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:
Brandon Marshall may put up big #’s, but it isn’t going to be with the Broncos. He officially asked to be traded. The story is going to be on CBS4Denver in a bit. Fudge… What a ridiculous offseason.
Marshall for Boldin!
git ‘r done!
If he wants to be traded, talk to AZ ASAP!
http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/06/15/cue-brandon-marshall-to-bears-rumors/
OMG! Not to the Bears!
Oh well. I guess it’s better than an AFC West team.
What could the Bears possibly have to offer? They already sold the farm on the Cutler trade. I hope we can work a deal for Bouldin.
Sorry, Boldin.
What a disaster. This is ridiculous. Can we have a mulligan on the Shanahan firing please? Just this one time, then we’ll all be good little boys and girls. I promise…
Marshall has been talking to Culter probably and he wants out too. For $2 million I would gladly come play catch with Orton and Simms.
After the Broncos have stuck by him and is still collecting a check, this tard asks to be traded? Get rid of him before he cuts his old lady up and is remembered as a Bronco. The organization and fans deserve better than this joker
Seriously!!?? eeerockski
I dont want to read any crap blogs about wanting Shanahan back because one of the team members thinks they want a better deal and are willing to leave thier teammates in the dust. Don’t be ridiculous! This just shows what a terrible culture and attitude was being allowed to exist under the old regime. I like nearly everything that is going on in training camp right now, the new staff, the competiton. Let’s let Bmarsh take his box of crap and go grow up somewhere else. It is too bad The Broncos couldn’t have laid down some training on him sooner than now!
Orange Crush!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I still believe in Marshall. The guy is a beast. He’s just been in some bad situations tryin to get some from some crazy broads, IMO. Immature yes, but he’s a stud on the field. Now that he wants out, I’m not gonna hate him. I just wish we could have our football team back. And Mike.
Stop living in the past and move forward. I think Marshall is the last of the “I – Me” players left on the team. It was time to make the changes that Pat Bowlen started, as this team had lost it’s fire and it had to start with the firing of Shanny! Stay positive eeerockski!
I say get rid of him obivously he wants to follow cutler footsteps and be with him so let him go….He proved himself to be a solid reciever but not a dominant one like fitzgerald or andre brown…those last 3 games of the season Bm didnt score any touchdowns at all when we needed him the most he dropped passes has legal issues and on top of it just had hip surgery so aint no tellin how that will effect his performance and his 09 season overall but yet he demanding more money….if i was him i would have a break out season and get that tag n stay loyal to my team like a true player is suppose to then he’ll be paid those double figure mills that he wants…..we can easily keep him take the money from him for not showing up let him ride the bench all season n lose more money…smart move buddy
Maybe yall are right. I’m just a little disappointed right now. I mean, the offense wasn’t the problem last year. But I can see the whole team chemistry issue having an affect all around, so that makes sense. But damn, it just seems like we’re gonna sink farther into the muck of the AFC west by making these moves. I hope I’m wrong, and McD is right. But I’ve always liked Marshall, and appreciated what he brought on the field. Just a little shocked and pissed off right now. And in the end, I don’t want Shanahan back, it was just an angry way of saying I don’t like these moves.
That’s what a lot of us here have been saying. Marshall should have just been patient, had a good season and then he would have been paid the big bucks. I mean, what’s his hurry? He’s only 25. Greedy bastard!
I love how some are referring to him by his initials (BM). In the healthcare field, which I am part of this stands for bowel movement! LOL!
Emotions are running high right now, but remember this is an unconfirmed rumor at this time, although these things usually turn out to be true.
By the way, I wasn’t calling BM a BM or anything like that!
Adam Schefter is always on the money. No pun intended. Look, I’ve just grown tired of watching our team fail. Maybe a re-gutting of the franchise is exactly what’s needed, but it’s always seemed like we were that close, and just needed a couple more pieces to get over the hump. Now it seems we’re subtracting instead of adding, and it sucks to watch. I’m tired of being blown out by the Chargers 50-10. I live in SoCal and am surrounded by SD and OAK fans. I’d just love to be able to stick it to em once or twice, ya know? It’s hard to have had so much faith in #15 and #6 and now just say “don’t let the door hit you on the way out!”
Right on. I feel your pain man. It was sweet to see the wo hook up on the field and for BM to run circles around defenses.(Literally) But here is the deal, he had a great year last year with Cutler thrying to force him the ball at every opportunity. He knows that will not be the case with Orton and McDaniels. Plus he is not sure about the effects of the surgery. He wants to capitalize on last year, this year. But at what cost? He and alot of other people are missing the big picture. Winning!! the best way to shut up the critics…win.. That is what McDaniels and Bowlen are after, that is what I want for the team. That is what will shut up the Radiers and Chargers.
Hey BM, look what McDaniels offense did for Moss two seasons ago.
We are not far away from proving the Denver Broncos are #1! We just need to keep the faith.
Orange Crush!!!!!!
I think the most likely Marshall trade will involve Braylon Edwards.
Or, maybe the Bears are willing to let go of a player on the defense. Do we need a replacement at WR? maybe not as much as a proven DL.
Alot of posibilities.
Meh..Im not too worried about this…I love marshall as our WR, and i think he is a great person..But if we do trade him im sure it will go in our fav…IF marshall is asking to be traded, then i want him to go. I want this team to be full of team players.. John elway was willing to help pay to bring TD into denver to help us win, and numbers of players played for so much less and were patient, to help this team win. We are full of tallent, and if marshall does go, it will hurt, but im sure we will get an addition that will take his place just fine..
Now if he doesnt leave, that would be great also…I have weird strange hopes for this eason..IDK why when the chances of us getting brutaly murderded and wishing for a .500 record..I feel the energy that coach brings to this team is exactialy what we have been missing since TD got hurt..This organization has been going down hill since 33..Im not saying it wasnt fun to watch alot of the close games and some blow outs, but it was time for a change…
I believe the missing link is exactially what was posted above, when stating this team needs team players and not, all about me first, players. Sadly Cutler got greedy and egotistic..And i hope BM doesnt folow in his steps.
Go Broncos 09-10
bronco blaze elway didnt give anythang to bring in TD!!! We drafted td!!!
DT from Vikes for BMARSH!!!! PAT Williams!!!! please pull the triger….
the vikings would love to have him with Farve!!!!
The whole situation reeks of what Ohio State did when they got rid of Cooper and brought in Tressel. Cooper was solid but brought in alot of great ball player who were A holes. Terry Glen, Clarett and David Boston to name a few. Ever sense his departure, the face of OSU football has been quite a lot cleaner and even better on the field as a TEAM. In a dream, I would move BM for Lance Briggs.
denver just signed a wr by the name of brandon loyd… trade seems more of a posiblity now
I’m fuming right now. I f()ckin hate McDaniels. what an idiot to take a super bowl caliber offense, and turn it into sh()t. If we lose Marshall we won’t have a number 1 receiver because our next best receiver is Royal and don’t get me wrong, he is good, but not good enough to be the go-to-guy all the time.
….that is unless we get Boldin, but the price is too high for him.
pdp1408, if you hate McD as you said, there’s plenty of room on the Raiders blog. You want to blame McD for Brandon demanding more money when he still may get suspended and may not be 100% from the hip surgery and for not showing up at the meetings???? Brilliant. You obviously don’t see the pattern here? I don’t mean McD pattern, I mean a Cutler, Marshall pattern. Trying to hold a gun to the teams head. Marshall isn’t even gone yet (although I think he will be) and you’re blaming McD when the blame lies solely with Marshall. Do you see Wiegmann not showing up to practice and meetings? No. I bet even money that Casey gets his raise. What will that say about Brandon? That he needs to grow up.
All I’m gonna say about Brandon MARSHA MARSHA Marshall is…. Rod Smith Interview. Rod Smith hit the nails on the head in the interview after practice the other day. I’m sure many if not all of you have seen it. Two things I love that Rod Smith said was….
1. “I don’t need to call Brandon, Brandon needs to call me bc I have information that he needs and that can help him.”
2. “I never believed in that holdout stuff. If your under contract honar it and be here with your team whether you’re hurt or not.”
That’s why Rod was a leader and is well RESPECTED to this day.
canesnick, TO signed with Buffalo. He is not going to be a Bronco.
Oh, plus TO would be a mistake to Denver.
there is no denying that brandon marshall has talent. (so does t.o.) that’s not necessarily all it takes to be a “winner” and a good team mate.
signing him to a bigger contract at this time would be a mistake. as dave logan said the other day–the kid has no leverage. don’t know if he’ll be suspended yet, for outcome of court dates this august, or not. yes–he’s been cleared as far as this years junk goes, but not all of last years….
not that he wants to sign. if not–trade him. i’m over athletes who make great money, playing a game many would give their left n*t to play, who have wonderful futures ahead of themselves, who are treated better than some of us treat our own family members….i’m tired of them telling us to feel sorry for them.
it’s about team. they have no loyalty. and if it’s true that he wants out–so what? if you, as a fan, are going to invest your feelings into a player and not the team–i suggest you go too. this is broncos country. not bmarsh country, not jay c land….broncos country.
Why would the Broncos trade a whiny, law troubled WR for a even whinier(never used that word before) WR who could seriously pull a team apart. Remember how TO accused Garcia for being gay, then he got out of Dallas because he accused Romo and some other reciever that they had secret meetings or some BS similar to that.
I really liked Marshall, but he does not have the proper mental prospective for a winning team……Probably better for the Broncos if he leaves.
This has been quit the off season. First, they fire a hall of fame coach. Then they hire a young, inexperienced coach and a young, inexperienced GM, who have proven that they don’t know what they are doing. Then, they lose a young, pro bowl QB who is on the rise. Now, they are going to lose a young, pro bowl WR who is on the rise. What an off season. One thing is for sure, the upcoming season will be interesting. I wonder how the morale in the locker room is right now. All they have to do is trade Clady to make the off season complete.
what a messed up off season. you know whats funny mcd comes from a team where there star qb takes pay cuts to add to the franchise and have a few rings. where here are team whines and crys to be traded because theyre greedy or they got their feelings hurt. what the heck is going on in that locker room. i like b marsh but if wants to go f!ck him. but dont give him to the bears what ever you do. cutler would love that and b marsh. I dont want none of them to succeed. hope they fail. go BRONCOS
I don’t post very often but after reading some comments today I felt I had to. First of all where do you guys (torain atv fan and dynamicdave)
get off telling somebody to get off this site because they have a different opinion then you. When did you guys become the blog police. I don’t blame mcd for this. But I’m not a mcd fan either. I’m a bronco fan. I think it’s funny no one heard anything about a hold out till the league cleared bm for this years mess. I think bm has all the talent in the world.
But sometimes that’s not enough. It takes heart and desire and character which is in question. I say let him hold out and fine the sh** out of him sometimes you have to call their bluff.
blum, 1st off, get over yourself. When I see somebody come on to the Bronco blog, I repeat, BRONCO blog, and start saying “f*ck McD” and such, I will say what’s on my mind.
1.) He’s NOT behaving like a Bronco fan. He’s behaving like a bandwagon fan. Talking smack about the staff because his feelings are hurt? A fan may not agree with some of the moves that are done but he accepts them (it’s not like we can change them) and moves on, not bashes the team he says he supports. And yes, the staff is part of the “team.” The Broncos organization. He sounded just like a Raiders fan. His attitude is negative and would last about 5 seconds in the Broncos bar I go to for the games. People would hear him say what he just wrote and he would be in some serious arguments with someone, I’m certain. I know he wouldn’t be sitting at my table. I don’t need to hear a bunch of negative crying when I’m trying to watch the game.
2.) I didn’t “tell him” to get off the site. Read closer. I said and I quote, “if you f*ckin hate McD as you said, there’s plenty of room on the Raiders blog.”, unquote. It’s not telling him to leave the site, it’s telling him to stop behaving like a Raiders fan would. It had a deeper meaning (sarcastic). Get on the Broncos bus, not the bandwagon. Express concerns, but don’t bash the team and the staff that run it. Whether you like it or not, they are part of the Broncos. Nobody is expected to agree with all that has gone on, but bashing the way he did is not what being a Broncos fan is all about.
Man!! Some angry ass folks on this blog!! Just a few months ago you were all on BMs jock!!!! I tell ya, Marshall is the BEST player on this team, and the most fan friendly person too!! LAst year I got to do the openign ceremony at the first home game, (Chargers), and as a military person just back from Iraq, I walked up to a few Broncos and Chargers players and was told to get away..But when Marshall came out on the field, he stopped and took photos and even signed a mini helmet for me..no questions ask, not too busy to talk to us. Now I agreem he has had some off field issues, but he is the BEST we have without him, we’ll be in trouble, I love Royal, but he’s like what, 5’8″???? Gaffney and Jackson and this new guy Lloyd, are no BM!!!! SO we will do the RB by committee and looks like we’ll be doing the WR too!! If you watch NFL network, they had some discussion about team or player loyality! It really is the TEAMS thave no loyalty towards the players, every year, especially when these guys reach 30, they are really hoping they can make the team, not because of skills, but because it’s cheaper to pay a rookies than keep a vet!! So BM is jus trying to get all he can and what he’s worth..And he has proven he’s worth more than what we are paying him! I hope he stays, cause, unless we can get Boldin, we will be in big truoble, I predicted an 5-11 season..I also talked to a few players at Fanfest, trust me, they may say one thing, but I can hear it in their talk, they aren’t too sure about this team w/o Cutler!!! They won’t admit that in the media, bad PR for the team and they will be called non team players… Hell look at all these post, you all are doing it for them… Remember, TO was down to Denver and Dallas as his last 2 choices that year, JJ just catered to him more the Bowlen!!!
Marshall to the Vikings for DT Pat Williams That would be huge…!!!!! lets go defense and running game and look to draft the qb in the future!!!
Yeah that dude had every right to yell at me. I was just steaming. I dont really “hate” mcd i just hate the things he does sometimes.
and i hate the Raiders, so if u saw me on their site it would be bout tellin them how much they suck. The Broncos are my team so lets go Broncos in ’09.
Marshall has some issues, on and off the field, we’ve all seen it now. He’s coming off a hip surgery and he wants a new contract? Really, just play the season and if he puts up numbers like he did last season, he will more than likely get his contract he wants. If his hip starts giving him problems again he might be playing for another team next season. He’s scheduled to make something like $2.2 million this season minus his fines for missing madatory minicamp. He had a lot of big drops last season..key drops. He wants more money? It used to be pay was based on perfomance on the field, not it seems like pay is based on how much you and your agent whine and cry for more money and holdout.
I’m pretty sure Cutler is behind all this. He’s telling Marshall to do this crap so he can get traded to the Bears, because Cutler is scare he’ll have a crappy season because the Bears don’t have good WR like us. IF..I said IF.. we do send Marshall away we should send him to some really crappy team.
Hi Guys,
the only person bigger than the team is Mr B, he calls the shots, if we got to abandon Brandon then so it be.
If it comes to a call between a shot at the SB, or having one of the leagues top 5 WR’s, and no shot, I kinow where I am right now.
I do always feel for players who want money ahead of loyalty, who would argue that RS could have negotiated a bigger deal elsewhere? But he did not, a true Bronco,
Watch them fly Sundays, and move on, the Broncos were here before BM, and they will still be here long after anyone you or I know can even remember his jersey number,
God bless, Tes1
I dont belive cutler is behind all this, Marshall is behind all this. He has a lot of big games for us, but how many has he actually camee to when it counted. He is a typical WR in the nfl that is greedy, first off he doesnt even deserve big time money, 7 fumbles lost in two seasons… One game i can reemember always him trying to do to much against KC game changing fumble, moment killer, more than that he has the potential to be a team killer. He should be getting advice from the vets, williams,bailey,dawkins, even rod smith has let out a hand but being a ego driven player he thinks he knows all. Trade him already, get another 1st and 3 rdr for next years draft and lets get this party started. We all know were not going to the Super Bowl next next, were rebuilding, lets take out the Marsh trash… Go Broncos 09
broncomike83: I know Cutler isn’t behind this. I just posted that just cuz it is a conincidenc that both our #1 QB and our #1 WR both, did and might leave the team. I is kind of frustrating how grown men can be so babyish. For what …$$$?? I would love to play for the Broncos. They wouldn’t even have to pay me…Ok maybe a little. But $2.2 million I’d play catch with Orton for that kind of money.
You know professional sports is about the only job where you can be under contract, be a baby and whine for more money, and actually get your way. If that worked at my job I would just not come to work until they payed me more.
That’s the other thing I don’t understand, it is a “CONTRACT” which both parties signed. The whole reasoning behind a “CONTRACT” is that both sides agree and both sides are obligated to uphold their end of the “CONTRACT” This is just nuts. Lets ge the season going already with or without the poeple who only want money.
brian_schneider. Seriously, i agree, what the hell is the purpose of this CONTRACT if nobody goes by it. He shouldnt even be thinking of contract extension with all the legal crap he is facing coming up. He should thnk about being a team player, showing up to camp, even though he might be able to participate in any drills, being around his teamates shows that he is commited to the broncos. He is a joke and i really hope that we get rid of him, we dont need hi profile players like him on and off the field. He is one of the reasons why we dont have Darrent williams anymore. He was the one poppin off at the mouth at the club on new years and spraying champagne on everyone, and picking fights with everyone until he messed with the wrong people and look what happened. Its sad to see a waste of talent like him get lost in his own ego. i hope the best for him, just not in a bronco uniform. Peace Marsha