Check one more thing off the list on the road to the 2009 season — training camp is here. And the mass of fans lining the far hill of the Broncos practice fields almost an hour and a half before practice kicked off was a little taste of the excitement surrounding Day One.
As players came onto the field — dressed in full pads and uniform, including pants — some took a knee as soon as they hit the grass, pausing to take a moment before the unofficial start of another season.
It was perfect weather for the first day of practice — sunny with a little bit of shade. So without further adieu, here are some quick hits from the first practice session of the team’s 2009 training camp.
ROLL CALL: Champ Bailey, Renaldo Hill and Marcus Thomas did not practice on Friday.
“As soon as they’re ready to practice physically, they’ll be out here,” Head Coach Josh McDaniels said. “It’s the same with all three of them — just making sure we take the right precautions with those three players.”
POSITIONING: Among the hybrid players practicing with linebackers today — Tim Crowder, Elvis Dumervil, Spencer Larsen, Jarvis Moss and Darrell Reid.
When the team went 11-on-11, the first unit defense sported Kenny Peterson, Ronald Fields and Ryan McBean on the front line, Darrell Reid, D.J. Williams, Andra Davis and Elvis Dumervil at linebacker and Alphonso Smith, Andre’ Goodman, Brian Dawkins and Darcel McBath in the secondary. Occasionally that lineup changed slightly, with Tim Crowder seeing some time at outside linebacker, Jack Williams seeing some time at cornerback and Vernon Fox once lining up alongside Dawkins at safety.
The first unit offense consisted of Jabar Gaffney, Eddie Royal and Brandon Marshall at receiver, Daniel Graham at tight end, Kyle Orton at quarterback, Correll Buckhalter at running back and last year’s starting offensive line — Ryan Clady, Ben Hamilton, Casey Wiegmann, Chris Kuper and Ryan Harris. Ryan Torain, LaMont Jordan and Peyton Hillis also got some reps at running back.
During one-on-ones between wide receivers and defensive backs, Josh Barrett practiced with the cornerbacks. He continued to line up at safety in other drills.
DRILLS: Special teams coordinator Mike Priefer continued to preach “catch it inside the 10″ to his players. The unit worked on downing punts inside the 20-yard line, and his rule is not to let the ball bounce if it’s inside the 10.
Defensive line coach Wayne Nunnely told his unit that there will be plenty of water breaks between drills, but no water in the middle of them. That way players pay more attention to their teammates in front of them, so they can watch, listen and learn from their mistakes. Nunnely also gave the linemen pointers on how to push away a blocker, shouting, “Open the door!” to remind them to extend their arms.
Tight ends and offensive linemen worked on a 2-on-2 drill that involved a tight end and a lineman blocking one defender, then one of the blockers would break off and take on another defender who blitzed late.
On one field, receivers, running backs and offensive linemen worked with Kyle Orton on screen passes. Some were quick bubble screens to receivers and the unit practiced blocking upfield. Others were typical screen passes to running backs and the back followed his blockers away from imaginary defenders.
PLAYMAKERS: Brandon Marshall put on a show for the fans in attendance Friday morning. He consistently drew applause from the crowd, once hauling in a catch by reaching an arm out in the opposite direction he was running to pull in the pass. On another occasion he caught a deep ball and proceeded to high-five a young fan walking on the sideline.
Orton showed some of his chemistry with former Chicago teammate Brandon Lloyd, connecting on a tight pass near the sideline. Lloyd tiptoed the line, drawing cheers from nearby fans.
Alphonso Smith busted through the field goal blocking unit and batted away a Matt Prater attempt, and it looked like the rookie could’ve returned it for a touchdown had the whistle not blown. Including that block, Prater was 7-of-8 during the kicking drill.
During 11-on-11s, Chris Baker got past his man and bumped into fellow rookie Tom Brandstater while he wasn’t looking for the sack. There’s no tackling the quarterbacks, but the sack still drew some “ooohs” from the crowd because of its potential impact had it been in a live game.
In contact drills between the offensive and defensive lines focused on running plays, Torain broke through on a few different runs, often sprinting toward the end zone and leaving defenders behind. That drew plenty of cheers from the fans.
In one-on-one drills between receivers and cornerbacks, Goodman lined up against Royal with Chris Simms at quarterback. Royal ran a quick inside slant and looked like he would come away with the ball, but Goodman closed quickly and caused an incompletion. In the same drill, Joshua Bell had a few breakups, including an impressive one against rookie Kenny McKinley.
QUICK HITS: Music made its glorious return to practices at Dove Valley, and the playlist remained eclectic. When U2′s “Where the Streets Have No Name” blasted through the speakers as the team began to warm up, the crowd gave a loud applause to start the first day of training camp. Young Jeezy’s “Put On” brought a little dancing from Marshall during warm-ups, and Rick James’ “Super Freak” gives you an idea of just how diverse the selection was.
Tony Scheffler jogged onto the field sporting a new look — a virtually shaved head. Now the player who leads all NFL tight ends in yards per catch since 2006 is even more aerodynamic.
General Manager Brian Xanders was on the sideline for Friday’s practice, spending a chunk of it toward the beginning talking with NFL Network and CBS Sports analyst Charley Casserly about the team.
Some military service members arrived toward the beginning of practice, walking the sideline to find a seat. A few people in the crowd began to applaud and soon the entire hill was clapping and thanking them for their service.
There is another practice session this evening at 5:30 p.m. MDT.
Below are some pictures of the morning session.
-Gray Caldwell, DenverBroncos.com
Tags: Alphonso Smith, Andre' Goodman, Brandon Marshall, Chris Baker, Ryan Torain, Training Camp
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Well Orakpo got his who is next?
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/9875282/Orakpo-cashes-in-with-five-year-Redskins-deal
TIME OF POSSESSION ! ! !
GO BRONCOS ! ! !
thanks for posting!
Orakpo is signed at Pick 13 and Freeman is signed at Pick 17 which virtually means that deals between the Broncos and Moreno (12) and Ayers (18) should be close to deals, if they arent already.
Go Broncos!!! Glad to see Marshall doing well, along with the rest of the team. Defense sounds solid. Young fellas stepping up. Sounds good to me!
This is a very thorough description of day 1 training camp. I’m excited to see how these players progress!
Dang, I thought there’d be a million comments on here by now. hmm
Well, glad to hear Marshall was out there and connecting with the fans. This is so exciting… been waiting for this day for far too long!!
With faith…
GO BRONCOS in ’09!!!!
Im so excited for the season to start. I wish I was there but I live in Cali. I will be at the first pre-season game against the Niners though.
Interesting that Josh Barrett is working out with the Cb’s also. Puts a little versatility in his game. Makes him more valuable.
Hey monodono. Yeah, I heard about the Orapko deal. Expect Moreno’s deal to be somewhere around 25 million, 5 years, 13 million up front. Just a guess, of course.
Great post. This is indeed a thorough post on the first part of training camp. Great work, almost feel like I was there.
Glad to see marshall out there doing what he does best….make plays and draw cheers. Glad to see him conecting with fans aswell. All he has to do is keep being a beast and prove wrong those who think he lacks character and he will be surprised the possibilities that will be placed before him.
Im so excited I cant contain myself. And to hear that Torain was out there beasting and leaving defenders in his dust made me even more excited. Didnt think we needed a RB as logn as we had a healthy Torain and Hillis but I guesss Moreno was just too juicy to pass up on. Also Alphonso Smith is a known Ball Hawk but he has also blocked a couple of punts/kicks in his time, which is a skill he posseses that is over looked. I’M SO PUMPED.
~Here’s Hoping We Shock The NFL
GO BRONCOS!!!
hope Champ, Hill and Thomas will be ok. hope to see Ayers and Moreno on the field soon. 07elway, its because everyone is attending training camp, thats why theirs not that many comments.
Glad to see Ryan Torain is doing well he looks very promising.
Nice; Very good Coverage! Lets Go Broncos, work ur butts off!
Our problem is we have TO MUCH talent. I’m afraid we might cut someone who will be very valuable. I’m afraid Torain might be cut. He has a lot of skill. I’m also worried Jack Williams might be cut. remember his interception against the Cardinals when he broke like 10 tackles!!! Josh Barrett is on the line also. He is big, fast, and can hit, and he might get cut. WE HAVE TO MUCH TALENT!!! that’s why we will win the AFC west in 09. Go Broncos!!!
Knowson27, shouldn’t your handle be Knowshon27? Just noticed that you misspelled his name? Was that deliberate? Probably somebody else already is using the handle, right?
We do have too much talent Dr. Chris and alot of them will be cut. The NFL is full of talent, its all about putting together which talents best gel and have chemistry with one another. Looking at it that way has helped me get past the sad fact that we shall lose alot of talent when cuts happen. Just gotta trust the coach is wide awake and doesnt let anyone or thing slip by.
It just amazes me how McDaniels was able to bring in so much talent and keep some talent that Shanny left over. We never have had this much skill on one team. McD got rid of all of Shanahans garbage players sucj as Drob, Bly, Webster, Hall and Engelberger and brought in guys like Andra Davis, Goodman, Dawkins, Hill, Ayers, Reid, Buckhalter, Moreno,a dn so much other talent. we are going to be one helluva football team in 09.
Good newa about Torain, hope he doesnt break anything! Also it seems like the defense is doing well and I hope that Marshall and Kyle really starts to develop some chemistry u know. Well its good to be back guys.
PUMP BLUE, BLEED ORANGE!
Miami signs Vantae Davis.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ap-dolphins-davis&prov=ap&type=lgns
Rams sign Jason Smith.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=AmIHItq4Qltz0NU_hCSqd_cdsLYF?slug=ap-rams-smith&prov=ap&type=lgns
And as BroncoBoy2012 said Buccaneers sign Josh Freeman.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=Ak8BzowUUDp0cAeUsK0iE_MdsLYF?slug=ap-buccaneers-freeman&prov=ap&type=lgns
TIME OF POSSESSION ! ! !
GO BRONCOS ! ! !
OK Bronco fans after all the offseason theatricals, finally they hit the field. Its nice to hear something about football not contracts and rumors, right! This year I look to see a bit of an old school attack from Denver. Even though we have a new young offensive minded coach. We gotta pound the ball and they hit um deep, we have enough backs and a great line and hopefully we can keep our star receiver. Our division is weak but man is our schedule tough, take a looong look and you can see why they say we’ll be 6-10. But ahhh, isn’t it nice to be an underdog again. I miss those days of analysts saying “Elway is too old their defense isn’t good enough, blah, blah, blah.” I am looking forward to another exciting season, hopefully with a bit better ending than last year. Are you ready for some football. I am.
Dynamicdave when i was making my username i accidentally miss spelled it but i made another one to fix my mistake. i hope we sign knowshon moreno soon he looks promising.
I say keep an eye on the Baker kid, he is a sleeper that is going to take everyone by surprise. Just a feeling I have.
In all honesty Dr. Chris, I think Dre bly recieved a raw deal. the defense in general was bad last year and while plays were made on us, he also made alot of key plays. Like when Dre stopped Thigpen run I believe or when he forced the fumbled in browns game to give us that winning drive. Did you know No CB has as many forced fumbles as BLY? Even if he won’t be remembered for anything else he should be remembered for that.
let go broncos let sign ayers and knowshon today
This is exciting. It’s great to see the Broncos back on the field. Great pictures…I wish I were there. Why must I have a job?! I digress…GO BRONCOS!
News flash, if you havn’t heard yet. Drafted #13 out of Texas, Brian Orakpo (sp?) just signed with the skins a 20 million dollar deal. Also, #17 Josh Freeman (Miami) just signed as well. That means it lays out the deal for Ayers and Moreno.
We shall see!
just had a fantasy football draft, how’d I do?
1. LaDainian Tomlinson (SD – RB)
2. Calvin Johnson (Det – WR)
3. Ronnie Brown (Mia – RB)
4. Brandon Marshall (Den – WR)
5. Lee Evans (Buf – WR)
6. Matt Ryan (Atl – QB)
7. New England (NE – DEF)
8. Zach Miller (Oak – TE)
9. Ryan Longwell (Min – K)
10. Julius Jones (Sea – RB)
11. Kyle Orton (Den – QB)
12. Mark Clayton (Bal – WR)
13. Vernon Davis (SF – TE)
14. San Francisco (SF – DEF)
15. Ahmad Bradshaw (NYG – RB)
It looks like you did quite well, although I think I might have selected another defense other than SF at #14. Was curious to know what your options were.
I like San Frans D. Justin Smith on the Dline. Willis is the best middle linebacker in the NFL. and they got Dre Bly to replace Walt Harris.
and Mike Singletary is head coach. he will make sure that defense doesn’t lack anything.
I was at the practie this morning. Awesome! The ATV was ripping through the line; but the O-Line was making tremendous holes for him. Hillis looked great. I was especially impressed by our TE group. They all looked great. No dropped passes that I saw. Thier run blocks were solid. I noticed R. Quinn put one of the defenders on his but. Stout!! I was alittle un-impressed by the Defense thus far and judging from Dawkins’ comments on the video he is ready to get them better as well. I think we, the fans, need to start giving them a little more support and feedback.
Orange Crush!!!!!!!
Nice pics, DOC. Im guessing Adrian Peterson was already taken? lol. Dunno about Tomlinson to tell ya the truth, fell off a bit last year (i know, he was injured) and sprole showed promise. They might share the ball too much. SF defense selection wasnt bad, Vernon Davis selection on the other hand was utterly hurendous, believe me I had him last year and they only use him to block and never to catch. Not bad all in all. Calvin Johnson AND Bmarsh is impressive. Altho you are puttin gall your faith in Matthew Stafford being able to get the ball to calvin johnson. Get That Bronco DEFENSE…thats a sleeper DST lol
I wonder if the sack by baker was on out 1st team o-line. if so, i hope its a good sign, if he can do that against our line. With Moreno out, it gives Torain a chance to shine, i hope he does. I rather get rid of lamont jordan than him, he has so much promise that moreno better hurry and watch out. i still think moreno starts, if not people will say they should have not drafted him, and drafted orakpo.
Alright!!! The new season is underway!! Great to see the boys out there working hard!! Scheffler sporting a shaved head… ready to go to work.
Jarvis Moss will excel with the new 3-4 alignment.
DynamicDave: Glad to read about Ryan Torain out there running plays. You were right… he is ahead of schedule.
Monodono: We should have Moreno and Ayers signed by Monday. Can’t wait to see your photo of the great catch per Coops blog!
Thanks for the scoop and great photos Gray!!!
adub57294 : Like McD said, there’s so much change in the NFL year to year that a schedule that looks horrible in the summer may not be all that bad by the time the games begin. I could see us winning 10 games this year if we do what we’re supposed to. And that’s not a leap. This definately isn’t gonna be the same ol’ Broncos.
Today is a wonderful day with football teams getting camps kicked off! Chris Baker and Rulon Davis are gonna be considered steals once they start to do their thang. Can’t wait to see them two on the field.
I’m not shocked to hear that the Offense handled business today. The Defense has alot more new faces than the Offense. So it’s gonna take them a lil longer to figure each other out and have a feel for how each other plays as well as tendencies.
I have a feeling that Andra Davis is going to be a beast for us this year.
royalbroncofan1, See, I wouldn’t lie…. much……
I foresee a deal being made with our 2, #1′s very soon. Crabtree is messing things up some. I hate little primadonas like him. Wants top 5 pay for what? For being hurt and drafted later? Get real Crabtree and stop blowing it for other teams. Self centered, arrogant jerk.
I really hate the signing system teams are doing. all it is is a waiting game. just sign you’re guy to what you think hes worth. if he disagrees, work something out. it shouldn’t matter what other teams do.
I really think that the undrafted rooke DT Chris Baker has a chance to make the 53 man team. He’s a big agressive d-lineman that we are desperately needing. He could end up being a huge steal for us if he makes the team and keeps his attitude in check.
On a side note…. I really think training camp is going to lighten Brandon Marshalls attitude and help his decision to stay in Denver and work towards an extension.
DrChris24 It’s all about the agents not the GMs. They wait to see what the closest player to their guy got paid.
and like DynamicDave said, Crabtree is screwing it all up.
No need to wonder why Crabtree is acting all high and mighty! Just turn to the guy who has been trying to groom him since he left college…. Deion Sanders and his Prime U click. Trying to be like The U boys from Miami!
I mentioned this at another site, that if the NFL was smart, they would negotiate with the player and their bloodsucking agent, to strike a reasonable deal, regardless of Crabtree. That would put Crabtree in a position to have to take it or leave it. Cut his own financial throat. It would serve that arrogant jerk a thing or two. Prima donna.
Too bad the NFL can’t fine agents each day there player misses practice. That would be freakin awesome.
Dr.Chris24 …Your draft looks good
Go Broncos….
Hope Champ and the others are ok, can’t wait for the season and we need to get the first rounders at camp. Bloody Crabtree.
Thank for the post Gray!
Would you report on what The NT prospects in general are doing, I’m really curious what J’Vonne Parker is doing. At 338lbs. thats a real load, I just wonder if He will be able to take on the double teams at NT.
Who thinks J’Vonne Parker will make the TEAM?
TIME OF POSSESSION ! ! !
GO BRONCOS ! ! !
I am loving everything I’m Seeing, Moreno will get a contract soon and be fine. Either way I want to see Torain get a sot at the starting job. He was injured during camp last year, so we couldn’t see how much of a beast he is. I love our options at Linebacker, I think the pass rush will definitely improve if there are guys like Moss, Doom, Crowd, Reid, and Ayers. I especially can’t wait to see Reid and his versatility, He was a special teams BEAST in Indy and now he might get a chance to start.
Champ is fine. He just needs to pass his fitness exam. I like your draft DR CHRIS but I think LT is way over the hill. Also Crabtree’s agent is crazy. He thinks he is top 3 talent……. That may be true but he was drafted 10th and he was the 2nd receiver off the board. The Raiders may be nuts but that’s the reality of the situation.
monodono, I worry about Parker for the fact that he was never a starter. Makes me question his ability/technique? I say Fields will be the starter. Watch out for Baker and Powell. Powell could play a couple of different positions.
When are you going to pay us a visit over at the other site?
http://broncosarebest.blogspot.com/
Pop on in and say hello.
I know this was yesterday but I thought I’d put it up for view.
Falcons Sign First-Rounder
http://profootball.scout.com/a.z?s=127&p=9&c=2&cid=883376&nid=4339595&fhn=1
TIME OF POSSESSION ! ! !
GO BRONCOS ! ! !
Thanks Dave, I was headed that way later tonight.