The Broncos were back with the morning sun on Monday, practicing in full pads for the first time since their preseason opener against the 49ers. Unlike Sunday’s walkthrough, the offense and defense saw plenty of 11-on-11 action.
ROLL CALL: Brian Dawkins and Brandon Marshall were back on the field again Monday, with Dawkins again practicing with an orange jersey and wrap on his right hand. With Brandon Stokley and Brandon Lloyd receiving the morning off, Marshall got in plenty of reps with the first teamers on offense.
Also not practicing this morning were Champ Bailey, Knowshon Moreno, Correll Buckhalter and Pat Murray.
Head Coach Josh McDaniels said Rulon Davis has been released.
POSITIONING: With a few first-teamers not practicing, several players got their chance to work with the No. 1 offense and defensive units. Joshua Bell and Alphonso Smith both saw time at cornerback in place of Bailey, while Chad Jackson joined Marshall on four-wide receiver sets.
Special teams coordinator Mike Priefer gave several players opportunities to demonstrate their skills on punt returns. After solid debuts against San Francisco, Kenny McKinley and Alphonso Smith continued to see action. Joining them were C.J. Jones and Matthew Willis.
DRILLS: McDaniels spent time working with the offense on a bevy of routes in 7-on-7s minus the defense. McDaniels shadowed as a defensive back, making sure his receivers were stopping in the right spot and the quarterbacks were delivering the ball to the outside shoulder.
The tight ends and offensive linemen teamed up against the defensive linemen and linebackers in two-on-two contact drills. The goliaths of this set were Ryan Clady and Daniel Graham squaring off against Kenny Peterson and Elvis Dumervil. Graham pulled right to guard Peterson, while Clady secured the weak side against Dumervil.
Defensive line coach Wayne Nunnely worked extensively with nose tackles Ronald Fields and Chris Baker. Both players worked on their hands and footwork, lining up directly in front of each other. They also participated in a drill where a teammate lined up as a guard next to a sled, simulating the 2-on-1 push required at the front of the 3-4 defense.
Priefer closed out practice with a field goal block drill. With Britton Colquitt lined up at kicker and Brett Kern at holder, Priefer had his rush work in pairs to block the incoming kicks. Drawing praise were Bell and Renaldo Hill, as well as Baker and Nic Clemons.
PLAYMAKERS: With Buckhalter and Moreno not practicing, Peyton Hillis and LaMont Jordan were fixtures in the backfield. Jordan had several strong runs to the outside behind the blocking of Hillis. Marcus Thomas also showed a good first burst on several carries.
Richard Quinn demonstrated a nose for the ball in traffic. He made three catches over the middle of the field, including one where he was hit hard by a streaking Vernon Fox, and another where Darcel McBath and Josh Barrett sandwiched him on the tackle. Quinn was also active behind the line of scrimmage, working as an H-Back on a pair of carries by Thomas.
In red zone defense, Kenny Peterson made his presence felt, bursting free from the offensive line to stop Peyton Hills short of the goal line on a sweep left.
Kyle Orton looked sharp during several periods of 11-on-11s. He had one stretch where he completed five of six passes, including two 40-plus yard bombs to Eddie Royal and Jabar Gaffney that drew praise from the crowd. The ball to Royal landed perfectly on his outside shoulder, as he used his speed to gain a step on rookie D.J. Johnson. Gaffney wowed the crowd with a one-handed catch at the goal line, using his range to beat the outstretched arms of Smith.
QUICK HITS: The linebackers continue to get more comfortable working out of their 3-4 spots. Wesley Woodyard had a pair of quarterback hurries on Chris Simms, while Darrell Reid made two stops in the backfield from his outside spot.
Marshall not only worked on honing his receiving, but was also put to the test with his blocking. He used his 6-foot-3 frame to make a nice seal block on Andre’ Goodman as Thomas came around the corner on a power run.
Tight ends coach Clancy Barone and linebackers coach Don Martindale made their voices heard to their position players in one-on-one contact drills. As Quinn went up against Tim Crowder, Barone yelled, “Drive it, drive it, drive it, finish it.” Before anything else could be said, Martindale was already yelling at his unit: “You drop your head, you lose your feet.”
DAILY JUKEBOX: After an extensive playlist on Sunday, Monday’s speakers were relatively quiet. The team’s 15-minute stretching session included:
T.I – “My Life, Your Entertainment”
U2 – “Where The Streets Have No Name”
The team will be back on the field at 5:30 p.m. MDT this evening at Dove Valley. That session is open to the public.
More pictures below.
-Chris Gentilviso, DenverBroncos.com
Tags: Training Camp
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I’m curious, Chris, the Denver Post reported that Denver picked up Marcus Thomas and to make room, released Murray? Am I wrong (or should I say, is the DP wrong)?
You’re writing Pat Murray was not practicing. Im pretty sure I read he was released to make room for Thigpen?
What about Ayers? he seemed pretty quiet vs. SanFran – anybody know how he is doing?
I’m assuming that they released Davis and brought back Murray?
That’s right, Thigpen, not Thomas. DOH! It will take awhile to get used to the new roster, once the cuts have been made.
They released Davis to make room for Smith, the DE they acquired in a trade from New England
I assume so anyway
I just realized that we have 2 players with the exact same name. Marcus Thomas at DL and RB. If they both make the cut what will they do for jersey names?
Yeah, I’m assuming these type of changes will be going on a lot while camp is still happening. Changes in the roster aplenty.
brian_schneider, they will still both have Thomas on their jersey. The # is the only difference.
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Ryan Torain was released to make room for Marcus Thomas (runningback)
Pat Murray was released to make room for Marcus Thigpen (runningback)
Rulon Davis was released to make room for LeKevin Smith (defensive line)
Hope this helps.
Nice pics and update. Very glad to hear Marshall & Dawkins are back at practices.
getlynched47, yeah, the Marcus was what through me off. I meant Thigpen but I was thinking “Marcus” and just got the wrong one. Kind of funny that Denver has 3 Brandons, 3 Marcus’s (2 with the exact same last name, lol).
Meant “threw” me off.
I wonder how Smith will do on are D line?
I haven’t heard from Torain ATV after he got released LOL
Im so happy marshall is back and getting his reps in!!
He changed his name
Did Marshall shrink in the heat and humidity of Atlanta?
He’s now 6’3″ . . .
DynamicDave, BroncosNL and anyone wondering about transactions:
Since Ryan Torain was waived/injured and Marcus Thomas was signed, the team has not officially reported any roster moves. If and when any happen, you can rest assured we’ll have it for you on the site.
Thanks and as always keep the comments coming,
Gray
Thanks! I saw McD’s presser and since he couldn’t confirm anything, I figured that’d be the case. Appreciate the explanation!
any news on 71?
I know we weren’t going to talk about Cutler anymore but…I have a buddy that is a Bills fan. He was telling me that Cutler said “ya know” about 29 times in a minute and a half. Then that made me want to watch his post game interview. I thought his demeanor after our games was childish, he really hasn’t changed that much.
Hey Gray,
Great job as always my man!
Can you answer me a quick question. I’m just curious about practice theme/temp. What I mean is, You and many organizational staff writers have covered stories about Mac’s age and how it isn’t and won’t become an issue. Is he run his practices with a firm hand? or is it more the buddy approach?
Your multi-media clips would suggest that it’s a “don’t test me” approach. I really appeciate his theory of wearing pads early and often as I’ve read many, many reports of NFL teams not wearing pads at all….this would include the Chicago Bears.
Just wondering.
GO GET EM’ BOYS!
P.s. I’m sure you won’t have to tell him, but please tell Peyton Hillis TO NEVER LET THE MILE HIGH SALUTE DIE!
GO GET EM’ BOYS!
I was glad to see Hillis continuing the salute last year haven’t really seen it since Mike Anderson. I was watching a preseason game and they were saying that the two teams both had not wore pads or tackled the RB. how can you not hit each other during training camp?
Ya know I just watched the post game cutler interview ya know he is still a jacka$$ ya know still as childish there ya know as he was here ya know Im happy with our QBs that we have know ya know because they answere the question ya know and they dont just ya know in every answere that they have ya know
very nice ya know. lol
i’m sure he will be humbled soon. and then we can quit making fun of him!
do you think cutler misses having 2 pro bowl caliber receivers at his side and the best o-line in the league?
well considering he was blaming his WR after the bills game I would say so.
Wasn’t Rulon Davis the ex Marine? Or am I mistaking him for David Bruton
i think it’s ok to maybe doubt your team and expect the worst, but people like photohound…you should know you’re not going to win a fight on here if you’re talking to hundreds of broncos fans who are NOT going to be convinced otherwise that the broncos are perfect. no offense, but it’s true on both sides. the only thing i find ANNOYING is everyone bashing up on cutler. you do know we could compete for the superbowl this year with cutler, right? but, on the other hand, we wouldn’t have those draft picks. so that trade is better for the long run. you know, Simms makes me think of cutler. throws harder than normal, maybe not as accurate, but based on experience, it’s harder to snag a ball on defense when it’s thrown harder instead of straight at the guy you are covering. I’m all the way for simms, 9/10 for orton, and i’ve never seen brandstater play.
maybe with Cutler my only problem with him when he was here was he would only focus on Marshall and that usually ended up with a INT but you never know we might of with him. but he is gone so lets go Orton or Simms or Tom who ever ends up the starter here is to the Denver Broncos Super Bowl 44 champs.
SBBB…yeah was was a Marine. Not ex…once a Marine always a Marine. God Bless, Rulon. I was really hoping he could make the team. Boo.
Keep improving Broncos! Saturday can’t come soon enough!!
GO BRONCOS!!!!
I am so sick and tired of “fans” saying that Cutler win/loss record is because of Defense and “NO RUNNING GAME”. As far as I am concerned that is a bunch of horse pucky! For the 2008 season Cutler threw 18 int’s that is right 18. Horrible decision making that is what is to blame! Yes Denver has had a horrendous defense over the last few years, largely due to Shanahan’s total neglect and inability to bring in defensive draft picks or free agents that could make an impact. Instead he chose to blame the scheme and rotate defensive coordinators like a revolving door. No Running game? In 2008 the Broncos averaged an impressive 4.8 yard per a attempt second only to the New York Giants! How is that “NO” running game? Yes the defense was terrible but when was the last time the defense threw a pick? Cutler had a very good receiving corp who could and would catch a lot of errant passes. An excellent offensive line that allowed him ample time in NFL terms to make good choices and throw good passes. He did not have to worry about running for his life. Yes any QB will throw a few picks but Cutler demonstrated a consistent lack of quality decision makeing. Own up, grow up, and own the mistakes you make! Cutler will never be an elite NFL QB until he starts making better choices on a consistent basis. Yes he does possess a $100,000,000 arm but atlas he’s has only shown $.99 decision making ability. YOU KNOW! ROLF! YOU KNOW
broncos9/9 –
What would you like to know about Clint Oldenburg, No. 71? He’s in the mix with the rest of the offensive linemen, working in drills every practice. Right now he’s listed as the third-unit right tackle on the depth chart.
Broncfalls –
As for your question, Coach McDaniels has certainly set a tone during training camp, and everyone on the team seems to be responding. As you pointed out, the team is wearing pads at a lot more practices this season, and it seems that gives especially the offensive and defensive linemen a bit of a better chance to show what they can do.
McDaniels has also taken a hands-on approach, watching many different drills in each practice, often acting as a defensive back during receiving drills to articulate exactly where he wants the players to make their moves. He also has occasionally pulled players to the side and given them quick pointers, from Tom Brandstater to Elvis Dumervil.
Hope that answers your question.
Thanks, and keep ‘em coming…
Gray
calm down! just calm…down…breathe in….breathe out….better?
that was for broncosffanofCA
Yes Cutler threw 18 ints but he also had a few fumbles as well so we traded 20+ turnovers for two 1st round draft picks sounds like a good deal for us.
ya know
What up TheRoyalBroncos! Did I read right that they let Rulon Davis go?! Man I was looking fwd to seeing him on the field!
The only, and I mean ONLY thing I miss about Cutler is how he showed his hate for P. Rivers. I wish players would make they’re dislike of other players more public. It would make for better rivalries. Can’t wait for Elvis to sack, and pick Rivers off this year.
GO BRONCOS!!!
hahahaha Ellismate… that was a great part of having Cutler here. I mean I could feel the tention between the two through my TV cuz they hated each other so much. I’d really like to see Dawkins sack Rivers, but getting a sack on Vick when we play Philly would be even better, if Vick makes it that far. We’ll have one tough D this year, that’s all I can say. MAJOR upgrade from last season. Thank God!
With faith…
GO BRONCOS in ’09!!!!
Ellismate_#1fan, I know Champ doesn’t like Rivers. He stated that he has lost all respect for him. But Champ has class and won’t beat a dead horse. He’ll let his play on the field (sacks and INT’s speak for him. Other players should do the same
As for Vick and the Eagles, put Vick on the field and the Broncos D will “dog” him……. What? What did I say???
Thats why I like Marshall man. His recieving skills are undeniable but he doesnt put his frame to waste. He also is one of the better Blocking Wide Outs in the league. Guy is indispensible. Hopefully his of field issue never come into play again but this man will make ortons job easier along with royal and the rest. Hope he plays agaisnt the seahawks so we can see if he has chemistry with orton. Doubt it, he is still hurting a bit from his hamstring, would rather he rest up so he does no aggravate his injury. Go Bmarsh. GO BRONCOS!!!