There was a little bit of a different feeling when the team headed out to practice Monday morning, thanks to Peyton Hillis. But more on that near the end of this blog in the “Daily Jukebox.”
For now, check out some quick hits from the approximately two-hour practice.
ROLL CALL: Vernon Fox was on the field today, back in his defensive blue jersey — no longer the orange jersey he sported yesterday, signifying he was recovering from an injury.
Nick Greisen was carted off the field during practice, but walked through the doors leading to the training room under his own power.
Brian Dawkins, Brandon Stokley, Brandon Marshall, Wesley Woodyard, Jarvis Moss and Correll Buckhalter were among the veterans who didn’t participate in the morning session. Head Coach Josh McDaniels said that all the players that were out were coaches decisions, and some will be back on the field for the afternoon session.
POSITIONING: The base first-unit defense today looked the same — Kenny Peterson, Ronald Fields and Ryan McBean on the line, Elvis Dumervil, D.J. Williams, Andra Davis and Darrell Reid at linebacker, Champ Bailey and Andre’ Goodman at cornerback and Renaldo Hill at safety. The only difference was at the other safety position, which was manned by rookie David Bruton. Fox also spent some time with the group at safety.
When the team brought in a nickel package, the defensive lineup looked a little different. Fields and Peterson were on the line, with Reid and Dumervil at the outside linebacker spots close to the line of scrimmage. Bailey, Jack Williams and Goodman set up at cornerback and Bruton and Hill were the safeties. The two players in the inside linebacker spots were Andra Davis and Josh Barrett.
DRILLS: Special teams coordinator Mike Priefer had his unit work on making the play on kickoff and punt coverage. One returner stood in the end zone and two gunners sprinted downfield from about the 30. When the gunners neared the 10-yard line, the returner’s job was to make them miss and get upfield, while the gunners’ job was to “squeeze” in on the play, as Priefer said, and make the tackle.
Wide receivers and defensive backs lined up about 15 yards apart from each other in one drill, and the secondary’s job was to demonstrate that the tackle was made — without actually fully tackling the receiver. The focus in the drill was using the sideline, as the coaches applauded when the receivers were forced out of bounds.
During one-on-ones between the receivers and defensive backs, Kenny McKinley made a catch past a diving Alphonso Smith. Later in the drill, however, Smith came back and broke up a pass intended for Nate Swift, drawing praise from defensive backs coach Ed Donatell that Smith did a good job reading the route.
The team also worked on situational drills, with McDaniels shouting things like, “It’s the first quarter, second-and-1.” The offense and defense had to react accordingly. Jeb Putzier talked about that type of drill earlier this offseason.
“They’re putting us in tough situations where we have to think on the move, and it’s great,” he said.
PLAYMAKERS: Eddie Royal made his presence known in the morning session, making catch after catch after catch. At one point he went one-on-one with Champ Bailey in a receivers vs. defensive backs drill, coming away with a short reception. He continually showed off his moves in 7-on-7s and 11-on-11s, weaving through defenders after making the catch.
Chad Jackson had a big catch as well, running to the back corner of the end zone with Darcel McBath in tight coverage. Kyle Orton let loose a spiral and Jackson leaped to haul in the pass at its highest point and come away with a touchdown.
Peyton Hillis flashed some of his skill in the morning session, too. He twice found a hole in a drill that consisted of the offensive line, quarterback and running back against the defensive line and linebackers, breaking loose for two touchdowns. He also layed a big-time block on Bruton to free up Ryan Torain for a big gain during 11-on-11s.
The defense had its fair share of plays as well. Lee Robinson laid a big hit on Ryan Torain on the last play of drills focusing on running plays that drew “ooohs” from the crowd. Champ Bailey also demonstrated why so many quarterbacks elect to avoid his side of the field, jumping up to grab an interception that he bobbled momentarily before coming down with it in the end zone.
QUICK HITS: On one play during 11-on-11s, Marcus Thomas stepped in with the first-unit defense, standing up on the line across from Daniel Graham. When the ball was snapped, Thomas dropped back into coverage on the veteran tight end. As his teammates shouted, “Come on, Thomas!” he dove to try to break up a pass but didn’t quite get there as Graham hauled it in.
There were two close-call touchdown plays on the day, and no call was made on either. Hillis was involved in one of them — he caught a pass over his shoulder out of the backfield for what looked like a touchdown in the end zone, but the ball came loose after Spencer Larsen jarred it out from behind. The other play that could go either way came when Chris Simms found Jabar Gaffney in the back of the end zone just past Joshua Bell, but it was tough to see if he got down two feet in time. Both were impressive catches — and questionable touchdowns.
During a play during a red-zone drill, Orton rolled out to his right, bought some more time and fired a quick pass back toward the middle of the end zone to a waiting LaMont Jordan. Jordan dropped the ball, however, and laid on the ground in disappointment. He later jokingly blamed the missed opportunity on the music played during practice. To understand that a little more, read below.
DAILY JUKEBOX: The music during Monday’s morning practice only lasted through warm-ups, but even with just a few songs on the docket, it was easy to tell who selected the heavy-on-the-country playlist — Hillis. Here’s a little music courtesy of the Arkansas native.
Chuck Berry – “Johnny B. Goode”
Alabama – “High Cotton”
David Allen Coe – “You Never Even Called Me By My Name”
Hank Williams, Jr. – “A Country Boy Can Survive”
Alabama – “Song of the South”
Elvis Presley – “Jailhouse Rock”
QUOTABLE:
“Not only is it unacceptable, it’s unconstitutional.”
-LaMont Jordan, on Peyton Hillis’ music selection during practice
Here are a few more pictures from practice. The team will be back on the field at 5:30 p.m. MDT for this evening’s session.
-Gray Caldwell, DenverBroncos.com
Tags: Training Camp
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i’ve gotta say this crabtree crap has gotten way out of hand. just cuz he is a whiner that wants top 5 money doesnt mean that our players should follow his example. Do whats best for your family and self. Never seen an of season as ridiculous as this one where everyone is waiting cuz of one player
Eddie Royal is a funny guy. Just saw his video. And i am also glad McD sees alot in him like we do. guys clasy, easy going, no drama and talented. Definitely a steal. And for those who tought Jordan was seriusly upset, from his video u can tell he wasnt actually upset by Hillis playlist. Eddie didn’t seem to be a fan either tho lol
YES we do broncs55
Finally!!!We got Ayers signed……
Well finally we have some relief here that Ayers finally got a deal. This has been gnawing at me for days!! Now hopefully Moreno can make me rest in peace! lol The more practices he misses the more its going to hurt him… get it done already!
With faith…
GO BRONCOS in ’09!!!!
I think we will sign Moreno within the next day or two!!! They desperately need to play catch up though! They made it a lot harder on themselves by holding out as long as they did!
i just got done look a my twitter and this pop up good news
http://www.denverpost.com/ci_12983342
this my bad http://twitter.com/sportsindenver
Alright Ayers is onboard! I thought we’d have both signed by today. DP says we should have Moreno signed within next few days.
Went fly fishing this weekend so good to catch up today with what’s going on.
I personally think Ayers should have signed a long time ago because he orakpo did and they are basically same position and orakpo was drafted before him. But im just glad he is here now.
Morenos is a lil tougher, not only is he draft 12 which is close to crabtrees 10, he is the top drafted RB overall so he is gonna want some paper. I see him signed with us by the end of the week. best case senario in my belief is we have him signed by wednesday.
I agree with you RoyalBeast…even though I would love to see Moreno signed tomorrow sometime but hey anythings possible!!
good to see and hear about our “new” team on the field, only one question left:
ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?
not just yes but hell yes
GO BRONCOS
You know in all honesty, I do not know who is better, knowshon moreno or hillis?? Moreno is very quick and can fake out someone and he is good at finding a hole and Hillis just goes up to you and crushes you and runs you over and keeps going for 10-20 more yards!! I wished i had a time machine so that I could go to the beginning of the season and watch our boys play!!!
SUPERBOWL BOUND!!
Am I ready for football? hmmm… Are you seriously asking me that question? lol I WAS BORN READY!!!
And that’s a good point broncosfreak. Moreno & Hillis are so talented in their own ways, it really is hard to see which one is better. The only reason I would say Hillis is because he has experience now in the NFL. Moreno can’t even get himself to camp! Although I have no doubts if Moreno ever makes it to camp and then beyond, he’ll be a force to be reckoned with. Torain just has been looking like such a beast out there he will most definitely give Moreno a run for his money, BIG time. The longer Moreno waits the worse its going to get for him. As a rookie he could seriously use each day he’s missed. Its only going to hurt him in the long run. There’s so much talent in those 3, its absolutely insane we have all this talent alone on our offense. I mean WOW, somebody pinch me!! lol Then you have the improved defense… good Lord!! Rarrr hahaha
Yeah, I’d say I’m ready for this.
With faith…
GO BRONCOS in ’09!!!!
with Moreno being a RB the time away from camp wont be as bad as lets say if he were a QB or WR holding out, the learning curve just isn’t as great at the RB position but it is getting a bit ridiculous…who’s really at fault here though? the player/agent who want the best deal possible because anything can happen in camp or the season to end a career or the organization that waited and could have gotten it done earlier? I think the organization is at fault, they need to put a priority at signing the rooks 1-2 weeks after the draft.
That is true emaldo… That’s why there is always a few RBs in the “Rookie of the Year” running…
Moreno not being at camp is playing into the hands of the likes of Torrain and Jordan. This is when RT needs to be hitting his straps which from I can assertain from Dynamicdave is exactly what he is doing which is awesome.
yes sir.
I am excited but I have heard that Orton has not looked very good in practice. Can anyone confirm this or is he looking good??? I’ve been told that he is under throwing a lot of people.
chick, he is doing good. he is just struggling a bit on his deep balls.
I have heard from mcdaniels and by watching the videos that Orton is hitting about every pass to his recievers. Its also been said on the videos that there have been long td throws from orton to the recievers soo I am pretty sure that he is beasting!!
Mcdaniels said today or yesterday that he got 4 out of 5 deep balls passed soo i am not worried at all! I am sure that he will definitely come through when we need him to! If your not sure, just go to youtube and look at some of the pretty big throws and passes that he did in chicagO!
hey lets put it this way, we have talent at the WR position something the Bears didn’t have so it’s gonna take Orton some getting used to, the whole idea of fast talented receivers is new to the guy…it would be like driving a Yugo for 3 yrs and then getting a Corvette…its takes some getting used to, a problem that is probably welcomed by Orton. Orton looks right at home. Cutler gets the Yugo now.
emaldo, good point. its like moving from a shack to a mansion.
No doubt Orton doesnt have arm strenght. We knew that when we brought him on but im glad he is working on his deep balls. And its not just about throwing deep, its about throwing deep, on the money. Lets not waste Bmarsh who is trying to be more of a Deep Threat this year.
Cutlers arm strenght is very apparent. He has a legendary cannon and his deep balls are pretty accurate. Don’t sleep on Devin Hester. With his speed and Cutlers cannon, they may be going Deep ball crazy lol. Besides who knows what potential talent they got over there. No where compared to our WR core but he might have some weapons.
Orton will work for now, and while i am still rooting for cutler (yea I said it) I hope the bears are HORRIBLE, cuz that will equal great pick for us lol and we need to draft the likes of Tebow or McCoy.
I’m happy to see Ayers finally is signed and ready to join the team in training camp. Moreno needs to get his priorities dealt with pronto or he will be lucky to be the number 3 RB. I know he’s very talented, but it appears Torain and Hillis have been tearing it up thus far in camp, not to mention he still needs to prove himself at the NFL level. However Moreno is the type of player who could climb the depth charts pretty quickly and is most likely is going to be the starter come opening day. But regardless of who the #1 is I am pretty satisfied with the depth at RB.
I dont understand why any true Bronco fan would want to root for Cutler
first of all in this sport you go against anybody who is a competitor. second cutler didnt want to be a bronco. we ve had some bad seasons but you dont abandon your team. I was a big Jay Cutler fan, loved the heat between him and Rivers. especially living in so cal where im am surrounded by charger fans.
I’m tired of hearing about cutler on a bronco website go to the bears website n blog about him he is old news let him go….anyway can’t wait to see what ayers does n hopefully that mareno deal gets done asap
So by your warped sense of the league, you root for no one but the Broncos? Wow I bleed blue and orange but rooting for a none Bronco doesnt make you not a true fan. Root for Adrian Peterson, Randy Moss, Larry Fitz, even rooted for LT and Peyton to break the record that year. Been rooting for Gary to do well as head coach of the Texans. When shanny comes back and coaches wherever, will be rooting for him to prove himself once more. Love the sport man. When rooting for another becomes more important than rooting for your team then you can say that person is not a true fan.
Rooting for other players not my style unless it is some one like AP but not Culter.
I will root for Cutler…not when he plays us…he was a good talent. fun to watch.
understandably, people choose to root for different people but rooting for them doesnt make you less a fan cuz they are your competitors is my point IMHO. Besides, im not suprised to here about “the one that shall not be mention” most broncos fans don’t like him cuz he didn’t “man up” and left because of a bruised ego. Wasn’t kidding when i said I wanted them Bears to be last in the league, we still got they pick lol
Precisely DOC.
emaldo: liked your anology on the new offense for Orton
That’s right – Orton have control of a nice running offense.
broncochick1: still pulling for Brandstater? Let’s see what happens… time will tell.
allsportsguru, agreed. I have always been high on Torain, of course, but Moreno has skills also. I think if one went down, the other could jump right in. Don’t be surprised to see the best group of RB’s in the league. Torain, Moreno, Hillis. Raiders think they will be the shiz, but I say Denver will be better.
TheRoyalBeast, I root for other players, EXCEPT when they play our Broncos. Then I wish them a horrible game and grass in their helmet. I rooted for Warner of the Cards. I rooted for Chad of the Dolphins, (except against the Broncos).
I will not root for Cutler either. He turned his back on Denver and the fans. Also, the worse he does, the better our draft pick next year.
I cant see why we would want Tim Tebow. If the Bears do horrible and we get a High pick it should go Defensive with someone like Taylor Mays from USC, then we could take McCoy in the 2nd round because thats what he will be.
In Other News, Jarvis Moss is done mulling over retirement and has reported to camp. I dont know about everyone else ut I really want to see him make an impact. He fits the OLB Position in our 3-4 so well, has crazy speed size and strength for that position. If he gets a chance I think a Lot of people will be surprised.
I think Torain will also start and if he can be healthy, then he will prove to be Shanahans’ last steal RB. He runs Like an old Bronco great, lets see if he becomes one himself.
I dont see Jordan going far, I like his talent, size and gamestyle but he is too injury prone, and Hillis does what he does, but better and I think for less money too so…