As the offseason transitions to the preseason, the start of training camp is arguably the biggest milestone.
But the first day the pads go on takes everything to another level.
“We’re ready to get out there and finally have a chance to hit each other,” linebacker Wesley Woodyard smiled.
Saturday morning, the Broncos will don full pads for the first time in training camp.
The practice, which is open to the public, begins early — 8:50 a.m. MDT. Linebacker Joe Mays said the anticipation might make for a sleepless night.
“Tomorrow it’s going to have to be picked up just a couple notches,” he said. “The offense is definitely going to try to come at us tomorrow, and we have to be ready.”
Up to this point, Head Coach John Fox said it could be tough for players to know just how hard to come off the ball, since they didn’t have the protection of pads. After all, they’re on the same team.
While the excitement — and possibly speed — will rise with pads in the equation, Fox will still caution his team to keep their own safety in mind.
“We’re going to be competitive and we’re going to compete every day, but you just remind guys these are your teammates,” the head coach said. “There are certain downs where you tell guys to cut back for the well-being of their teammates.”
On the other hand, being able to go full-speed in pads is what helps build the team as the regular season approaches.
“There’s only so much you can tell in shorts,” Woodyard said. “The real men come out in pads. That’s what the coaching staff and our other teammates are waiting to see.”
For a rookie experiencing his first NFL training camp — especially one on the defensive line — Saturday morning’s milestone can’t come soon enough.
“Everything changes when you get pads on,” Derek Wolfe said. “That’s when you have to put your big boy pants on. It’s like that at every level. When the pads come on, you either get exposed or you expose people.
“I’m excited for it. I can’t wait.”
-Gray Caldwell
Tags: 2012 Training Camp
Yes, finally!
Well, see ya soon.
They should take it. they’re the most talented but the Bears have improved and the Lions will give them some competition.
Later guys!
Long live the neck!
B/F/E
And @ Broncos Country:
WaaaHooo Bros I just got home from http://www.wingilariver.com/wild-horse-pass
I played the .02 cent machine at the Wild Horse casino and won $1800 on a 2 cent machine!!! I loaded a 20 and on my first bet of 5 = 1.20 cents got the 5 line Horse heads across the line to win $1600.00. No BullS@@T. Superstation or not Manning number 18. WTF!! Iam all in!! Had to sign a 1099 but who cares!!
Had a few beers and shots all around and still came home with $1720
LONG LIVE THE NECK!!
Buzzing
FTR
I just got done watching the Opening ceremonies and I gotta say im a bit disappointed.
Big day today, I hope we have a productive practice! I wish I could be there to watch, hopefully we’ll get some updates here. I’m most interested in how our rooks are doing, as well as last years class. Haven’t really heard much on them with all the Peyton news…
Have they ever completed the position preview? I usually keep my own roster to see who I think should stay and who, unfortunately, will probably go, and I havn’t seen the cornerbacks.
Great updates today!!!
BroncoTalk @BroncoTalk
Quinton Carter (hamstring) the only player missing practice today. #BroncosTC
BroncoTalk @BroncoTalk
Manning to Decker, over Bailey, sideline bobbling catch, thrills the crowd. #BroncosTC
BroncoTalk @BroncoTalk
Another wow moment! Porter has PERFECT coverage on Willis, but Manning sent it low. Willis dove back for a near impossible catch. Got it.
BroncoTalk @BroncoTalk
Manning to Demaryius over Bolden for a TD. Stokley outruns Robinson for a TD. Champ denies Dell near the end zone. Fun drill.
BroncoTalk @BroncoTalk
Unrein was back in for Bannan (calf) at DT as they started using those pads. And they ARE now. Lotta poppin.
BroncoTalk @BroncoTalk
Manning might have his favorite. That’s 3 in a row to Decker.
from Southwest Arapahoe, CO
THanks for the updates Freak. Good things to know. I right now am staying away from Twitter because I dont want to know what happens in the Olympics until I see it.
New blog.