Tuesday morning, the Broncos practiced for the first time since Sunday’s preseason game against San Francisco, taking the field in shorts, shells and helmets. It marked the first practice since the roster was cut to 75 players on Monday.
ROLL CALL
Guards Chris Kuper (forearm), and Tony Hills did not participate in Tuesday’s practice. Safety Jim Leonhard and linebacker Keith Brooking both participated fully after they were limited by injuries last week.
PLAYMAKERS
- Cornerback Drayton Florence knocked away what looked like a sure completion to wide receiver Gerell Robinson. Florence arrived in front of the intended receiver at the last second after hustling up from deep in the secondary to make the deflection.
- Linebacker Steven Johnson was able to get his hand on a pass at the line of scrimmage to knock the ball to the ground. Johnson made the play while engaged with an offensive lineman, but still found a way to free up a hand and bat down the pass.
- During a red zone drill, a well-thrown pass to Robinson was broken up by linebacker Joe Mays short of the goal line. Mays’ effort earned cheers from several of his defensive teammates.
- Quarterback Peyton Manning found running back Willis McGahee free down the sideline for an easy touchdown completion during red zone work.
- Quarterback Adam Weber found wide receiver Greg Orton deep down the middle of the field for a long completion during team drills.
- On one play during a red zone drill, a pass by quarterback Caleb Hanie glanced off a defender near the line of scrimmage, but still reached its intended target, wide receiver Eric Decker, who reached out to make the grab in the front of the end zone.
- Quarterback Brock Osweiler hooked up with tight end Julius Thomas, who was all by himself in the end zone for the touchdown reception during red-zone work.
- Two defensive linemen showed their athleticism defending screen passes. First, defensive tackle Ben Garland made his way into the backfield to put a quick stop to a designed screen to running back Jeremiah Johnson. Later, defensive tackle Kevin Vickerson quickly diagnosed a screen play and was able to knock the pass to the ground.
- During team drills, running back Knowshon Moreno broke through the defense for a couple of long runs.
QUICK HIT
Before team drills started, punt returners practiced fielding punts with two defenders screaming and running toward them full speed.
Tags: Practice Blog, Preseason Week 4
OT as for the 4th rusher I really think Jackson can step up and be that guy. I was hoping Ayers would but he just hasnt stepped up and I am a little disappointed in that as he showed good pass rush ability towards the end of the year last year .
AB I see where your coming from with the Safeties good point
I really don’t know what to think about Ayers I think he has all the potential in the world but he just flashes it and then disappears I am on the fence as to what to do with him.
I agree 100% about Malik AB. He looks really good, and we all know a certain beast in TN who called it.. I loved how he had a forced fumble last week, and almost had another one! I’m excited to see him develop, as we may have something in him.
I also agree we shouldn’t stunt Osweiler’s development, as he is FAR from ready. I’m not suggesting he is ready, but I’d like that extra spot for a position player, and if Manning goes down, Brock would just be asked to finish the game, and then we call up Weber from the PS. I really doubt Weber gets picked up, with the limited reps he’s received. Of course, that could be in jeopardy tomorrow. If he doesn’t get a lot of work tomorrow, that tells me the plan is to sneak him on our PS. As far as Hanie, I’m sure JE would like the security of having a veteran to back up PM, but he also said there is no plan B… Will be interesting to say the least!
It would also give PM a vote of confidence (not that he needs it) to only carry the kid IMO.
OT that is completely true and not something I realized. Lol.Totally forgot about calling up Weber or even going out and signing a QB. Dont know why that even crossed my mind.
I have tried to find ways to make an extra spot or two for another skill position. The QB spot is the only one I can see. But my gut just tells me we will be keeping all four around.
As for Malik to me he looks to be near the level that Ayers plays at. And that is a great sign. Jackson seems to be rising as Ayers is going steady. That just bugs me.
Dont know why that didnt even cross my mind
This of course, is my wish, as I think it is a good calculated risk, but I think smart money says JE keeps Hanie, we’ll see.. I also believe Brock would greatly benefit, and learn tons from being PM’s “back up.”
I feel bad for the Dolphins. We had to go through McDaniels and the Dolphins have McD 2.o with Joe Philbin. Since he has become HC three players who he didnt gel with have been moved. Marshal to the Bears Davis to the Colts and Chad. I really just feel bad for them.
I think I read a stat that the Dolphons had the most starting QB’s within a given time period… NOT good… I’m actually a little skeptical of Tannehill myself….
Have a good day Broncos Country!! I gotta run.. Call me crazy, but I’m looking forward to tomorrow!!
Thanks for the write up AB. Although I don’t agree with your logic everywhere, for the most part I agree. My first thought is about Willis. You say “why didn’t he let the kick go in the endzone” I offer this thought. Perhaps the punt team was asked to return one for the practice. This is preseason and everything is trying to be covered. I don’t know if this was the case but , maybe we don’t know. I also think Ayers makes the team, he hasn’t been great but not bad either. I saw him in on several plays. If they were offered a trade that would benefit us ok, then maybe he’s gone. I think noshow is gone you are all of a sudden enamored with his skills. I ask you to remember he has always had those skill and we only see them in preseason. I’m probably wrong but I have no faith in Moreno.