Training Camp starts today!

[Morpheus]

Who is going to the Summer Scrimmage tomorrow?

11-2. They are saying to get their early for parking, but I am taking the light rail.


Anyone else going? Want to meet up for a beer and compare notes?

Mile High Station at 10-10:30 ish?

 

[cdumler7]

Notes from camp today...


Ronnie Hillman is looking like he will be the #2 back this season so far. He is shocking everybody at camp with his focus, speed, and even a little power. Coaches are raving about what he is doing on the field.


Q. Smith started out a bit slow at camp but has really turned it on over the last few practices. He even has caught the attention of Ryan Clady with how well he is playing.


Del Rio is one that doesn't usually blow smoke so when he says that he has been impressed with Barrow and Irving so far I tend to believe him. Plus reports from camp have been that the two have made a few plays around the field.


Sly Williams had another pick on Manning today. I think this guy is setting up for a big time year. He might be our answer at the MLB position actually in the sense quarterbacks are going to have trouble throwing over the middle having him jump up and pick them off.


Bradley Roby had his best practice of training camp making a few nice pass break ups. Always have to remember with rookies that when training camp starts they are going to look, well like rookies.


Broncos had officials at practice today and they were throwing flags everywhere on the DB's for illegal contact. Many were frustrated but at least they are learning now rather than when the season starts.


The best news of the day is no new injuries! So far we have avoided the season ending injuries.

 

[TDs3nOut]

Broncos Six-Pack: The surprise stars of Broncos training camp - Mile High Report

Interesting that five of the guys are listed are defensive players. Seems to me that we should have considerably more depth than we have in a long time, maybe ever.

 

[DownSetHutch]

Damn, I can't believe the preseason is already here. I'm so stoked to see what all these young players can do. It sounds like its going to be harder than ever making cuts to trim down to a 53-man roster. I hope our practice squad doesn't get raided too much, but it sounds like it will.

From what I'm reading, it looks like we will be improved on offense and defense in just about every area. I am a little concerned about the O-line though. They may take several weeks to gel, with the changes made from last year. They have the potential to be better, especially on run plays, but it will take time for them to come together.

 

[xBxtxDx]

One interesting note that I am not seeing a whole lot of discussion about is that Brandon Marshall, the LB, is so far taking most of the snaps at the LB position in the Nickel package opposite Trevathan. It will be interesting to see if he can hold Barrow off for the entire season (supposedly Barrow is improving every day and really starting to look good, may be coach speak). I also do not doubt that we will see a bit of Boss Ward at that spot when the opposing team is sporting one of the better receiving TE's (Vernon Davis, Gronkowski, Gates). For reference see his performance against the Patriots last year when he shutdown Gronkowski.

Another interesting thought I hope they start looking into/pursuing is occasionally putting Q Smith at Von's DE spot in the Nickel and Von opposite Trevathan at LB. Just the thought of opposing QB's looking at Ware, Wolfe/Jackson/Sly/Austin/PotRoast, Q Smith with the possibility of Von blitzing and shitting themselves brings a smile of joy to me. Yes, I am really getting excited to see what this D can do and hopefully one of those things is to make Rivers sit in the middle field crying and refusing to get up.

 

[TDs3nOut]

One interesting note that I am not seeing a whole lot of discussion about is that Brandon Marshall, the LB, is so far taking most of the snaps at the LB position in the Nickel package opposite Trevathan. It will be interesting to see if he can hold Barrow off for the entire season (supposedly Barrow is improving every day and really starting to look good, may be coach speak). I also do not doubt that we will see a bit of Boss Ward at that spot when the opposing team is sporting one of the better receiving TE's (Vernon Davis, Gronkowski, Gates). For reference see his performance against the Patriots last year when he shutdown Gronkowski.

Another interesting thought I hope they start looking into/pursuing is occasionally putting Q Smith at Von's DE spot in the Nickel and Von opposite Trevathan at LB. Just the thought of opposing QB's looking at Ware, Wolfe/Jackson/Sly/Austin/PotRoast, Q Smith with the possibility of Von blitzing and shitting themselves brings a smile of joy to me. Yes, I am really getting excited to see what this D can do and hopefully one of those things is to make Rivers sit in the middle field crying and refusing to get up.

Interesting thoughts on creating some "exotic" pass rushing combinations. Looks as if we should have enough playmakers on defense that Del Rio can cook up some very creative looks.

 

[cdumler7]

Del Rio has commented at how excited he is to have so many moving pieces on his team this year.


I mean if you think about it almost every starter on defense can play more than one position. I would say the only 3 or so that are pretty much stuck at their spots are that of Knighton, Williams, and Moore. The Corners all can move to nickel corner if needed (maybe Talib would struggle a bit but he did show he can match up with TE's when needed ).


So anybody that went to the Scrimmage today what did you see?

 

[Malibu]

One interesting note that I am not seeing a whole lot of discussion about is that Brandon Marshall, the LB, is so far taking most of the snaps at the LB position in the Nickel package opposite Trevathan. It will be interesting to see if he can hold Barrow off for the entire season (supposedly Barrow is improving every day and really starting to look good, may be coach speak). I also do not doubt that we will see a bit of Boss Ward at that spot when the opposing team is sporting one of the better receiving TE's (Vernon Davis, Gronkowski, Gates). For reference see his performance against the Patriots last year when he shutdown Gronkowski.

Another interesting thought I hope they start looking into/pursuing is occasionally putting Q Smith at Von's DE spot in the Nickel and Von opposite Trevathan at LB. Just the thought of opposing QB's looking at Ware, Wolfe/Jackson/Sly/Austin/PotRoast, Q Smith with the possibility of Von blitzing and shitting themselves brings a smile of joy to me. Yes, I am really getting excited to see what this D can do and hopefully one of those things is to make Rivers sit in the middle field crying and refusing to get up.

Nothing better then watching Rivers and Brady cry. Im all for many defensive looks unless its a 3 man rush. With all the DL and OLB pass rushers on this team I see no reason this team cant be in the top 5 in sacks this year which will also cause many more turnovers for some easy points.

 

[TDs3nOut]

Here are a few tidbits from Andrew Mason about camp yesterday:

Mason's Five Thoughts from Camp Day 12

My personal favorite is another instance of Anderson picking up the blitz, this time by TJ Ward, on a passing play. Also nice to read another favorable report on Bolden.

 

[cdumler7]

I am loving reading about Bolden and Webster really stepping up this year. One of my biggest questions heading into this season was Cornerback depth. Obviously we knew at the top there is some major quality with Talib and Harris but behind them was a bunch of unknown. Plus with those 2 guys being injured this past season even they were a bit up in the air. So it is very good to be hearing that a couple of our draft picks are finally having it click. This also gives Roby time to develop. I don't think he will be ready week 1 to step in and be a great cover guy. By midseason though we could see him step into that nickel position and thrive. He just needs some time with the coaching staff to work on technique as he is about as raw as they come in that department. The kid has all the skills to be a top-5 cover corner in the league but it is a matter of his technique catching up with his physical skills.


Thursday truly cannot get here soon enough. Ready to see these guys in an actual game. We obviously know the starters for this team for the most part but very interested to see the rest of the team and how it is shaping up.


The main thing for Thursday though is getting out of there with no injuries. I still remember last year in our preseason game against Seattle we had Wolfe suffer his major injury that almost cost him his career, Champ suffer his lisfranc injury that should have had him out for the year, and Hillman lose all confidence in himself with his big fumble and decline down the depth chart. For a preseason game last year that game cost us a lot.

 

[TDs3nOut]

I am loving reading about Bolden and Webster really stepping up this year. One of my biggest questions heading into this season was Cornerback depth. Obviously we knew at the top there is some major quality with Talib and Harris but behind them was a bunch of unknown. Plus with those 2 guys being injured this past season even they were a bit up in the air. So it is very good to be hearing that a couple of our draft picks are finally having it click. This also gives Roby time to develop. I don't think he will be ready week 1 to step in and be a great cover guy. By midseason though we could see him step into that nickel position and thrive. He just needs some time with the coaching staff to work on technique as he is about as raw as they come in that department. The kid has all the skills to be a top-5 cover corner in the league but it is a matter of his technique catching up with his physical skills.


Thursday truly cannot get here soon enough. Ready to see these guys in an actual game. We obviously know the starters for this team for the most part but very interested to see the rest of the team and how it is shaping up.


The main thing for Thursday though is getting out of there with no injuries. I still remember last year in our preseason game against Seattle we had Wolfe suffer his major injury that almost cost him his career, Champ suffer his lisfranc injury that should have had him out for the year, and Hillman lose all confidence in himself with his big fumble and decline down the depth chart. For a preseason game last year that game cost us a lot.

The early reports about Bolden and Webster are really encouraging. A beefed up pass rush also figures to help our DBs.

 

[cdumler7]

The early reports about Bolden and Webster are really encouraging. A beefed up pass rush also figures to help our DBs.

Our team is definitely looking like we have more depth than we first thought. Nobody quite knew how guys like Bolden, Webster, and even Moore and Carter for the safety position were going to do for us this year. All have had very positive reports so far (obviously still need to see it on the field). Same with the DL in we did not/still don't know for Wolfe, Williams, Vickerson, Austin, Ware, and Smith. All were at least somewhat question marks heading into the season. Almost all have had very positive reports from camp. IF that holds true then we should have one of the best and deepest DL's in the NFL.

 

[cdumler7]

Not much to report from camp today...Today mostly was the day for players to miss I guess. Players not practicing of significance were Ball (surgery obviously), Sanders (leg bruise), and Tamme (wife having baby). Even with all those guys missing from the offense the 1st string offense still scored 2 touchdowns in red zone drills with one passing and one running.


The more significant parts of practice were actually what happened after. Manning doing his usual staying after practice but today was with Caldwell and DT. Sanders is possibly not going to play against Seattle so Caldwell looks like he might be starting.


Another really cool note (at least to me) is Clady and Ware stayed after practice to work together. Ware was coaching up Clady on some better technique with his hands on how to slow down pass rushers. The media around them were in awe of Ware's knowledge and were almost taking notes themselves on how to better block.


I really think the Broncos should look at hiring Peyton Manning to be quarterbacks coach and DeMarcus Ware to be DL coach after they retire. Those two guys are just ridiculous in their knowledge of the game and leadership.

 

[cdumler7]

Looks like the interview with Marvin Austin was pretty impressive today. He ran with the #1 defense all practice long so this guy is making a major impression. Was talking after practice though of why his first 2 years in the league were so bad. Said his back was so bad that he had to take laxatives to poop because the pressure of pushing would have strained his back.


Thankfully sounds like his surgeries worked and he is back to full health. Said he is finally loving football again and can't wait to play. Another great pick up for Elway and company in the making here.

 

[TDs3nOut]

Looks like the interview with Marvin Austin was pretty impressive today. He ran with the #1 defense all practice long so this guy is making a major impression. Was talking after practice though of why his first 2 years in the league were so bad. Said his back was so bad that he had to take laxatives to poop because the pressure of pushing would have strained his back.


Thankfully sounds like his surgeries worked and he is back to full health. Said he is finally loving football again and can't wait to play. Another great pick up for Elway and company in the making here.

That reminds me of this piece about Austin that I enjoyed: Marvin Austin: Humble and Hungry

Given that he's now on his fourth team, I thought these remarks were interesting:

""It’s a great experience," Austin said. "I think the Broncos’ organization takes care of players better than any organization I’ve been to, as far as the strength and conditioning coaches. "The whole training staff and how they take care of their players and make sure everybody, whether you’re the first guy on the roster or No. 87 or however many guys we’ve got, they make sure everybody’s ready to go for practice. It’s not like that everywhere.""


Also, cautiously optimistic about this last paragraph:


"Another injury setback could negate all of his progress. But if he stays upright, the Broncos might have one of their best value pickups in recent years."

 

[randymon]

Sounds like or reads like you must of won those tickets cd

 

[cdumler7]

Sounds like or reads like you must of won those tickets cd

I actually did not. Still excited for the game though. I am probably one of the very few that really likes preseason. I like to see how our younger guys are developing and if they could be a potential contributor down the road. I love getting a first look at our rookies. I love getting to see those redemption stories like that of Austin (Hopefully). I am one of the few that can't wait for the starters to get off the field (1. don't want to risk injury more than we have to and 2. we already know what we have in them). I can read all day long about how players are developing in camp but when I actually get to see it for myself in an actual game I get pretty excited.

Any players you guys are going to be keeping your eyes on for this game? For me I have quite a few but probably in order here...

1) Brock Osweiler--Need to see how much this guy has actually developed. Gase has been giddy about his improvements so ready to see it on the field.

2) Hillman--he was the talk of camp last year before the preseason and then completely lost it. He again is the talk of camp for the RB position so can he actually prove it on the field?

3) Latimer--This guy supposedly has been lighting it up in training camp...time to see what our future holds at the receiver position.

4) Roby--Man this kid has so much talent. Really hoping he can show it on the field. I know he is a rookie so I expect him to look bad at times but can he flash some skills.

5) Austin--Again his redemption story. Heck he has been running with the 1st string defense as of late so very interested to see how he does in a game.

6) Q. Smith--Obviously we all have high hopes for this kid so very excited to see him get his chance now that he is healthy.

7) Q. Carter--2 years of hardly playing any football. Can he get back to the promising career he showed his rookie year?

8) Bolden--I had given up on this kid of actually making the team this year. He was touted as a 1st round talent with injury concerns yet even though he has been healthy he hasn't looked good. Reports from camp are he is a whole different player...is that true?

I could go on. Really excited to actually see every player really but those 8 are probably my top ones for this game. This is where I am happy I got the preseason live subscription as I can go back and watch the game a few times and key in on some of these guys.

 

[randymon]

Couple other guys besides the ones you mentioned above cd that I`am interested in seeing also are.....
McCray- interested to see if he looks as good as last pre-season before injury
Barrow- been alot of talk about this kid lately

Anunike- very impressive in camp so far I hear
Fowler and Oz tandem
All the rbs!!!!
Special Teams

 

[randymon]

PS. For all those who have nfl network and can`t see the game live, game will be on at 10 pm pst that night. Just an fyi

 

[KwitYerWhinin]

PS. For all those who have nfl network and can`t see the game live, game will be on at 10 pm pst that night. Just an fyi

I think it is showing live on ktvd channel 20 in denver