The Broncos concluded their final minicamp on Sunday, and the team will now have over a month off before training camp begins at Dove Valley in late July.
Before departing, the club got in some serious work on Sunday. For the majority of practice, the players worked on game-simulating situations. Nearly every scenario was covered during 11-on-11s, as the team marched up and down the field working on different packages. On one play, the offense was backed up to its own goal line. A few plays later, they were working in the red zone.
McDaniels believes the players now understand what the coaching staff expects from them on a daily basis and what the systems are all about. Accordingly, he was pleased with what the team accomplished on the final day of camp.
“I think they finished today the way that we would want them to finish,” McDaniels said. “There were some mistakes out there, but it certainly wasn’t because it was a lack of energy or a lack of enthusiasm or a lack of effort, because (energy, enthusiasm and effort) is exactly what we’ve seen all spring, and it’s a tribute to them and the group that we’ve put together, and I think they’ve really meshed together well as a team.”
Highlighting the final day of minicamp was an appearance by former wide receiver Rod Smith. Although no longer suiting up, Smith said he was happy to be at practice and is very much looking forward to the upcoming season. Smith said he believes this group of Broncos can “take off” if they successfully buy into McDaniels’ philosophy.
“I get excited to come out and watch them,” he said. “With guys like Champ (Bailey) and D.J. (Williams), guys that I actually played with, Daniel Graham, I look for those guys to lead this team. Brian Dawkins, my son is his biggest fan — he doesn’t know that, though — so he’s going to be looking forward to go and watch Brian Dawkins. That’s huge. Brian’s one of those guys that has been around a long time and he can lead this football team.”
As you’d expect, Smith — who owns virtually every Broncos receiving record — is still a popular figure at team headquarters. Throughout today’s session he could be seen greeting familiar faces within the organization. After practice, Smith spent time talking with a number of Broncos, including Eddie Royal.
Royal said he and Smith talked about how doing the little things right on a daily basis pays dividends in the long run.
“Any chance you get to learn from a legend like him, you take every opportunity,” Royal said. “He’s got great knowledge; he’s played for a long time.”
While speaking with the press, McDaniels glanced out of the corner of his eye and saw Smith speaking with two young players on the team — a sight he was pleased to see.
“Any time guys like Rod Smith come around, I think it’s a great influence for a lot of our younger players … Anything they can learn from Rod Smith will help us out as a football team.”
QUICK HITS:
- In between series, different special teams situations were emphasized. Matt Prater worked on onside kicks and angle kickoffs. Meanwhile, Britton Colquitt and Brett Kern alternated punt attempts. Colquitt had arguably the punt of the day — situated at the back of the end zone, Colquitt boomed a punt nearly 60 yards, forcing returner Alphonso Smith to backpedal.
- Working with the first unit, Kyle Orton showed some nice movement in the pocket — scrambling out of trouble on a few plays to make completions downfield.
- Richard Quinn showed that he was drafted for more than his blocking ability. The second round pick made a diving catch in the middle of the field during 11-on-11s.
– Zach Eisendrath, DenverBroncos.com
Here are some pictures:
Sweet Im First!!
831 - How about writing something worth reading?
A notable abscence of #15, I just hope it doesn’t come back and bite him in the proverbial as we need him ready to go come September.
These mini-camps continue to proved a real upbeat feel which has been very so-so over the last couple of years. I hope it carrys on through to the opener and ALL players are 100% healthy.
Hopefully the cuts that are due to come wll be fringe players and some potential maintained through the practice squads…
COME ON THE 14th SEPTEMBER ROUND 1 in CINCY!!!!!
Players buying into the system is half the battle. The 3 E’s - energy, enthusiasm, effort. I’m bringing that too to the Bronco nation. Me too, sure would like to see BMarsh out there come training camp. Stayin’ positive here - it’s gonna work out
Samoanbronco, he gets excited over cheap thrills, let him have his moment.
I’m glad that Rod Smith made an appearence. I wish they would find a spot on the roster as a WR assistant coach or something. He is an inspiration for all the young WR rookies. He can relate and he can keep them focused, unlike BM. The team really seems to be having fun. Easier to learn a new system when you’re not all stressed out and McD seems to be doing a good job at relating with the players. Go for it Josh. I wasn’t sure about you after the Cutler thing but you are doing a lot of good things now. Don’t know if you ever peek at the blogs, but you have my support as well as, I’m sure many, many others. GO BRONCOS!!!!!!!!!
For sure, McD has really turned things around. I hope B Marsh shows up soon. He really doesn’t have anything in his corner for a new contract. He would be smarter to come train and play and get the franchise tag next year which will pay him big bucks. Instead of being fined for staying away and not getting any money this year. The way I see it the broncos have all the cards and this is yet another dumb move by B Marsh.
I have been saying for the past few seasons, the team as whole has not been very hungry. They have kind of floated along and won some games and lost some games, but they never played with passion (in general). Judging from what has been reported it appears as if this years team is going to be filled with players that are hungry, and need to prove themselves. If a particular player is not pushing himself, the next guy in line will be and he will lose his spot.
This is how a football team should be run. Reward the players that produce, and the team will continue to improve!
Hey Aussie, how are things “down under” mate? Yeah, Marshall is messing up big time. He is playing another Cutler drama. Damn, I thought we were past all that and now Marshall is acting up, Casey is threatening to retire if he doesn’t get more money. At least Casey is showing up so I have a feeling that the Broncos organization will work it out with him. Casey gave them a sign of good faith. Marshall, well, he has been flexing his muscles and playing hardball when Denver holds all the cards. If he continues to act up, it will only lower his value if he ends up playing elsewhere. Yeah, it would be great to keep his talent here but I’m to the point that I’m done caring. He won’t make me go crazy like the Cutler saga did to me and everyone else.
hotsizzle, agreed. Last year they seemed to just be going through the motions. I see an energy, an excitement, a passion for the game, a passion to win, and that’s just me, ha, ha…. I think they are having fun and that’s important.
I still wish we could have some how managed to pick up a real long term, young franchise QB, but, we’ll see what happens. Who knows, this is McD we’re talking about and he knows how to coach, even if he made a pretty big rookie mistake with the Cutler thing. I do look forward to the season, but I want to see it to believe it before I say we are an elite team. I am happy, though, with the way things are going so far. I just want to see Marshall back again. What’s he think he’s doing? Come on lets go, and stop acting like a rookie and start showing some class. He’s been trying to do that, but he needs to take it to the next level. Just look at Rod. He’s the perfect example.
By the way HATE the LAKERS
Oh yes, HATE the LAKERS, too. But, then again, not a basket ball fan. Just not a fan of anything LA. Too bad the Nuggets couldn’t do something…
I am very excited for the broncos this year. It seems that we have alot of pieces to the puzzle. I am very satisfied with the depth quality of players that we have and just can’t wait for the season to begin. I welcome all new players and pray for the best for them. Chris Sims seems to have much class and that is what is missing now days. Chris seems to understand that it’s not about “who I am” and “what I can” do, But, It’s what can i do to to help the team as a whole. I believe that character is a big part in any sport and life in general. Anyways, Keep up the great job that you guys are doing in Denver. Mahalo & GOD bless.
I am looking forward to see if finally Chad Jackson can make a team, When he came out of Florida i was hoping he would get drafted by the broncos. Our depth at receiver is very strong but Jackson is fast and can stretch the field. I am wishing you luck Chad Jackson, I must say I am a FAN !!!
it is GREAT TO SEE SUCH ENTHUSIASM in camp; last year’s camp was like watching your cat sleep
hey if bmarsh wants to sit out training camps in orlando or wherever it is he’s at i have a few suggestions what can be done with him:
1. demote him to the practice squad.
2. keep him and just list him as inactive for each game
3. trade him to detroit for some top draft picks.
hey is it just me or is mcdaniels way to quick to point out how many mistakes the team has been making? i swear he has to mention that every single practice
-Rod Smith should sit Brandon Marshall down for a little chat about hard work, being humble, and good behavior. Rod had all of those, Brandon has nothing but talent and an ego.
-broncos1997- I don’t think McDaniels is too quick to point out anything. I don’t really see him pointing out every little mistake or going on about them. He’s just letting everyone know that there is still room for improvement, always room for improvement, reminding them not to get too confident before the season starts. Plus, he points out good things too.
-As for the Marshall drama, I honestly think we have the depth at reciever that we could manage without him. Sure, it would be a shame to lose him, but it wouldn’t be the end of the world. If Marshall doesn’t get it together and we can get an excellent trade for him, I’d say go for it. It might even do Marshall some good if the Broncos do to him what the Raiders did to Randy Moss and trade him somewhere where he would become insignificant (Oakland? Or Tampa Bay? Possibly San Francisco?). He might come to appreciate being on a good team that suits him well and he can contribute to. I really don’t want Marshall to go, but if he keeps up what he is doing, he’ll end up like Jay Cutler- immature and insignificant.
Yeah you know, if Marshall wants out eventually, well, let him go. You know how people from the Pats organization are, team first. Not individual first. If Marsh keeps it up he WILL be gone eventually. The Pats know how to run a team, and that has been obvious for the last decade and a half now. They know how to deal with players that can’t handle responsibility and they know how to run a team with just about any player they have. McD comes from that way of thinking and he will replace Marsh if he has to.
Now, I don’t want that, and I honestly think Marsh can fix this whole thing real quick if he chooses to, but if he doesn’t fix it, Denver has more than enough talent to replace him. Need I say Jabar Gaffney? He’s the first to come to mind. I don’t have to say any more about him. Jackson? I don’t know much, but he seems like just the type to come from nowhere and burst onto the scene with this coaching staff. I wish Marshall the best and I hope to see him soon. I know he is rehabbing, so not too worried yet.
footballmaniac, good point. we did that with Jay. Jay will probably do horrible in Chicago and then he will realize that he shouldve stayed in Denver. we could probably send Marshall off to Oakland for some draft picks. I do like his talent but he needs to stop with the attitude.
Weigman has earned a new contract. give it to him.
I hate the Lakers.
We need to give Scheffler a lot of kudos. when McDaniels first arrived he placed Scheffler on the trading block. what did Scheffler do?, he didn’t let it bother him and went to camp and proved to the coaching staff that he can play in the system and now they have praised his talent. thats what I like to see in a player.
i havent been checking the updates lately. so could someone explain to me whats going on with Bmarsh. i thought he was sitting out because he had surgery not because there were problems.
socialbigbronco, injured or not, Marshall is supposed to report to mandatory camp. since he is injured, he would just rehab at the team’s facility. Marshall is not going to camp because he wants a new contract and he believes the team doctors misdiagnosed his hip injury.
Doc, we don’t want Marshall in our division. Denver doesn’t need to face him twice a year.
To start off, I have a riddle that cannot be solved, what is the difference between the Lakers and Raiders. The answer is theoretically, nothing. Both teams have gay fans that don’t know jack about the sports their teams play but delight in talking crap about other fans who are knowledgeable, such as most of us are who post here. With that said, I like the fact Rod Smith was at minicamp today and Royal is wise to adhere to his counsels. There is no wonder Eddie is my favorite one on the team. In any case, my only regret is B-Marsh not getting with the program yet, but by training camp that will change. GO BRONCOS!!!
although the Lakers win more than the Raiders, they both still bug the heck out of me.
I’m sure Champ can take him. and if not Oakland, I’m sure Matthew Stafford would love another reciever to throw to.
Yeah I like Eddie Royal. I mean, I couldn’t stop laughing I was so excited when we played Oakland week one and no one was prepared for him. He was making two of the best corners in the league (Hall and Asamugha) look silly out there. Just go back and find some film if you can on YouTube or something. It was great. He reminds me of Santana Moss. I wonder if he would make a great “number one” receiver. I put quotes because really the 1 and 2 guys are on pretty equal plane, especially if they’re good. And the slot, well, that’s a whole different animal all together. And Stokely is the man with that position.
Like I said before, Marshall has amazing talent, and if he follows Chad Johnson’s (Ocho Cinco’s) lead and does what HE did this off season and realizes that he is headed down the wrong path, he can fix this thing in a heartbeat.
nextyearneverarrives, I’m sure if someone looks back at that game they will also see Hall getting pissed at Royal and hitting him numerous times after the whistle was already blown.
HA HA! I forgot about that. Yeah, I didn’t say Hall was a great person or that he wasn’t a jerk, I just said he had great talent. Royal was amazing, and I think he can more than handle himself especially if his getting the opportunity to learn from on of the greats in Rod Smith. No. 80 We still miss you!
Rod Smith was (and is) amazing. He came into the league as a nobody and exited as somebody whose name stands out. He wasn’t a player who could rely on talent alone (Randy Moss, Chad Johnson, possibly soon Brandon Marshall), so he put in more work than anyone. If everybody on our team worked half as hard as Rod, we could easily go undefeated.
footballMANIAC, fully agreed. I loved his work ethic. Him and McCaffrey were amazing and they both challenged each other to work hard on everything they did. The good ol’ days… But, those days are still hovering around us somewhere and I think they are very much attainable again, so I am looking forward to the season.
I won’t go as far as to bash Raider fans. Some deserve it but some are willing to talk football and be civil. True, many are jerks but not all. I have a few Raiders friends who know how to behave. I also met a few who pushed the envelope and got their #ss handed back to them in a hat. Doc knows my feelings in this. Talk football, bash the other teams, that’s fine. That’s football and rivalry and fun. Make it personal and it’s time to box. I get on the ESPN blog and have good conversations with some Charger and Raider fans. I also have talked to a few real morons. Computer heroes is what I like to call them. I treat people accordingly.
d-dave, where are you coming from? did you get this site and ESPN mixed up?
Naw, I was just commenting on BradJamesBroncoFan’s post (not picking on you in the slightest BradJamesBroncoFan). I can bash with the best of them (Raiders and Charger fans), but only when bashed 1st. I actually have some good football conversations with fans of other teams over on the ESPN site. I also have some not so good, ha, ha. I admit that I hate the Raiders and I hate the Lakers and I hate the Chargers and I even dislike some of their fans, but not all of them. Hey, my ex is a Raiders fan. True, I dislike her (ha, ha) but not because she was a Raiders fan.
Besides, I already wrote on this blog and gave my props. Things will get slow till camp. Withdrawals man, withdrawals.
Im am really pleased with the sense of team Mcd has really installed. The team used to have more of a everyman for them self feel, but now with a one for all attitude, this team can do some damage around the league. Its very similar to the Pats, they only had a couple of star players cause everyone played together, and that is what is starting to happen hear, a team based around a team, and not a couple of players!! Great job guys! GO BRONCOS!!
Lets hope there are no interceptions this year huh… Cutler was pissin me off. And why didn’t knowshown ask Steve Atwater is it was okay to wear 27? He is in the ring of fame and last I check Williams played two years and was like 5′8. Thats gotta be the biggest slap in the face for steve. Rod Smith is the shiznet make him reciever coach he could get marshall back.
Thebroncoguy,
I totally agree. The team attitude and playing for the guy next to you is what makes championship teams. Coach McD understands this very well. B-Marsh needs to get on board with this attitude or he won’t be in Denver much longer I’m afraid. He would be a big loss, but with our depth at WR, we will be fine. Hope he gets his act together by next month for training camp. I also agree that having Rod Smith as WR coach would help the B-Marsh situation immensely.
Marshall won’t be playing for the Broncos for very long if he keeps up this crap. Maybe he wants to go play for the Bears with Cutler. He’s getting something like $2.2 million this last year of his contract. He was like 2nd with most drops last season. He should just play and then worry about a new contract. If he puts up good numbers which he can, he doesn’t have to worry about it, he’ll get a new contract. He’s got a little bit of T.O. and Ocho Cinco on his brain. If he ends up being like them he can get the hell out.
If we have to trade Marshall, we should send him to San Francisco or Tampa Bay, somewhere where they are still trying to figure out who is the quarterback and don’t have another good reciever. That way Marshall could be double or triple covered with a crappy QB throwing to him. Let’s see how he feels about the Broncos then.
Dudes, I really hope Marshall steps up and gets to work.
If not, then lets go after A. Boldin. Really though, The Broncos have some depth in WR as it is. It sure is nice to have one guy who commands attention and fights for every YAC.
I did also notice that Coach seems to mention the mistakes made at the end of every practice. It seems he judges the success of practice by the number of mistakes made. He must be a perfectionist. In the right balance that can be a good thing. Get it right!
What about the first round line up mentioned in the previous blog? Peterson, Fields, and McBean on the line. What do you guys think?
Orange Crush!!!!!
Atwater27Smith80, LM didn’t make the choice and say, “I want to wear #27. The coaches picked his #. You’re blaming and being angry at the wrong person. Besides, McD is new here. Maybe he didn’t know the importance that 27 had in Denver. Also, you can only retire so many jerseys unless you plan to start wearing #100 on up.
Marshall is all about Marshall. Money on his brain is clouding his judgement. If he would have shown up for his meetings, I’m willing to bet he would have gotten his money. But he’s staying away from the facility (like Cutler did). He’s saying he’s happy but showing otherwise (like Cutler did). He’s walking out of the facility with boxes in hand after talking to Bowlen (which Cutler never did, talk to Bowlen). He’s turned into a prima donna. I wonder how much of it is Brandon, how much is his agent and how much is his fiance whispering in his ear? Marshall needs to watch Casey Wiegmann as an example of how to behave. Give Casey his money and give Marshall his pink check.
HomeTeam007, McD mentions the errors which is the correct thing to do. He also says that they are to be expected. He also goes on to say that they do some things well. Try not to read more into it then is really there. By pointing out there errors, it keeps them “grounded” and not feeling overly cocky when there is work to still be done. As for the front line. Sounds good to me. I knew Fields would be the NT. He knows the D system from his time in San Fran with Nolan.
Did everyone catch the news of the LA fans celebrating and basically rioting in the streets? They don’t care about the Lakers. They were just looking for an excuse to loot and destroy. Friggin’ pathetic “fans” (I use that term lightly). Same thing happened after the Rodney King trial. Do you actually think “all those people” cared about Rodney? Nope, just another excuse to loot and destroy. Thugs and wannabe gangsta’s’.
Great attitude! Now, that’s something this team didn’t have last couple of years. And just for that, this team’s better.
Nice move calling KO #1 OB now. This will keep the fire burning during this month off. And surely nice to see the TEAM is becoming that, a TEAM.
Cutler and Marshall made each other what they are. Now without “throw-to-#15-no-matter-what-Cutler”, it’s pure logic that Marshall fears for a considerable down in his production heading to a contract year, and before that may happen, he wants a new deal signed. I can’t blame him for that. BUT I can’t excuse him either, as he’s not managing this matter professionally. He’s been under medical issues before (forearm last year) and came as a beast in his first game, so I think the surgery isn’t a determinant fact. He’s been with off-the-field issues before (last year 1 game suspension), so I don’t think the team has a real real REAL concern with this about him (if so, he already wouldn’t be with the team). But not doing your job (as simple as it sounds) no matter how much you’re paid, or if you think you deserve more or not, or even if the team has made some decisions you like or not… that’s being unprofessional. And this is the NFL, and the Denver Broncos, where just the PROs play. Are you one or not? Simple.
Great job with this posts guys. Now, please, you too keep the fire burning during this month.
Go Broncooos!
Marshall is a good receiver. I don’t know about the rest of Bronco Nation, but what could be better than getting paid to play football. I know there are some great players out there that get big $$$. With all the time and effort they put in they should. What’s happening though to the game?? Everyone wants money, 1st round picks in the draft get huge money and they haven’t even proven themselves a NFL QB yet, or whatever position. Somewhere I thought I read that there may not be a salary cap anymore after this season. This game still has some Pros, but a lot of players all they want is money and this and that for them. The game is becoming a bunch of whiney punks. It used to be about the game now it is about money.
Reconstruct Marshalls deal, but put in a clause that if he gets out of line they ain’t gotta guarantee nothing. Part of being a pro is acting like one. Apparently Marshall didn’t learn anything from Rod Smith.
I really can see Buckhalter getting alot of runs this season he is a great player that can run and catch!!………people are sleeping on him, but i feel he will play well this year. At times in Philly when Westbrook went down, Buck had alot of big games and Philly didnt see much drop in production.
NOTE: What it TE Quin played at a small school like savannah st.??? I think he would have tore it up at a diffrent school….he is a freak!!! just watch and see….he played in pass heavy UNC where two of there WR were drafted this year..I feel he is in a shannon sharpe mold interms of unpolished talent…
Broncos are the future!!!
I aprove this messege
Marshall is still going to put up big numbers this year and be our #1 receiver and one of the best in the league, if he’s injured he’s injured, it takes time to rehab, why is everyone on his case about that. Or is re-injuring a recovering injury just to be at camp more important??
BMARSH????? true maybe it doesnt seem he has learned from ROD yet, but it didnt seem like RANDY had learned much from Chris Carter when they played togeather….but now randy is a team leader and a savy vet..i feel BMARSH will use his lessons well in the future..EVEN tho he is holding out i dont knock him on that…bizz is bizz…In those interviews on ESPN he seemed to be a little more aware that it is a privledge to play in the NFL, and I feel he will get only better as he matures…give it time,,,, just look at ELWAY….i mean in todays sports world we might of been killing John back then for saying no to BMORE….JUST SAYING YOUNGSTERS MAKE MISTAKES!!! but lets stand behind are great players….cuz i would hate for him to go somewhere else and prove he is the greatest…his first few years are on par with legends….lets keep that in mind!
HomeTeam007, McD mentions the errors which is the correct thing to do. He also says that they are to be expected. He also goes on to say that they do some things well. Try not to read more into it then is really there. By pointing out there errors, it keeps them “grounded” and not feeling overly important when there is work to still be done. As for the front line. Sounds good to me. I knew Fields would be the NT. He knows the D system from his time in San Fran with Nolan.
Did everyone catch the news of the LA fans celebrating and basically rioting in the streets? They don’t care about the Lakers. They were just looking for an excuse to loot and destroy. Friggin’ pathetic “fans” (I use that term lightly). Same thing happened after the Rodney King trial. Do you actually think “all those people” cared about Rodney? Nope, just another excuse to loot and destroy. Thugs and wannabe gangsta’s’.
ok dynamic dave!! lol.
How many draft picks remain unsigned?
you guys can’t be mad at Cutler for looking toward Marshall all the time. look how much success it brought our offense last year. also Royal is so short that Cutler could never even see him and he was still able to catch over 90 passes. LOL