The Broncos were back with the early sun, completing the first half of their second two-a-day stint of training camp. Here are some quick hits from the morning session.
ROLL CALL: Carted off the field during Saturday’s practice, Nic Clemons missed the session.
“Nic probably won’t be out here for the next couple of days, but nothing serious, and hopefully he’ll be back here soon,” Head Coach Josh McDaniels said.
Towards the middle of practice, Brandon Marshall went inside, which McDaniels later explained.“I don’t know anything about it yet,” McDaniels said. “We’ll see. He left the field, don’t know to what extent or what it was. We’ll find out when we get in here.”
After missing Saturday’s session due to soreness, Vernon Fox returned to the field Sunday, wearing the orange jersey designated for players recovering from injuries. He saw plenty of action, including time with the first-team defense in 11-on-11 drills.
Jarvis Moss was also excused by McDaniels.
POSITIONING: There was plenty of rotation on the defensive side. The first team consisted of Kenny Peterson, Ronald Fields, and Ryan McBean on the line. Elvis Dumervil and Darrell Reid planted themselves at the outside linebacker spots, while Andra Davis and D.J. Williams navigated the inside positions.
The starting secondary was comprised of Andre’ Goodman and Champ Bailey at cornerback, along with Renaldo Hill and Brian Dawkins at safety. Jack Williams, Wesley Woodyard and Alphonso smith were among the players to crack the first team unit on some full-contact plays.
Correll Buckhalter and LaMont Jordan took most of the carries with the first-unit offense, with Ryan Torain also getting his share. Peyton Hillis often shifted from the fullback/running back spots. In three-receiver sets, Jabar Gaffney, Eddie Royal and Brandon Stokley were the primary targets. Tony Scheffler and Daniel Graham were on the line for most of the two-tight end packages, while rookie Richard Quinn also saw time with the primary squad.
DRILLS: Working with trios, defensive line coach Wayne Nunnely drilled his players on rotations in coverage. With one lineman posing as a running back and another as an offensive lineman, the third defender had to fight through the initial block and then cover the running back out of the backfield. “They open the door, something’s up,” Nunnely yelled. “They open the door, something’s up.”
Secondary coach Ed Donatell worked with the defensive backs on 1-on-1 bump coverage. With one lined up as a receiver, he stressed that the cover man leave enough yards of space to adjust.
Head Coach Josh McDaniels pulled aside Elvis Dumervil during 1-on-1 drills with the offensive linemen, giving him pointers for putting pressure on the opposing front.”He made some adjustments with his hands,” McDaniels said. “Elvis has got really long arms for a shorter player, and when he gets his hands into the blocker first, it’s hard to control Elvis. He made strides, and every day he comes out and works his butt off to try to improve.”
The Broncos concluded practice with full 11-on-11 two-minute drills. New threads included Kyle Orton working the no-huddle, D.J. Williams and Jack Williams executing inside blitzes, and Daniel Graham sliding to reach for a first down, before the offense came up for the spike to stop the clock.
PLAYMAKERS: The wide receivers and defensive backs went at it on a series of 1-on-1 encounters.
Brandon Marshall gave Fox a stiff challenge. Using all of his strength, Marshall impressed Fox enough that when the safety came off the field, he said: “Man, that’s a big dude.”
The defense had its share of big plays as well in this series, with Dawkins deflecting what appeared to be a sure catch for Matthew Willis. With his back to the ball, Dawkins made a quick-footed move and slapped the ball away with his left hand.
In seven-on-seven play, Orton was sharp on his deep balls, completing four of five stop-and-go routes to ignite the Dove Valley crowd.
On the first play of 11-on-11 drills, Gaffney and Orton appeared to connect for a big play down the right sideline. Dawkins again came out of nowhere, batting the ball away. In a case of deja vu from yesterday, he again did 10 push ups for not snaring the interception, drawing even more cheers from the fans.
Two plays later, Orton and Gaffney attempted to execute some trickery. Gaffney took a handoff right before lateraling back across the field to Orton. Orton fired deep to what appeared to be an open Royal. To the surprise of Royal, Hill streaked across the field and made an outstanding pass breakup.
QUICK HITS: Fans enjoyed another day of picturesque morning weather in Englewood, with temperatures climbing into the mid-80s and plenty of sunshine.
At the conclusion of stretches, the entire team circled around Director of Special Services Fred Fleming, singing him Happy Birthday.
Broncos coaches haven’t been shy about taking the opportunity to use training camp for plenty of teaching. This was again apparent during coaching assistant Keith Burns’ special teams tackling drill. Each player navigated through a first blocker before wrapping up the returner at an angle toward the ball. When inside linebacker/fullback Spencer Larsen went too low, Burns had Larsen repeat the drill. On the second attempt, he nailed it.
DAILY JUKEBOX: The players made their way onto the practice to the tune of Brooks & Dunn’s “Hillbilly Deluxe.” Other selections included:
Mary Mary’s “God in Me”
Mtume’s “Juicy Fruit”
There is another practice session this evening at 4:45 p.m. MDT. Here are photos from the morning session.
-Chris Gentilviso, DenverBroncos.com
Tags: Brian Dawkins, Eddie Royal, Jabar Gaffney, Josh McDaniels, Kyle Orton, Training Camp
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First post hope Marshall is ok.
All good stuff. Keep it coming…
I think this team is going to surprise a lot of people this year. Can’t wait to see this team for the first time on 08/14 against the 49ers.
GO BRONCOS!!!!!!!!!!
Some good things going on in practice.
I hope the rotation with starting spots continues as this will give the coaches greatindcation of of thise they wish to take into the regular season.
Hillis appears early to be a dead set at FB. I hope Torrain gets a spot in the RB core with Moreno and Jordon. He had a spot of bad luck lats year as we all know. But the chance he did get inn one game he showed he has the potential to be another 1000 yd back.
Marshall is like iffy weather, he’s a day-by-day case as to wether he will stay in Dove Valley. At the moment he is only there to avoid gettng fined, but I think with a dodgy hip he could find there are no suitors. One of the many reports I saw was that the Ravens could be interested in him with the retirement of Mason, but now Mason has turned up to camp that may be on the back burner. They signed Drew Bennett to boot. If anything I would send him to the NFC but I don’t know what we would get for an excellent WR with a dodgy hip and some what of a chequered character.
Does anyone know which team will be joing the Broncos this year? Last year the Cowyboys came to twon will be good to know who will be there this year if anything.. Maybe the Bears? Yeah Right lol
Anyways it’s 7:25am Tuesday 3rd of August SO IM FIRST lol
WHOSE YOUR DADDY BRONCO???
we can have our own shake and bake with torain and moreno. imagine if they can rush for what carolina RBs do
Torain, Hillis would need to be in the shake and bake. he is to talened to leave out.
Yea I hope Marshall is ok aswell, and his hip and any other problems are getting better in time for the season. i think he is proven and shouldnt have to play preseason not unless he is 100 percent because we need him for the real season.
Im with you. Torain was a monster last year. Having a shake and bake with Moreno and Torain would be a dream. Hillis can pound sometimes at FB position and catch the ball out of the back field. We have weapons, all we need to do is put them together into well functioning artillery
PS: Glad to see Orton is getting his deep balls down right
~Here’s Hoping We Shock The NFL
GO BRONCOS!!!
I’m sure Marshall will be fine, he’s just playing the “ow I hate camp” routine he’s dones since he’s arrived in Denver. Orton is a decent qb, we’ll have more sacks because he’s not so mobile but he’s not a gun slinger.
hey dr chris, i like hillis also, but honestly i do not see many carries for him this year, maybe 3-6 attempts per game. I see him making more reception per game, than rush attempts. He is a good back, but I believe moreno and a healthy toraon are better. IMO.
Royalbeast,
I agree with you man, hillis will be killer as a receiver, remember the Miami game, thats what i foresee in his future. Unless one of our backs gets hurt. i honestly think we might cut one of Jordan/Buckhalter if torain proves his worth.
how about using Hillis as a returner? I know Royal is the primary returner but we have to give the Hillis the ball. he is a playmaker. I really hope for him to return kickoffs this season. we have to feed the beasts. both marshall and Hillis are the beasts.
Im not sure he has the speed for that chris. He will be utilized, i think more like a dallas clark from Indy. At returner i see phonzy, chad jackson, royal (fear him getting hurt).
hey guys wondering how you feel, if Moss was thinking of retirement. would you want him back? Is he committed? I personally dont believe he will make team, i feel he feels the same way. Your thoughts?
Marcus Thomas says he talked to Moss and Moss will be back at practice tomorrow. story at denver post.
If I’m correct, Hillis ran a faster 40 time than Moreno. He also will run people over. he probably won’t return any kickoffs for 6 points but its almost a guarantee we will get good field position with his downhill motor.
someone posted this on another blog. thought it was funny.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9WCPxDYBjg
could be Chris, rememner this year the rules on returns changed, no more three, four guys running in front to pancake blockers. Plus i never mentioned moreno as a kick ofF returner. I dont believe hillis is faster than jackson, royal or smith. its not just speed though, but elusiveness also. Hillis is a run in your face, smashmouth player (wish I love), not sure how he woulkd as a returner. But like everything else probably GOOD.
You Know chris i liked it
Just saw on the Denver Post, Moss might return tomorrow. So we’ll see what happens. Just hope he’s okay.
http://blogs.denverpost.com/broncos/2009/08/02/teammate-said-moss-to-return-monday/
Thanks for the updates again. Glad to hear Champ is getting some practice time in.
You know that Cutler guy is quite something you know. Talking like we know everything you know. hahahaha
With faith…
GO BRONCOS in ’09!!!!
Im just saying Hillis is faster than most people give him credit for. and with the exception of Brian Urlacker, Troy Polamalu, and and Patrick Willis, not one guy in the NFL wants to go full speed at Peyton Hillis. now that the wedge rule is gone the kick returner will face a lot of one on one match ups and I think Hillis will win the one on ones. you need more then one person to tackle him.
yeah i read moss is back, what i asked is do you want him back?
i hear you chris. I just dont see it happening.
I want to give him a shot at the 3-4. he might thrive in it.
I hope he does, makes our team tougher.
ok here is a scenario, Moreno, Buckhalter, Hillis, Torain, and Jordan are our backs. you need to cut one, who do you cut?
jordan
I believe torain and moreno can be featured backs.
Hillis is our FB, but can haunt defenses wuth recptions.
Buckhaleter can run and catch i believe more efficiently than jordan.
I would cut Jordan.
Torain
Chris you crazy. LOL. But i can see it happening because Jordan is McD is boy.
Why Torain?
do u remember what he did in the 1st half against Cleveland, do you believe jordan and buckhalter can do that.
In a way Moreno being out has given the opporunity to Torain to shine, and he has not failed.
This is Torain’s big chance to make the team while Moreno is not there. Ya Moreno is doing Torain a big favor.
i agree
Moreno is not doing me any favors though. Its freaking driving me crazy not having him or Ayers signed. Let get over already and get them into camp.
hahahahahaha. im more worried about ayers, has more too learn i think.
That picture of McKinley is awesome!! Good stuff right there, haha
Torain already has 2 strikes. last offseason every Bronco fan was pumped abot Torain. then he gets injured. then we get him back in the Cleveland game and everyone is pumped because now we will make a run for the playoffs. he gets injured again. the boy needs to drink his milk. his bones break to easily.
They could keep all 5 running backs plus Larsen because of his special teams play and Middle LB status. But this brings up the idea why draft Moreno in the first place? Hillis is like a young John Riggins and Torain looks great.
I hope Chris Baker and Rulon Make the team.
They are obviously stacked at every offensive position except maybe QB.
seriously, does all McDaniels do is spin his whistle all the time?
Love all the posts. 07Elway, you know.
My perspective on Torain, new coaching techniques with heat up/streach/cool down may keep these boys on the field. I would also keep Torain over Jordon because of potential and age.
Peyton as return player, NO WAY. Eddie Royal will not be back there either IMO. Two players that shine on PR/KR are Phonze and McKinley. Very elusive.
Have only heard about Fields, Powell, and Thomas. Anything on Baker, McBean, E-Peds, Rulon? They are practicing right?
Great update guys, keep them coming. Great to see the defense stepping it up. Think marshall is ok, heard it was a hamstring injury.
dlmyers,
i agree with you that Hillis will not be a rewturner, i think eddie will do punt returns only when we need a boost. He is too valuable, to have him doing them. I believe phonzy also will get the boatload, if only for the reason to show why he was drafted in the 2ns round.
What up Bones1965, I’m right there with ya on Chris Baker and Rulon Davis. I wish we could get more updates on these guys and some of the other guys who are fighting just to make the team.
i dont remember where i read this, rulon doing great on DL, they tried him at LB today, not so great. And i believe Baker had a sack 1st practice.
we should pick up vick and trade him
trade him to who, as of right now it seems no one interested. I think ufl for 6 game schedule, if he shines, someone picks him up for the rest of the year.
Thanks for that info on Rulon and Chris Torain ATV fan.
no problem, wish i had link.
Yeah same here, hope chris and rulon make the team, seem like solid players. As for vick who knows?