With the last preseason game just two days away, the Denver Broncos hit the practice field Tuesday as they continue their preparations for the Thursday night game at Arizona.
This will be the Broncos’ last road game until Week 3 in Tennessee, so Head Coach John Fox is looking at how his team responds after losing its previous road game in Dallas.
“We had the opening game on the road and didn’t fare so well, so this will be our last chance before Week 3, when we travel to Tennessee, to practice trying to win a game on the road,” Fox said. “I think it’s something I’m looking to see how we handle, and to get out healthy.”
Fox said something he and Defensive Coordinator Dennis Allen have stressed thus far is the need to create more turnovers. The defense had an interception in the first two preseason games.
“Our goal on defense is to take the ball away, whether it’s on downs or with takeaways — both fumbles and interceptions,” Fox said. “It’s something that we’re stressing, and we’ve always been believers that you get what you emphasize. They come in clumps; we haven’t had a bunch of them, but we’ve had them in (Dallas and Buffalo), and we’ll just have to continue that.”
On the other side, wide receiver Eddie Royal said the offense has come a long way but there’s still some improvement to be made between now, the Arizona game and the regular season opener less than two weeks away.
“There’s a lot of little things that we can do better,” Royal said. “We’ve put in a lot of plays so far. I don’t know how much of the playbook we have in so far, but it’s a lot. We’ve accomplished a lot and I’m sure we’re going to put in a lot more.”
Even though the game Thursday is a preseason game, Royal said the team needs to get in the regular season frame of mind.
“We have to treat Arizona like it’s a regular season game,” Royal said. “You want to get your routine down — how much film you’re going to watch, studying up on it and knowing what type of defense they run, so we’re treating it like it’s Oakland week.”
ROLL CALL
Just like yesterday, linebacker D.J. Williams and defensive lineman Brodrick Bunkley both missed practice after sustaining injuries against the Seahawks. Offensive lineman Chris Kuper and defensive tackle Kevin Vickerson also did not participate.
The Broncos held defensive end Elvis Dumervil out of the second half of practice today with a groin strain, and Brian Dawkins suffered a neck pinch halfway through practice, Fox said. Also, wide receiver Greg Orton suffered a lower side bruise.
DAILY JUKEBOX
1. “My Last” — Big Sean feat. Chris Brown
2. “Sad But True” — Metallica
For more photos of Tuesday’s action, see below.
-Kenny Legan
Tags: Preseason Week 4
Coach Fox doesn’t have much to build on as the Team really hasn’t been under him for very long, therefore he’s using pre-season to try and build some momentum going into the season. Fourth game is an evaluation period and Thursdays’s game will be no different.
I think what Royal is referring to is a dress rehearsal as far as preparation of the game, with film study plus knowing what to look for on defense, and so forth, (for the vets), imo.
Just read your post TRB – we’re on the same page talking about momentum…lol!
We are all on the same page, just had a whole discussion about that..
But of course with you handle I should expect a response about anything thrown Royal’s way, LOL.
Not digging all these injuries even the small tweaks and strains scare me. Let’s hope the boys stay healthy in the game on Thursday. Get some rest and be near 100% for MNF!
Not much else as I’m in fantasy football mode with 2 drafts coming up.
Go Broncs!
After last season we now have a whole new set up and for this reason I feel we can be far more optimistic this year. That is why I am predicting a big improvement whilst tempering it with pragmatism. In particular our defensive capabilities should improve and I am hoping that “Mile High” will regain its reputation as somewhere that is hard to come to and get a result.
Before commenting on the Broncos injury list (for all the non-gamblers) there’s 31 other injury lists. We have it good at worst. The real concern should be whether or not Fox and company can trot out a team and have them play 4 competitive quarters of football…I’m sure they can. Check out some injuries from around the league..there are some devastating losses already…we haven’t lost anyone of any significance..that may be a good thing or a bad thing. Not sure we even have anyone we can’t afford to lose.
I forgot to add that I think Coach Fox will engender the Team spirit that was lacking during McD’s tenure and that is an absolute essential for all Bronco’s teams.
I did go back and read your discussion but but didn’t see where you mentioned anything about momentum.. lol.
In reference to Eddie, yeah I have his name in my handle but nothing to do with my take on what he said, just my take on what he’s talking about regarding prepraration.. that’s all.
That’s probably because I don’t put much weight on the momentum our backups can carry into the regular season…
As for Lorenzo, not being sure there isn’t anyone on the team we cannot afford to lose, let me start with Doom, all saw how that went last year, Von Miller, key to Fox’s defensive scheme, Bailey other wise Goodman is our top corner, Lloyd because that’s the go to guy for Orton, Orton because otherwise it’s Quinn, McGahee because he is the only one who can get the short yardage and can score in close, Clady because he protects Orton’s blind side, just a few right off the tip of my tongue…
Speaking of Royal..I liked him coming out. What’s up with him? Is he having trouble grasping the complex reads of the NFL? He seems to disappear more often than not. kinda like he leaves the line of scrimmage and you can’t find him. Are they using him as bait? because it still seems like BLoyd was tripled teamed sometimes. Just curious..he doesn’t seem to be a factor other than he’s a veteran now. He’s probably one of the strongest,fastest,talented guys in the league but Wes Welker is still out playing him?! i don’t get it.
I think he lost some of his confidence under McD the destroyer of people.
bay…you forget. There’s going to be a gang of cuts coming up real soon..all of those guys are replaceable. Losing Doom didn’t hurt us as much as not being able to stop anyone from running up record days on us. Bailey??? Ummmm….let’s just say he is good but beatable these days. LLoyd…even terrell owens healthy or even moss can probably come in and duplicate, Orton? Quinn or Tebow can fill in a different manner. There’s backs out there so I won’t go there, Clady? Watch the wire. You forget…there will be quality players out there if for no other reason,salary caps. You forget…Fox just coaches what he has…he’s not from Dallas, Washington,Philly,San Diego..this is a budget coach
btw I think they’ve already moved bailey off the ‘corner’ he’s headed for safety before long.
I think Eddie is still confident, just not as sharp as a Welker or some of the slots out there…he doesn’t ‘pop’ open fast enough.
I saw Antonio Gates hurdle Bailey when he was a rookie. no respect nothing, just another d-back. Bailey gets beat more often than we want to admit.
We attended the game Saturday night and was impressed with the Defense. They were swarming to the ball and communication was good between them on the field. The Team’s responded well to Coach Fox. It was great to see him interacting with the players… players Coach. You’re right, momentum isn’t big for the 4th game, but for a new Coach and players, it can be a stepping stone. Coach will do his best to get the best out of those who take the field. They seem fired up to be playing for him, bay. Quite a few will be out to impress him as this will be their last game.
Eddie looked good the other night except for the one drop. He was getting of the line of scrimmage and opening up. Their was a nice hook up between he and Orton later in the game for 40 yds or so. Looked like Royal was about to shake loose. He looks healthy to me, but what do I know.
He’s been in three different systems now in his 4th year. McD didn’t use him at all and as bay mentions, he may have suffered from the McD syndrome. Let’s hope he has a solid year for the Broncos.
I think the way McD blew into town and crumbled the foundation of the team to stake his ego on it kinda turned off a lot of players..incl Eddie. he came from a well established coach in college and I don’t feel he felt any loyalty to McD. throw in a few injuries and i’m sure he held back. But he’s a baller, He can play if he wants to. Fox will allow him that but with all his talent he should blow up the league this year or he’s a bust.
If he doesn’t….decker will have that spot
Like they say… next man up!
I think this team is already looking forward to the Raiders too much…..maybe we lose Thursday? hmm
I don’t think I’ve seen you on here before oznerol.. welcome to the blogs.
If you’re returning from last year, welcome back.
I do believe we were beyond humiliation last year against them…and Bowlen is not one to soon forget. He signs the checks not Fox and who ever plays had better bring their A game..or we’re nowhere near thru tinkering with this mess of a roster.
Thanks Royal……I’ve been around for awhile. But try to get a Denver Broncos conversation going in Iowa….best to just blog it out! These people are more interested in the Chicago Cubs!
Broncos Run Wild Fantasy Football league was created by someone in this blog … and I joined … I am curious who that was I have already forgotten … believe his real name is Jeremiah lol. Anyway I was just curious seeing as how our draft is tommorow to know who it was … I wonder if anyone else from this blog is in it. TRB
I see that they gave Cedric Benson 20 days in jail. It sure was nice of them to let him wait to go in until the Monday of his bye week…
Wouldn’t want to hurt the Bengals run game for some silly little thing like jail time.
oznerol,
Are you serious? LOL! It was so um…..interesting I had to re post it for you!
bay…you forget. There’s going to be a gang of cuts coming up real soon..all of those guys are replaceable. Losing Doom didn’t hurt us as much as not being able to stop anyone from running up record days on us. Bailey??? Ummmm….let’s just say he is good but beatable these days. LLoyd…even terrell owens healthy or even moss can probably come in and duplicate, Orton? Quinn or Tebow can fill in a different manner. There’s backs out there so I won’t go there, Clady? Watch the wire.
So…..uh…..Clady is not impressive to you? He allowed .5 sacks as a rookie and made the pro bowl. terrell owens is still not signed. He did however play last year and SUCKED! lol! Did you know Moss is retired? He was so healthy he doesn’t even have to play anymore! And you think these two clowns are better than the #1 ranked WR in yards last year?…what else….oh Quinn or Tebow can fill in for Orton….yeah maybe on Madden but not in real life and the biggest winner of all…
Can I get a drum roll please……Doom didn’t hurt us as much as not being able to stop anyone from running up record days on us. Are you on crack? LOL! The NFL’s sack leader from a previous year’s absense all year wasn’t a big loss? I agree we had a very tough and difficult time stopping the run but if you thought the run was bad, you should’ve seen the fatal attempt to rush the passer! LOL!
oznerol,
I’m just having some fun with you, but in the words of the Sunday Countdown Staff! C’Mon Man!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GO GET EM’ BOYS!
Sorry, actually…..I’m not sure if Clady made the pro bowl his rookie year or not….something tells me he did….if he didn’t, it must of been the out pour of ‘WE GOT SCREWED!” that I’m thinking about!
Because one thing is for sure! That kid was amazing his rookie year and still is!
GO GET EM’ BOYS!
What Scares me is our lack of depth. We are good at WR. and I think We have A lot of Talent at LB. but of Champ or Doom get injured we are pretty much screwed. Same thing with Clady and and pretty much any of our starting OL.
Clady made the pro bowl in his second year. Broncofalls you forgot bailey who hasn’t allowed a touchdown catch in I believe two years. So yeah those guys are replaceable but not as good..
ah yes! NOW we have some talk going on! Keep it coming! bring on those raiderettes!
This is at worse..an 11-5 team
Geez, what’s gotten into the water in my home state??? … 11 – 5?? … I hope you’re right, Lorenzo – If so, I’m going to really enjoy Sunday’s at the Casino Sports Bar …
oznerol, you are from Iowa!? Right on man. I live in Waterloo. No love for the Broncos. Cubs, Vikings, Bears, Packers, and Twins. Nice to know there is another Bronco fan in this state lol.
Regardless of your Iowan status, I happen to disagree with you. Those guys are not very replaceable at all. Doom, Champ, Clady, Lloyd, and even Orton are very important to this team.
Funny about the discussion on preseason. I think straight out that if coach Fox lost all 4 Preseason games, bronco fans would of wanted him fired before the season even started. Ive been a bronco fan for ever, it just seams like bronco fans are so up and down, something to say about every decision he makes second guessing everything. I would like to get on here and see everyone on the same page, but then again the world isnt that fortunate for everyone to get along. Anyways like i say GO BRONCOS THREW THICK AND THIN for better or for worst, and I do think even tho weve won 2 preseason games Fox is still evaluating players. 9 and 7 this yr. LOL fellow bronco fans, If we win only 2 games it has to be agaisnt the Raiders.
For whatever it’s worth:
As John Fox said this week when the team released seven players, “I didn’t have the chance to get to know this team like I will in the future.”
I really hope that he beefs up the DTs, I dont know about this raiders running attack Bay. They throw alot of screens, and you know they have alot of speed do you think we can stop them? Sometimes being over agressive on the corners can get you in trouble.
Thanks denver07…I’m out in western ia near Donna Reeds hometown. I was born and raised in denver tho. Ya I said 11-5 When we sweep the afc west and beat some of the teams over looking the ex 4-12 broncos..we should be 11 -5 Most of all as a bronco fan..I expect us to win at least 10 a year.
Just like a strike year…weird things happen and anyone can win this thing this year. Realistically, this is an 11 win team easily. It was under McD too. millertime…the raiders are stoppable…and as for all the screens we have the speed and length to intercept some of those or at least ruin them. Most of all..the raiders stop themselves. Draws work better against edge speed
Moore and Miller bring a new dynamic for coordinators. Both will be mentioned as rookies of the week,month maybe year. Dawkins should have a good year with a rookie to help him out. They’re going to be busy in the middle of the field this year. Another reason Bailey will be lurking in the slot..look for Champ to have a career year in sacks as well. Another speed rusher off the edge or in the gaps as a nickle back.
I don’t consider myself and up and down fan. I will always have one team. I could be living in a cave in Tibet and still love the Broncos. Maybe fans are up and down these days, it’s because this team has been up and mostly down for years. it’s the ebb and flow of being a fan. As a fan you can’t jump off the boat just because we lose…As a kid I remember when John Ralston would actually run into the huddle to call the plays. Who wouldn’t love a team like that! Made me think we fans should run out there too to help. I still think Randy Gradishar was probably the best middle linebacker ever. I remember when players were actually a part of the community. The only people more visible were the all star wrestlers!
oznerol, you are from Iowa!? Right on man. I live in Waterloo. No love for the Broncos. Cubs, Vikings, Bears, Packers, and Twins. Nice to know there is another Bronco fan in this state lol.
See? What’d I tell ya! At least you’re not a Cubs fan too.
But I’m sure you run into plenty
lorenzo yah bro I know the draw works best on the edge rush but man did you really see how fast there team was sunday night. DOOMILLER gives teams trouble I know that then with bailey wow. We just need a couple big DTs, just to fill space if nothing else you know 6.5 310pds that would be nice, just for the draw plays. Ive been a broncos fan since 61
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