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
strand……………you rock dude!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
B F E, you know your in my prayers bro. Your my BRO and you know your appreciated.
I’m trying like Hell to get my old handle back,but it’s up too Caldwell & Zuas when I can get back on,but I will behave myself,I won’t lose my handle again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think the D-line and the Secondary are going to rock on D!!!!!!
Thanks strand you are a true friend,and a Helluva buddy,I appreciate you bro!!!!
rbf1….I think Wolfe and Jackson will contribute heavily!!!!!!!!!!!!
I`m concerned about our LB`s. Thats our biggest weakness on the D right now I believe.
I hate too see Judie get cut tho!
Miller at Sam linebacker is also gong to get the Mile High fans a hootin and a stompin!!!!!!!!
Love the attitude that Wolfe has!! Seems like he can’t wait to strap on the pads and go at it! I gotta feeling he’s is going to be really strong for us!!!
I was surprised by the Judie being cut. I guess he got hurt.
strand…I agree,our LBs are our biggest weakness,especially in pass coverage!!!!!!!!!!!
bud, you’re also in my prayers bro!
The D should now be called the Orange Crush-Wolfe Pack.
Miller,Doom,and Woodyard will be our biggest contributors at LB…..imo!
I hadn’t seen Judie play but from what I read, sounded like he could ball!
Thanks guys,I appreciate your prayers!!!!!!!!!!!!
What’s up Mike!!! Yeah had Wolfe on my radar for the draft…glad we got him!!!!!!
I hope that Trevathan will be a pleasant surprise at LB. I hear that he`s a tackling machine.
rbf1…Judie can ball bro,he is super fast too!
TV…is a lot like Woodyard…I think he will be a STUD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wolfe will initially be brought in on 3rd and long to rush the QB from DT position. He can also shift outside…. look for him and Ayers to pull some stunts !!!!!!!!!!!!
He`s fast too, TV
I would love too see Irving and Mohamed contribute!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I want to see Irvin, that for sure.
rbf1…..Malik Jackson can play inside or out,so we have multiple players that can move,I love it bro!!!!
Danny Trevathan got an interception today off Caleb Hanie!!!
We`ve got the Bears in 2 weeks, can`t wait.
strand,Jackson(DE or DT) trandferred from USC to UT,he is a steal in the 5th round,imo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Trevathan is a good player too….was surprised NE didn’t take him but glad we did!
That’s cool bud – I’m sure you’re familiar with with Malik coming from Tenn. I think he’s going to kick some tail !!!
JDR really liked him so they went after and got him in the draft!!!
Fox is about speed. HaHa
rbf1……DT……will be a BEAST,IMO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Better than Woodyard,they are both from Kentucky!!!!!!!!!!
Now we have DT and DT II. COOL!
I think Jackson and DT will both be impact players this year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Irving is supposed to challenge for the Will position but don’t know if he has the wheels. I’m thinking he’s more of a MLB. Mays better cut the mustard this year at Mike position.
Wait…what did I miss? Budlight??? Who are you?
It better be spicy mustard at that. LOL
strand – I’m thinking the Bears are going to be tough this year in the NFC North.
Its B F E.
Alright bros,I care a lot for you guys,but I gotta hit the hay,you guys keep Broncin’ on,and keep pushing the faith…..we will have a HELLUVA team this year,IMO……..B.F.E.!!!!!!!!!!
SSSSHHHHHHHH!
Laters B F E!
Thanks Strand….I’ve been out for a while.
Glad your back. Hey, its football season. LOL
Agree on the Bears but the Pack is taking the North.
Alright bud.. good talking to you and strand! Take care bro !! See you on here again soon.
Well, I`m off as well. Later all.
Finally Strand!!!
I prefer the Pack. HaHa!