAND M.V.P. SIPER BOWL XL111 CHAMPION.
IN MEMORIE OF D. WILLIAMS #27 R.I.P. WIN IT FOR D.
DENNIS ZIMBELMAN
DENVER,COLORADO.
hey now,
love the enthusiasm, but 2007 season went to the pats, and the super bowl champs were the giants for that season. 2008 NFL season can still be ours and Jay is gonna tear it up this year! Him and hopefully marshall. The commish says the decision on marshall is coming up soon.
Thanks jazzyfrizzle. Congrats to Zimmerman , but when are the rest of the HAll of fame Broncos going to be recognized? Gradishar,Meckleberk, Dan Reeves(three super bowls with lowsy teams) The whole 98 O line Louie Wright. TD should be a first ballot pick but rumors are he wont because of the shortness of his career. Whats up Denver we need to mobilize and get the hall to recognize us more! I’ve already e-mailed them my thoughts lets see how many we can get. Don
NFL.com reported that this week marshall will be suspended for three weeks for breaking the NFL’s personal conduct policy, but they could shorten the suspension to two weeks if he agrees to go to counseling during his suspension. which of coarse I am sure he will do what ever he has to do to get back on the field. It will be tough for him to catch 100 balls in 14 games. But my hope is that he learns his lesson, because he has amazing talent and is looking good this far. The good news is he will be able to play in the preseason games. So lets hope our other WR’s can step it up for a few weeks, because we will be without #15 against the raiders and chargers. GO BRONCS!
just heard that marshall will suspended 3 games, and only 2 games if he goes to counseling..looks like we will miss him for chargers game, and da raiders…cmon jackson and colbert, time to step it up big time…
Well, it sucks that Marshall is going to be suspended, but he deserves it. Very unfortunate, though, that he will miss TWO division games! Maybe this is the wake-up call he needs. COME ON, Brandon, you don’t do us any good if you can’t play, Bud!
First of all it sounds like the broncos are having a really good camp. I think this Barrett kid is going to be one of our starting safeties in the next couple of years. He is a beast. I wanted to comment on the Marshall situation. HE SHOULD NOT BE SUSPENDED. Yes he has had some problems but he has never been convicted of anything. Ask yourself a question. How does Marshawn Lynch hit a guy and run. Which is a Felony normally and not get suspended. The Commish is on a total power trip and can not justify a suspension of marshall. Any thought on this guys?