The Broncos took the field on Monday for the final week of passing camp. Monday’s practice — like Friday — was an “opportunity practice” for rookies and younger players to get some on-field work as the veterans worked out separately.
One new sighting was third-round pick Eric Decker, who was running back and forth catching passes from strength and conditioning coach Rich Tuten away from the rest of practice.
Demaryius Thomas, Ryan Harris and J.J. Arrington — all of whom returned to practice last week — were involved in the team portions of practice for the first time.
DEFENSE DOMINANT
During the first set of offense vs. defense drills, there were several dropped passes and a few more balls on the ground after the play, as the defense continued to work hard to strip the ball away from the receivers.
After Jarvis Moss dove to break up a pass, knocking the ball out of Richard Quinn’s hands, Head Coach Josh McDaniels yelled out, “The next ball on the ground, white takes off” on a lap around the practice fields. Needless to say, the unit took much better care of the ball for the remainder of practice.
But that didn’t mean the defense wasn’t still there to play.
On the first pass of 11-on-11s, Alphonso Smith picked off Brady Quinn. After a long completion to Kenny McKinley — who also had quite a practice — Quinn’s third pass was tipped at the line and intercepted by Wesley Woodyard. The linebacker trotted into the end zone, celebrating to help set the tone for the defense.
On the next pass, Quinn fired the ball to tight end Nathan Overbay, though it was nearly picked by Syd’Quan Thompson. As the defense reacted to the play, defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale shouted, “Almost doesn’t count in this game, now. Come on, hustle back.”
The defense didn’t stop there. By the end of practice, Woodyard had another pick and both David Bruton and Darcel McBath snared interceptions in the end zone before taking a knee.
“This has been one of the high points thus far in OTAs,” Baraka Atkins said. “But that’s what we expect to do every day — create turnovers and make problems for the offense.”
‘DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT’
McDaniels wasn’t all too pleased with the offense’s performance through the first part of practice, so before an offense-only drill, he gathered the players in a huddle, reminding them that the defense continues to win 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills.
“Will someone please stand up and do something about it?” he implored.
McKinley seemed to take that command to heart.
The second-year receiver caught long passes from both Quinn and Tim Tebow throughout practice. On one play in particular, he hauled in a pass in tight coverage before breaking free from the defender, staying on his feet and sprinting downfield for about 25 more yards.
His first touchdown of the day came from Quinn. With the defense playing tight coverage, the quarterback pointed back toward the middle of the end zone, so McKinley adjusted his route, sprinting inside to haul in a touchdown.
His second score came close to the end of practice on a pass from Tebow. He spiked the ball, seemingly telling the defense the offense wasn’t just going to roll over.
Thomas caught a pair of touchdowns on the day, as well, and Matthew Willis made a handful plays that drew praise from McDaniels.
The first came on a near interception by Cassius Vaughn, but Willis didn’t give up on the play, ripping the ball out of the cornerback’s hands for an incompletion. “That’s it!” yelled McDaniels.
The second came on the last play of practice, when a pass was tipped by Robert Ayers at the line, but Willis adjusted to haul it in for a touchdown, his second of the day.
College free agent Alric Arnett drew praise from the head coach as well when he adjusted to a ball thrown behind him, diving to the ground for the reception. That earned him a “Yes, nice job!”
After practice, McDaniels was asked why it seemed like the defense won the session.
“The defense is just louder,” the head coach laughed. “Usually every period when you ultimately watch it and break it down, it falls somewhere in a 50-50. You know the defense played well some plays and the offense did some good things, too, so hopefully everyone is getting better.”
QUICK HITS
Pictures from the session are below.
-Gray Caldwell, DenverBroncos.com
Tags: Alphonso Smith, Chris Kuper, Dicky Lyons, Elvis Dumervil, Eric Decker, Head Coach Josh McDaniels, Kyle McCarthy, Passing Camp, Syd'Quan Thompson, Tony Carter, Wesley Woodyard
Am I missing something? What has Doom done that he doesn’t deserve a new hefty contract?
That’s what all the restricted free agents are asking themselves. Look at San Diego, they’re having the same issue with their RFAs. So anyone that wants to say of McD is just being stupid or whatever, we’re not the only teams that haven’t dished out big contracts to our RFA. It took them a while to get Kuper’s contract figured out so hopefully they’ll get Dumervil’s figured out soon too.
If they don’t want him long term, then I understand why they are doing what they are, but if they do want him long term then they are handling it very poorly. I have aready addressed that often in the past, but it’s worth repeating Bowlen is not handling this well at all, regardless of what long term contract Doom gets if he ever gets one, Bowlen will have missed a great opportunity to show all the players on the team that when you produce and do everything above and beyond, you get justly rewarded for it. By dragging this thing along all Bowlen achieves is the loss of some of the respect he needs to have from his players not to mention the loss of some of their motivation to give it their all. I mean players are now thinking if it takes that long to get a deal for Doom who reached probably way greater achievements that most other players will ever do (adapting to a new position/system/getting 17 sacks), how in the hell are they’re gonna get their due when their time come? Unless they are not really looking to sign him long term, Bowlen really missed the boat on that one, and signing him now won’t change that much, the damage has already been done. Just my opinion.
Brian, many top RFA’s have been signed, in fact with this year being a non cap year it is a perfect time to sign a big long term contract without hurting your team long term because you can have the contract heavily loaded up front in this uncapped year, that’s why the Colts are thinking of resigning Manning now even so he still has a year. The handling of this deserving star player of ours has been bad business all around is all I’ll say about that.
And the only thing McD has to do with this Doom thing is whether he wants him on the team or not, McD has absolutely zero input on the money negotiations would be a safe assumption. Bowlen IS the money.
An organization does great things when it it great from top to bottom, in this instance the top is failing, hopefully the rest of the organization will be able to pick up the slack and get over it.
So basically it comes down to two things…1) Bowlen is that concerned about the CBA not coming to terms and he’s worried about Dumervil’s long term contract or 2) McD doesn’t want the league sack leader on his team and they don’t want to resign him.
There aren’t a lot of things that would make me stop watching the Broncos. Cutler trade I can handle that and did, Marshall trade I can handle that and will, questionable draft selections I can live it ‘em and we’ll see if they’re good or bad, not resigning the lead sack leader who is in the prime of his career, who has done nothing but everything you’ve asked of him and then some and never once stepped out of line if they don’t resign Dumervil I think that I’d stop watching them. Call me childish, call me “not a true fan” whatever you want, but out of my own character and principle when you don’t treat your players with respect (that deserve it like Dumervil does) you don’t deserve any in return.
I will never stop being a Bronco fan, but I do understand your point of view, this has gotten RIDICULOUS, to remain polite.
I’ll never stop being a Bronco fan, and I’d probably cave and watch them anyway. It was more of just as baylinorcrush said a “point of view.” I just think that now’s not the time to be cheap because there isn’t a salary cap. I’m not sure of Bowlen’s situation but he’s got the money and its an “investment” on what “could” happen. You “invest” wisely and in return you have greater chances of getting to that nice trophy that the other 31 teams are competing for. Its kind of like the lottery, you can’t win if you don’t play. In the NFL you can’t win if you don’t “pay.”
And now Dumervil is getting the same kind of treatment that holdouts even though he’s doing everything he has been asked for… So disrespectful from this team.
http://espn.go.com/blog/afcwest/post/_/id/13820/report-denver-gets-tough-with-dumervil
I hear ya Brian. I dont think I could either. No matter how mad I get or dont agree with McD sometimes, i get so excited when the word broncos is mentioned lol. Couldnt stay away if I tried. And as Marshalls ultimate fanatic and defender, if anything woulda stopped me from watching Broncos football until this new regime was over….it woulda been the Marshall trade cuz tears damn near fell down my eyes. But im still here lol.
If dumerville doesnt get a contract then it would have nothing to do with not trusting marshall I imagine, but that our organization is just being cheap. But that won’t happen, dumerville will get his deal. And if he doesnt I will know more than ever that McDaniels just wants to get rid of all shanahan selections or something. I think dumerville is the only Shanahan guy remaining from the 2006 draft. and if that happens i will be partners with sndvl on the “fire mcd” campaign. But you gotta understand this, the more the money the longer it takes, thats why the lower round picks get signed first. the higher round picks will take a while especially with 2 first round picks and THEN dumerville because dumerville will require the most time. So we got a long time to wait Broncos Country…..I would imagine…but this is all theory tho….TRB out.
thx for the info zomb….and just when we were saying things with dumerville were civil. Why would they send that letter when the man has been cooperative and is already expected to sign the tender. The only thing I can imagine is that by a certain date it is protocol and required to inform hold out players that if they dont sign blah blah blah will happen. in which case, they sent the letter out of legal obligations…not spite….I hope…..
TRB, that’s why we are having this entire discussion this morning, it was following my 6:43 am post.
BeastFromEast92-
I sent you an email to your registration email address about the issues you are having with your comments. Please check that email and send me an email back.
Thanks
Kyle
@ BAYLIN, I BELIEVE THEY WILL WIN THE GAMES THEY ARE SUPPOSE TO THIS YEAR. ALSO I THINK MCD. WILL DO THINGS A LIL DIFFERENT WITH DOOM. IF HE GETS RID OF DOOM & DOESN’T MAKE THE PLAYOFF, HE MIGHT BE AN OC AGAIN BEFORE LONG. I LIKE THE TEAM, BUT ONLY TIME WILL TELL.
Baylin
Oh ok, so thats what all the Elvis talk was about, i thought we were just taking in circles. started fromt he top, didnt back trap to past 50 comments so i missed ur klis post at the bottom. Like I said, maybe some of the players can understand the Marshall situation cuz it was pretty crazy, but no craziness has happened with doom so if doom doesnt get a contract…where is the motivating factor. ESPECIALLY for low round picks. Because thats what Marshall and Doom were. Low round (4th round) picks that went above and beyond and exceeded expectations. If the were first round picks, their contracts woulda been pretty good. Ill just leave it at, “I hope it all ends well”….cuz I don’t want us to be that team that players feel like hard work isnt rewarded or w/e. Not good for morale. one more thing, after getting rid of Marshall they shoulda INSTANTLY finalized a deal with Doom to prove that it was a percieved character thing with Marshall and not a cheap thing with the organization…..
To never watch the Broncos again cuz they didn’t sign one of their best players would be a hefty decision. I’m just like TRB…. whenever I hear the word Broncos or read it somewhere I’m paying attention; I get so excited. lol I’m with ya TRB! Could be that I’m obsessed with the Broncos or maybe its because I have to know what’s going on with my team. Anyhoo, they do need to sign Doom ASAP – I’ve made my point on that – but I could never stop being a Bronco fan. If anything would’ve turned me away it would’ve been Elway’s retirement cuz let’s face it… I miss that guy!!! Nothing… not even not giving Doom a new contract… could keep me away. I’d be mad as heck & would be extremely furious with Bowlen or whoever was nuts enough to tell him ‘no’ but to quit being a Broncos fan, I couldn’t do it. I have Orange & Blue blood… I don’t have it in me to quit on my team – ever. That’s just me.
I trust Bowlen & the other dudes in the front office that they will give Doom the contract he has earned & one that he deserves. I’d say if they don’t come to a compromise by the end of June… they have some SERIOUS issues. I say the end of June cuz by the time July 1 rolls around it won’t be too long till training camp is here and well, that’s a whole new story. I think they’ve mishandled this to a certain level cuz once he became a FA… they should’ve signed him right back… anyone could’ve picked him up before the draft. Can you imagine!! Ahh, I don’t even want to think about that. I thought they were waiting til after the draft was over & then they’d sign pretty soon after so they know what rookies were on hand for contracts too but its been almost a month & a half since the draft and still nothing for Doom. I they’re absolutely crazy but for some odd reason I still trust they’ll give him a contract that he’s earned. They’d be making a monster of a mistake if they don’t come to terms on something for him.
Alright, I’ve rambled enough about this but I have one last thing to say…
SIGN THE DOOMINATOR!!!!!
Keep the faith Bronco Country…
GO BRONCOS in 2010!!!!!
Agreed, I said that a month ago, the best time to ink Doom for the team’s morale was right after the Marshall trade to show everyone on the team the difference between being everything that the team wants you to be (Doom) and not doing it (Marshall) can make, but they blew that opportunity. I know you won’t like my Marshall not doing everything the team wanted, but what the heck, LOL.
That was for TRB…
I couldn’t agree more with you TRB on the last part of your comment… the second Marshall was gone it would’ve said a lot about the Broncos character as a franchise if they had signed Doom right away. It probably would’ve flew right over Marshall’s head but it would’ve made a statement to other players & other teams that we want players that have standards & aren’t all about the ego. Marshall is full of talent but also full of himself… plenty of ego to go around. But he’s now the problem for Miami to deal with (good luck with that). Signing Doom right after he left would’ve said that “what this guy (Doom) represents & brings to the team and the attitude/behavior he displays on AND off the field is what we want from our players… this is the mentality we want from all of our players and we respect him for being one of those players.” To give Doom a contract right after we cut Marshall would’ve been a really good way to perceive that message across the NFL saying we will not only reward the player for his talent & what he can do on the field but in a way we will reward them for being someone that is highly respected & looked up to by many people. Doom is that guy. Marshall just doesn’t get the picture.
Keep the faith Bronco Country…
GO BRONCOS in 2010!!!!!
I love me some KING DOOM and one year as the sack leader is awesome but I think Doom wants to be the highest paid OLB in the NFL and maybe McD doesn’t want the highest paid anybody on his team.
It seems Pat and Josh or Xanders and Ellis or all of them want a team of blue collar type players with a pay structure that resembles an arc on the graph and not one that has peaks and valleys with one or two guys getting paid the majority of the team payroll while the others get significantly less. Just an idea.
The KING DOOMINATOR is a monster pass rusher but he needs to compromise with the team a little and leave some room for the other players to not feel underpaid. Maybe Doom shoud be at the top of the arc in the payroll but not in a peak…jomho
There is also the factor that Doom was a big part of the porous Denver defense that wasn’t that great at stopping the run last year… Doom needs work on being a multi tallented OLB that can be more effective in pass and run D and not just a QB rusher… jmho
ILMSDB!!!
very good point orange. i like a fresh point of view.
“PAY DOOM”
Thanks TRB for the info on Cox. Also I enjoy your posts and I agree with you most of the time but its nice to know who the true Orange and blue fans are.
Thanks again for the info and its nice to know I have a Bronco Bro out there.
Go Broncos!!!
“PAY DOOM”
As you all know I want Doom signed but we have to realize thats its between an agent who for all purposes this is his first big time contract that will secure him and his family for life if he does right for the NFL leader in sacks. This type of contract is and will be making Doom the highest paid Bronco in history as well as the highest paid defensive player in the NFL. This contract will rival QB’s contracts. We will have to be patient and keep reading my “PAY DOOM” until it gets done. We all know it will. And by the way who is it that handles the players contracts for the Broncos? Love me some Orange and Blue.
Go Broncos!!!
OC, everything you say makes some sense, hence why the negotiations are taking so long, no one is willing to abandoned their stance, Bowlen the not wanting to have another type Bailey contract on his hands that would seriously bend the graph, and Doom’s agent doesn’t want to give up on the true value that a league sack leader represents as to not hurt his % take in the process. Maybe it’s one of those where Doom needs to step in and tell his agent to compromise, either way both sides are taking that long to make sure one spends as little as possible and the other makes as much as possible. That being said, the importance of signing this guy quickly to me had a lot more value to the unity of the team that a high paid player messing up the graph would have, but that ship has long sailed, just my opinion.
I like the “top stories” article on Phonzy.He knows he has a lot to prove,and I think he will definitely play better this year,if he can’t learn from the best in the business (Champ) there’s no hope for him,but I for one think the greatest DB in the history of the ACC will play good,with Jones,Thompson,and Cox nippin’ at his heels.
OC…I think you got a point there bro,but not just Doom,all the LB’s need to do better on run stopping and pass defending,D.J. was the only LB we had last year that was the total package,IMO,not bashing Doom,just agreeing with my Bronco Bud on the fact he can improve his game,he does deserve a lot of money,but not much more than Champ or D.J….Just one man’s opinion that don’t mean a Helluva lot.
BFE
Those are business decisions and the better businessmen win more games than others, I still don’t feel the organization’s approach towards Doom was really good business, not so much because of Doom’s sack record or his lacking in stopping the run, but because of all the intangibles the guy brings to the table, they don’t make football men like him very often anymore, the guy has been everything McD could ever ask for, and they should reward that, plain and simple. Well I guess not, LOL.
Imagine that, OC, BFE and I blogging at the same time, like the good old times, LOL, it’s been a while, good to see you both here.
weareamr, I would think that along with Bowlen, Joe Ellis Chief Operating Officer has the most to do with contracts, Brian Xanders as general manager probably also has some inputs into it. Just my opinion, I do not know for sure who gets involved in contracts other than the obvious Bowlen has the final say in those matters, that I would be pretty much sure of.
And I hope coach McD stays away from the money matters, he has bigger fish to fry. That being said, like OC said he probably would rather have a team of equally paid players the Belichick’s way, but anymore involvement than that into players contracts from him wouldn’t make much sense to me, his job is to coach, hopefully he gets that.
Baylin glad to be back bro,been having problems posting as you can tell by Kyle’s 11:09 post.Hope it’s fixed now,cause I sure do miss posting with my Bronco Bros.
“PAY DOOM”
Thanks BAY u 2 I consider a Bronco Bro. Doom’s time will come but you have to agree that his contract is going to be history making in BroncoLand.
Go Broncos!!!
Yeah, it’s gonna be like Bailey’s contract was six years ago, 54 million dollars back then was monster money.
BFE, glad to hear you’re not in trouble with the blog administration, LOL/jk.
Yeah I can foresee a contract like 6 years/60 mil,which is more per year than any other Defensive player we have.
Who me in trouble nooooooooo.LOL
Yeah I’m back,thanks Kyle!!!!!!!!
Well you aren’t yet, we are still working on the issue. I have been activating your posts manually. If anyone else is having problems with their posts not showing, send me an email – broncos.website@broncos.nfl.net
Thanks bro,we all know you’ll take care of us Bronco fans,and a big thank you for going beyond the call of duty.
I just can’t wait until every player is signed, the final depth chart is out and the only unknown left is the games to be played!!
I LOVE ME SOME OFFICIAL DENVER BRONCO BLOG!!!!!
So does anyone have any fantasy leagues with spots open that wouldnt mind a noob???
BFE92 – Good to see you back on here again!
With Champ,Goodman,Dawk,Hill,McBath,Bruton,Phonzy,Jones,Thompson,Carter,Cox,Barrett,Vaughn,and McCarthy (I know all a few will prob be cut),we should have one of the best secondaries in the league this year.IMO.
As far as the comment on Goody getting beat out for the starting Corner,it’s not gonna happen,he played as well as any DB on the team last year,He’s about the same age as Champ,and I hope they are our starting Corners for at least the next 3 or 4 years.The young guys can come in and out on the different nickel and dime packages,but they can wait a few years to get their shot,cause for now Champ and Goody are AWESOME!!!!!!!!
More about Doom’s situation from Klis in the DP “all things Broncos” section “the Elvis talks” article.
While I love doom to death, I don’t think that he is the high money worth. Granted he had a good season with sacks, but he is undersized for the run and thats where we got killed. A lot to his side of the formation
I believe he should get a nice paycheck but I don’t know if he has all the skills to be the top lb money wise. Don’t let one great season and other good seasons lead to long term big money.
Does anyone know if the Broncos mandatory minicamp this weekend is open to the public. Im coming to Denver for the weekend and I would like to see my favorite players in action!
Sorry rfb1,I posted you right back and said thanks like a couple minutes after your 3:42 post but it didn’t go through,I’m having a lot of problems trying to post the last few days,some posts go through,some don’t,they are working on it trying to get it fixed,didn’t want you to think I was ignoring you,cause I wasn’t,I value your opinion and friendship.
Lets see if this thing let me post now…
McD said he wants Doom in the team (his words were around “he deserves it” -speaking about new contract). People blaming McD for contract and money situations is just absurd. So used to Shanny Almighty way of doing things that now everything’s on the coach… but NOT ANYMORE. Xanders and Bowlen must deal with that. McD to his training stuff.
Having said that… I agree that Doom should have been signed already to a fair contract. Even if he’s signed now, the result would be colder than if they would have done it before. Yes, this is a business, but you can’t miss the sport side of it (how ironic is that?)
SIGN DOOM!
“PAY DOOM”
I hope this will get posted? been locked out for most of the day..
I bet we see Cox more than any other DB off the bench but BFE I know your a Bronco Bro too and I hope Champ is with us for a few more years. Whats it going to be like when his contract comes up. And welcome back BFE enjoy reading your posts for the Orange and Blue.
Go Broncos!!
http://www.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://on205thimages.com/images/moa1kbdzty3zwast8fo7.jpg&imgrefurl=http://guyism.com/2009/04/top-11-reasons-why-jay-cutler-had-to-leave-the-broncos.html&usg=__0qTyyxF9QnOif_8q3rvuSWHnthQ=&h=320&w=400&sz=22&hl=en&start=92&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=nB9yE4IRMF1dQM:&tbnh=99&tbnw=124&prev=/images%3Fq%3Ddenver%2Bbroncos%26start%3D80%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff%26sa%3DN%26ndsp%3D20%26tbs%3Disch:1
Just came across this, kinda old, some of you may of seen it before but thought it was kinda funny and thought I should shared with my Bronco buddies.