It was a historical night for the Broncos at INVESCO Field at Mile High. With 76 players suiting up in full pads, a record practice crowd of 13,402 fans filled the stadium seats to watch the two-hour session. Here are some quick hits from the under-the-lights outing in Denver.
ROLL CALL: Not practicing were Brandon Marshall, Brian Dawkins, and Rulon Davis. After practicing in the morning with an orange jersey for players recovering from injury, Nic Clemons was back out on the field in the same threads.
POSITIONING: On offense, the first-team line that experienced much success a year ago was back on its home turf. Ryan Clady and Ryan Harris manned the tackle positions, with Ben Hamilton and Chris Kuper at guard and Casey Wiegmann at center. Correll Buckhalter and LaMont Jordan split the majority of the carries at running back. Peyton Hillis also saw time as the lone setback, shifting between that and his customary fullback spot. Tony Scheffler and Daniel Graham lined up in a multitude of spots on two tight-end sets, and the Broncos even employed some three tight-end looks, where rookie Richard Quinn got in on the action.
The first-team defense was led by Ryan McBean, Ronald Fields and Kenny Peterson up front. Elvis Dumervil, Andra Davis, D.J. Williams, and Darrell Reid completed the rest of the front seven, while Champ Bailey, Andre’ Goodman, Renaldo Hill and rookie David Bruton rounded out the secondary. Nickel packages included faces like Jack Williams, Wesley Woodyard and Robert Ayers with the rest of the first-teamers.
DRILLS: Linebackers coach Don Martindale tested his players’ pads early. He ran a drill where each Bronco had to fight off one block from a teammate, before wrapping up another teammate heading downfield.
The defensive backs worked with secondary coach Ed Donatell and defensive assistant Jay Rodgers on deep interceptions. Donatell acted as a receiver, while Rodgers threw the passes to the cornerbacks to help them with their timing.
Quarterbacks Kyle Orton and Chris Simms worked on three-receiver sets against an empty defensive backfield. Jabar Gaffney, Eddie Royal and Brandon Stokley ran the drill with Orton. Graham filled the tight end spot and the tandem of Buckhalter and Jordan rotated out of the backfield. Each player worked on running their routes and signalin when they reached an open spot.
Special teams coordinator Mike Priefer ran the team through punting drills, with Brett Kern and Britton Colquitt splitting the punting duties and Royal and Alphonso Smith taking turns on the returns. It seems to be focused mainly on blocking for the punt.
PLAYMAKERS: It was a banner evening for Goodman in his INVESCO Field debut in orange and blue. As the team began its 20-minute period of situational football, Goodman lined up alongside Gaffney. With Orton facing a 1st-and-10 at his own 16-yard line, he dropped back to pass, but his pocket quickly broke down. Escaping trouble, he thought Gaffney had found a seam deep down the middle of the field. Goodman turned on his speed, creeping up Gaffney’s outside shoulder and skying high to grab the interception.
Three plays later, Goodman struck again. With Orton facing a 3rd-and-10 at his own 35, Royal ran a curl route to the left sideline. Goodman made his read and snatched the ball away again, rumbling 54 yards for a touchdown.
Stokley shined on offense, recording a 9-yard touchdown reception in a red zone offense set. He had 10-plus catches on the night, leaving his tracks over the middle of the field, while peppering the sidelines as well.
The Broncos pass rush made its presence felt. Both Fields and Davis snagged a piece of Orton’s orange jersey before the quarterback could get the ball off, drawing a whistle from the referees for a “makeshift” sack. On a late blitz, Reid pressured Simms up the middle, causing a rushed throw and subsequent incompletion.
In kickoff returns, Tony Carter won the rookie battle over Nate Swift, forcing a fumble on one of Swift’s attempts. Fellow rookies Smith and Kenny McKinley each were able to find seams, showing off their speed on a pair of long runbacks.
SITUATIONAL SUCCESS: Head Coach Josh McDaniels promised a practice that would include real game situations and delivered. Here’s a rundown of some of the real-feel scores that the players faced on the field, and fans could follow along with from their seats.
Blue 17, White 17 – 7:00 left in the 4th quarter, 1st-and-10 White at the 50-yard line
White 20, Blue 17 – 3:45 left in the 4th quarter, 1st-and-10 White at its own 30-yard line
Blue 14, White 13 – 2:00 left in the 4th quarter, 1st-and-10 White at its own 30-yard line
Blue 24, White 20 – 2:00 left in the 4th quarter, 1st-and-10 White at its own 25-yard line
QUICK HITS: Adding to the stadium setting was the presence of headsets — worn by McDaniels and his coaches from the beginning of the 20-minute situational football period to the end of the session.
On their third and final day with the Broncos in Denver, referee Ed Hochuli and his crew helped the players grow more comfortable with game situations before next Friday’s preseason opener in San Francisco.
The crew also kept a watchful eye on new NFL guidelines. A prime example was on kickoff returns, where the referees made sure the new wedge rule was being followed. Starting this season, no more than two receiving players may intentionally line up shoulder-to-shoulder, within two yards of each other, to set up the blocks.
In addition to watching the action live, fans were able to rely on the ThunderVision if they missed any of those playmakers in action. The replays captured some of the biggest plays on display, highlighting Goodman’s pair of picks and Stokley’s catches in traffic.
DAILY JUKEBOX: While it only lasted through the 15-minute warm-up period, fans were serenaded to the sound of another Broncos playlist. Some of the tunes included:
Pearl Jam’s “Even Flow”
T.I’s “Live Your Life”
Bruce Springsteen’s “Born to Run”
Young Jeezy’s “Put On”
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers “The Waiting”
Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train”
QUOTABLE: “The fans came out. I mean, that was beautiful. Definitely great atmosphere. I can’t wait to play a live game in this stadium. If this many fans come out for a training camp practice I can’t imagine how it is going to be during a game.”
-Darrell Reid on the atmosphere at practice
The team will hold one practice on Friday starting at 1:15 p.m. MDT and will then enjoy a Saturday off.
Here are pictures from tonight’s session.
– Chris Gentilviso, DenverBroncos.com
Tags: Fans, INVESCO Field at Mile High, Training Camp
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Link on Dawkins latest (which I posted about before) compliments of the Denver Post:
http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_13011497
That sucks, atleast he’ll be ready for the regular season.
http://broncotalk.net/
Yeah, expect Dawkins to get a little work in during the 3rd and 4th preseason games to knock the rust off. I don’t know how long he will play with a cast but I hope it’s not a looong time?
What do you think the chances are of Simms beating out Orton in the preseason and starting week 1?
Simms WILL beat out Orton. Maybe not by Week 1, but definitely by Week 4.
I think once Simms get some playing time in pre season the rust will come off and he should beat Orton. I like Orton but physicaly Simms is the better QB.
Kyle Orton (QB Broncos) – Didn’t do very well in Chicago, I know, but he will have more targets and better coaching in Denver. With all the weapons he has Orton should become the surprise of the fantasy football world. Expect good, not great, numbers as Denver has one of the post powerful offenses in the league.
pulled that off of: http://www.jocklife.net/news/nfl/nfl-fantasy-draft-2009-top-8-fantasy-sleeper-picks-will-add-value-your-draft-27487
Thought this was a good article on our schedule. jocklife.net
Another team with a very interesting schedule for 2009 is the Denver Broncos. The Broncos have a new head coach in Josh McDaniels and a new quarterback in Kyle Orton, but are trying not to be labeled as a team that is rebuilding. The Broncos schedule seems to be very favorable early on, and could easily spark them to a 3-0 start.
The Broncos open on the road against the Bengals and then return home to play the Browns. In week three, the Broncos will head to Oakland to take on the Raiders in a game that the Broncos should win.
Just when Broncos fans think the season in going great, the team will have to face the Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots, and San Diego Chargers. Coming out of the bye week in week seven, the Broncos will have to face the Ravens, Steelers, Redskins, Chargers and Giants.
The Broncos will then play the Kansas City Chiefs in a game that will feature Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel against Broncos’ coach McDaniels in a battle between former coach and player. Coming out of that matchup, the Broncos will renew their rivalry with the Indianapolis Colts in week 14.
Week 16 has the Broncos traveling to Philadelphia for the first time since former Eagles safety Brian Dawkins was acquired by Denver in free agency.
Yup, and that’s why the Broncos will be 3-13 this year…
*Attention*
I have never the Broncos will do bad this year, actually I think we will be a huge surprise this year. I like every position except QB and NT.
We r going to have a solid running game. We have awesome receivers as usual, with or without Marshall. Good receiving and blocking TE’s. One of the best O-lines (if u guys saw the Madden 10 ratings for our team, its a joke especially O-line).
Now for the D, I really hope Fields shows up during the season. I think Ayers is going to shine this year(represent that #56!). With all of the guys we have in OLB/DE, I think some stars will rise we have forgotton about. D.J. Should be even better than before and Andra is a beast. We should have one of the best secondaries. I have high hopes for Alphonso. I hope B-Dawk can fully recover in time.
I am a little worried about having game manager at QB. I haven’t seen a lot teams have success with it. Maybe Panthers is an exception but look what Delhomme did against the Cardnals in the playoffs when he tried to do something different. Which Orton will show up? Only time will tell.
U guys just need to stop crying for him about the booing. This isn’t little league where people only cheer. Just like McD said this the NFL, you should be cheered when you are supposed to and booed when you r supposed to be booed.
Its time to get the respect back. For those of who haven’t seen weapon x- brian dawkins vid on youtube, go check it out. My fav part is when he says “give me some respect right now”
Anyways I love my Broncos, I would stand by them even if they pulled a Detroit Lions!
There is no way we lose to the chiefs twice dude, 4-12 at least.
PhotohoundAK
Really? 3-12? Wow! You must be either a faders fan,cheaps fan, or a super dolts fan and it your dream we would only win 3 games.
Our O-liine got screwed. I can’t believe the Raiders got a higher madden rating than us. I think John Madden still has a hard on for his old team.
Well at least our entire team got screwed equally, our overall rating is a 70. Its alright tho because I’ll still get on madden on the 360 and represent!
I just go in later and change the rating maualy.
How is Dumerville a 66? Seriously?
But u can’t do that for ranked matches. That’s why I said I’ll represent
I think the raiders may have dropped now that they don’t have burgess.
Burgess wasn’t gonn start this year. It shouldn’t effect their rating.
GOodman just knows how to keep proving his worth with them INTs. Dunno if he is doing good or Orton is just sucking….sigh. heres hoping he does some justice on the opposite side of bailey. Doubt sims will beat out orton, but its possible. They are both equally average. What would be hilarious is if Brandstater beats them both out. We shall see some seperation come preseason.
All you are talking about a loosing season but look at what happened to the Dolphins. They had a turn around season just like that. We can make that happen. We have the talent and the players and coaches. You gotta have faith that the team will do better than that. Realistically anything can happen this season. Ever since what’s his name got traded everyone thinks we will have a bad season. That’s rediculous, we will have a good season, because now it’s about the team not just individuals.
I put the ratings past me a long time ago, Good rating or bad rating in madden I shall use them Broncos. We get scred every year. Plus this year has a new madden rating system thats why people are lower than they should be plus doom didnt excell last year. Either way, all irrelevant. Thats why we have updated roster, all the broncos gotta do is go out and whoop ass real life.
Hey guys I don’t like that some of our fans booded Kyle last night, thats out of order, we don’t boo our own team, Also have you guys seen what Jay Cutler said about broncos fans he rated them a 6, and bears fans a 9, stupid cocky little rat, and Broncofan387 I have seen our ratings on madden 10, it is completely disgraceful we are worse than the raiders for god sake, and one better than the chiefs we are 70 btw guys for people who don’t know we are like the 6th worse on the game or something, check out the ratings on madden10.com and tell us what you think, our o line isnt the best, our wr is like 5th or something, can anyone name a better wr core than denvers (except for the cardinals) ???
the only teams with a better WR corps is Arizona and New England. Out O-line is way underrated.
Broncofan387: I challenge you to an honor dew-ell. Hit me up on the 360: eeerokk
I’m a big time Madden fan, and if you want I’ll play ya in 09 if your itchin for a good game. But I’ve already got my reservation for 2010. Our ratings will get better as the season goes on and they update the rosters.
they dont update the overall team rating by very much though, i hate denver being awful because i cant go them online
Hey, I forget what the ratings boost was, but Eddie Royal is a good example of a good sized increase. But as a team, you’re right TOC24. But if our o-line dominates again the first half of the season, they’re gonna have to recognize! Also, usually good players will match up low rated teams with other low rated teams. If they don’t, just find someone who will. I know I won’t be playing Denver vs. NE for a while, for example. At least til I have a few games under my belt.
To all of you that call yourselfs Broncos fans, read this. Remember the guy writing the article is a Chargers fan
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Fans-in-Denver-like-Kyle-Orton-as-much-as-fans-i;_ylt=AsaoSoaip3iNrKZiHf2UXzpDubYF?urn=nfl,181522
The only fans unhappy about the cutler trade were the chagers fans.
why aren’t the charger fans happy with the Cutler trade?
just a reminder for those who joined the Orange Colored Glasses league. the draft is August 29. 8:00pm MDT.
thanks Torain, just wondering, is it a PPR league?
actually ive been a broncos fan my whole life and i wan unhappy about the trade so speak for yourself……
He is without a doubt way to cocky and he needs to learn to keep his mouth shut more times then not but you cant question talent and he has it, I cant believe you guys still care what he says he’s not a bronco anymore who gives a damn, i dont, i could careless what he has to say let it go and stop worrying about a QB that dosent even play for our team.
worry about our team you know the BRONCOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kyle orton, chris simms and tom brandester are the only QB’s that need to be talked about. Im tired of coming on here the little time i do and it never fails i see cutler’s name like i say everytime LET IT GO!
Go broncos!!!!!!!
PPR league?
Its a head to head league. 4 divisions. 8 playoff teams.
points per reception.
no. look at the league settings.
league page
http://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com/f1/56672
so KNOW SHOW moreno has missed 13 practices out of 27. WOW. Incredible. He must really feel he is the best RB we have too be confident enough to miss that many practices.
what is with the divisions? whats the difference between one giant division and 4 seperate divisions?
does anyone now whats going on with knowshon moreno???
division winners make it and so does 2nd place
makes it more interesting
u prefer 1 division, or 4
I’ve never done four divisions. I’ve also never done individual defensive players so this league should be interesting and fun.
broncofritz, I live in Vegas so I’m a betting man. Simms will not beat Orton out of his spot.
Yes its true I am a BRONCO FAN!!! Not a Kyle Orton fan, you guys act like he has proven something already and continue to call him a Bronco. He has not played 1 regular season game yet. Once again RESPECT IS EARNED!!!
I am sorry if I come off harsh not showing too much support for Orton like most of u guys, but I think he sucks as a quarterback. Another thing, what’s wrong with booing him when he does bad? When I played football and I missed a tackle or fumbled the ball, I got chewed out by the coach. This is not little league where kids make a mistake and u just tell them don’t worry about it. It is the NFL, the cream of the crop in football. Players should come equipped with thick skin or maybe they shouldn’t play in the NFL. Orton wasn’t crying about it, so why are YOU?
In my opinion, Simms and Orton should be judged by the # of interceptions they throw. I know that sounds kind of simple but I just think the #1 objective of the QB position is to not give the ball away.
I never remember anyone ever Booing the great John Elway in Mile High.