Training Camp

[randymon]

Thanks Cd. I have been hearing good stuff about Mr. Duncan as well. They`ve said he`s "knocked a few guys in the mouth" already. I would not want to be the Lb that has to take the lead blocker out with JDD leading the way. Big boy and has some attitude seems. Yeah was wondering who was getting looks along with Bolden ( the front runner for KO) and Norwood. Hopefully Taylor is still impressing as he is one of the guys I`ve "latched onto" as a fav to make team and ST might be his only shot. Man I cannot wait for Seattle so I can get a decent look at the new guys and the progress of the younger vets. Bite-in-at-the-bit!!! Thanks again Cd and others for the great info. Much appreciated.

 

[cdumler7]

Thanks Cd. I have been hearing good stuff about Mr. Duncan as well. They`ve said he`s "knocked a few guys in the mouth" already. I would not want to be the Lb that has to take the lead blocker out with JDD leading the way. Big boy and has some attitude seems. Yeah was wondering who was getting looks along with Bolden ( the front runner for KO) and Norwood. Hopefully Taylor is still impressing as he is one of the guys I`ve "latched onto" as a fav to make team and ST might be his only shot. Man I cannot wait for Seattle so I can get a decent look at the new guys and the progress of the younger vets. Bite-in-at-the-bit!!! Thanks again Cd and others for the great info. Much appreciated.

I can't wait for the first game either! Very much ready to watch this team in action. Phillips actually made the comment the other day that he has never had this kind of depth on the defensive side of the ball. Now that could be coach speak so will take it with a grain of salt kind of thing but still good to hear that these young guys are being coached up and showing some glimpses of promise.

Jordan Taylor seems to continue to impress. He doesn't offer much in the return area as he just is not quick. He has decent top speed but because of his size it takes him a while to get rolling. That has probably been the biggest negative towards him so far is he just struggles to get much separation. He is going to have to definitely make his mark though on Special Teams if he is to make this team. I'm almost of the thought that maybe this year he does go practice squad and the team works with him big time on his quickness and how to get separation.

Today is an off day for the team so won't really have any updates. I figured today I could post about some of the back end guys that could really make this team.

One of my favorites that I keep reading good things about is that of Shaq Barrett. He is the local Colorado State OLB that made the practice squad last year. With McCray once again injured Barrett has gotten a few more opportunities and has made the most of it showing better speed and power this year.

These are not really back end type guys but Bradley Roby and Kayvon Webster have played really well this off season. Heck even Chris Harris has mentioned for people not to forget about the name Kayvon. I still wish the team would move him to safety as I think he would flourish at that position with his ability to hit and his speed to really close gaps.

Our 6th round pick Darius Kilgo could be the biggest benefactor of the Wolfe suspension. He has been all over the place. Even though he has been listed as a NT they have tried him at DE and he has done well. In fact you could see the team decide to go some really big fronts at times with Kilgo, Williams, and Austin in all at the same time. Austin has been playing some DE as well so again could see him at that position. Really Williams is the only guy that has been the pure NT so far in practice.

The RB position might be where we have our toughest cuts to make. Anderson and Ball have both looked really strong so far in this system. As the days go by they seem to have gotten better about the whole 1-cut and go style that the coaches want. Behind them though Thompson has been the #3 guy and has really impressed in his opportunities as well. Some have said he is really pushing to be maybe even the #2 guy on the team. Kapri Bibbs and Jeremy Stewart have also had some showing so far especially Bibbs. That leaves us with Hillman who has been very up and down. Right now I would say there are only two things that could save him this season...1) He is a 3rd round draft pick of this regime. Draft status does play into decisions some. 2) he has a bit of a different skill set than the others with his quickness and ability in the open field.

 

[Draft Crazy]

Thanks for the updates guys.

 

[cdumler7]

Thanks for the updates guys.

Welcome Draft Crazy to Sportshoopla! Good to see another fellow Broncos fan and Cardinals fan! You are welcome to share with us anything you hear as well about training camp and well anything Bronco related. We also have a Fantasy Football group that we do with a lot of the guys/gals from here if you would want to be a part of that we always have room.

 

[cdumler7]

Practice has started back up today with the players in shells. Right now the big thing is quite a few guys sitting out with injuries with Brandon, Madison, Trevathan, McCray, Austin, and Schofield all not practicing today. All are thought to be minor injuries and just more of a precaution holding them out today.

It does look like Britton Colquitt will be our punter this year as the team released Karl Schmitz today. His willingness to take a pay cut seemed to seal the deal. Now I do wonder then what this means for the kicker competition as that does mean that whoever our kicker is will have to handle kick off duty as well.

 

[cdumler7]

The starting OL at practice today was Sambrailo-Garcia-Paradis-Vasquez-Harris. These seem to be the names that have emerged so far in practice to have outplayed the others.

 

[TDs3nOut]

The starting OL at practice today was Sambrailo-Garcia-Paradis-Vasquez-Harris. These seem to be the names that have emerged so far in practice to have outplayed the others.

I wonder if Harris is at RT only because Schofield is dinged up. Lots of youth at LT, LG, and C.

 

[cdumler7]

I wonder if Harris is at RT only because Schofield is dinged up. Lots of youth at LT, LG, and C.

Yeah it does seem like a pretty good battle between the two right now. I give the nod to Harris at the moment as I do think he has done well from what I have read fitting into this system since it is what he was drafted for way back when. Still Schofield lately has been getting some nice praise from those observing camp. I'm just excited to get up there and see it for myself. I do think though that with Schofield showing well there is a chance that Clark does not make this team. Harris has experience at both LT and RT so if need be they can move him over and usually on a team you like to keep 3 Tackles with one of them being a swing tackle.

 

[SpringStein]

The starting OL at practice today was Sambrailo-Garcia-Paradis-Vasquez-Harris. These seem to be the names that have emerged so far in practice to have outplayed the others.

Love seeing all the positive pub on Max. I'm hoping he starts from Day 1 at LG.

(And don't pay attention to that Draft Crazy guy. He's simply Crazy!).

 

[cdumler7]

The Broncos are definitely not joking around about giving these young guys a real shot at starting. They have said from the beginning that they are working to build an OL not just for this year but for the future. That means the rookies and 2nd year guys maybe even if they look a little less ready than the veteran will get the chance to start. It looks like again today at practice that at least Paradis will run with the 1's as he was seen with Manning practicing off to the side.

 

[cdumler7]

Also with the news today of Aldon Smith getting arrested once again I'm just so glad that Von Miller looks like he got his life straightened out. I can't imagine the feeling 49er fans are going through today and honestly Miller could have gone the other way like Smith but thankfully the team did well to help Von out in his biggest time of need. This is where I think we are seeing the DeMarcus Ware signing pay off beyond what he does on the field. Von has talked about how much Ware has been a huge influence on him since he came to Denver. We maybe go from seeing a very talented but troubled player that never could live up to his potential off the field to now maybe having a guy that could go down as one of the best Broncos to ever play the game. I know it is early to say something like that but obviously Von has that type of talent.

Oh also just read that Garcia is starting again today as well. From what I have read the blocking in the run game has been such an improvement already over last year. I remember reading last year about guys just getting lit up in the backfield and the defense really dominating in that department. This year I am reading about our guys going for long runs just like today CJ went for a huge run right behind Paradis and Garcia up the middle! Love hearing that the run game might be back in Denver!

 

[cdumler7]

Not a whole lot to say about Camp today...

Paradis and Garcia have taken advantage of their opportunity to start impressing coaches going against the top defense.

At this point the toughest cuts might be at the WR position. It seems like everyday those fighting for the 4th and 5th spot doing something to wow the coaches. Even Caldwell has gotten a few mentions for holding his own. He is not giving up his spot on the team easily.

Beyond that it was more about the injuries than anything. Emmanuel Sanders hurt himself yesterday tweaking his hamstring. The team said it was a very minor injury but are taking every precaution. Another guy hurt yesterday was that of Wolfe. He was actually taken off the field and is now in the concussion protocol. This is very worrisome for him considering that is what happened when he missed most of the 2013 season. Trevathan was back at practice today after being sick yesterday so no worries about him injury wise. Team thinks he is maybe at 85-90% at this time. Brandon Marshall is a little further along in his rehab and while he might not play in the preseason should be ready week 1.

Now beyond what happened on the field listened to a great interview by Trevor Pryce yesterday on 104.3 the fan. One cool fact about him is he actually wrote a children's book series and it is now actually being turned into a television series of all things! Beyond that he said that he thinks Kubiak will be the Broncos HC for the next 25 years. He said when he played for the Broncos he and other players actually liked Kubiak as a coach much more than that of Shanahan and actually there was one off season that Shanny was thinking about taking a job with the University of Florida and Pryce said he went to church praying Shanny would take the job so that Kubiak could become the new Head Coach. From all the players that I have heard interviewed about Kubiak they have all loved him and love the way he conducts himself as a coach.

 

[cdumler7]

Also just one other quick story. The players have come out and said that part of the problem on defense last year was that Del Rio decided about 4 times during the season to switch up the style/formations/scheme that they would run on defense. They said that they were actually having to learn new schemes midseason to then have it switched again after a few games. The players said it was just too complicated for them to really be able to reach the full potential.

Now onto this year and players have been saying that they really love Phillip's system because it is so much simpler and that he has done a great job of showing his vision of what he wants and wanting to stick with it. Players have really bought in.

 

[randymon]

I'll be really surprised if this D under Phillips doesn't surpass their performance from last yr if they stay relatively healthy all season. With the window they have with Manning and the unknown with OZ, I expect they are very aware of the importance and effort they will have to put forth on the field if they want to get a ring this season. They know they need to improve in 4 areas especially. Red zone, plays over 20 yds, turnover opportunities ( they missed many chances on fumble recoveries/int drops last yr ) and special teams play. If they play up to MY expectations, the offense won't have to score 30+ points every game. You look at the starters and the depth they have now at most positions ( the best I've ever seen ),they can and should be very special. Forgot to mention prob one of the most important factor of them all.....can this talented D on paper have a nasty aggressive mentality which it has lacked for way too long. Hopefully these coaches can help bring that out all year

 

[cdumler7]

Today's practice was dominated by the defense. They were getting pressure but even beyond that the secondary wasn't giving an inch. Manning threw at least 2-3 interceptions that I read about today. As much as everybody is now focused on Chris Harris being the man at Corner for us Talib is really showing up big this year.

CJ Anderson had a stinger at the end of the day so the team held him out but shouldn't be anything serious. Coaches said that Sanders could have practiced today but decided it wasn't worth risking further injury so held him out another day.

Beyond that I actually didn't read much about today's practice. Some of the young receivers once again showed up especially Patton but really not much from today.

 

[TDs3nOut]

Today's practice was dominated by the defense. They were getting pressure but even beyond that the secondary wasn't giving an inch. Manning threw at least 2-3 interceptions that I read about today. As much as everybody is now focused on Chris Harris being the man at Corner for us Talib is really showing up big this year.

CJ Anderson had a stinger at the end of the day so the team held him out but shouldn't be anything serious. Coaches said that Sanders could have practiced today but decided it wasn't worth risking further injury so held him out another day.

Beyond that I actually didn't read much about today's practice. Some of the young receivers once again showed up especially Patton but really not much from today.

Yeah, I've read some favorable reports about Talib's play in camp. Also think that Patton might have a good shot at making the team, maybe as both the PR and KR, in addition to WR.

 

[cdumler7]

Yeah, I've read some favorable reports about Talib's play in camp. Also think that Patton might have a good shot at making the team, maybe as both the PR and KR, in addition to WR.

They have said Patton is probably the fastest guy on the team and is reminding a lot of people of Brandon Lloyd. I wouldn't mind having that type of receiver once again especially if we are talking Lloyd in his prime being considered maybe our 4th or 5th receiver on the team.

Kubiak today also talked about Sambrailo saying that he has actually impressed the coaches with his growth so far in practice considering the pressure the team has put on him to succeed. Good to hear the coaches liking what they see from such a critical position.

 

[TDs3nOut]

They have said Patton is probably the fastest guy on the team and is reminding a lot of people of Brandon Lloyd. I wouldn't mind having that type of receiver once again especially if we are talking Lloyd in his prime being considered maybe our 4th or 5th receiver on the team.

Kubiak today also talked about Sambrailo saying that he has actually impressed the coaches with his growth so far in practice considering the pressure the team has put on him to succeed. Good to hear the coaches liking what they see from such a critical position.

Good news about Sambrailo, of course. And it would be awesome if Patton is at all like Lloyd was in his ability to go get the ball. BL was really something special in 2010.

 

[randymon]

All positive news is always good news but I won`t get carried away with long runs by rbs,etc as the D`s are playing somewhat soft. I`ve watched a lot of practices around the league,not just Broncos and for the most part they are holding back a tad per instruction. We should get a much better look come Fri. vs Seattle as too how the O-line is progressing compared to training camp. For the most part these guys are not going full speed ( on hitting) but that will start changing more in wk 3 of preseason practice when the roster spots start becoming a priority with cuts looming.

 

[cdumler7]

Just to show I am not all completely homer I do listen to the negatives about the team and Kubiak as well. They had a guy on yesterday that was a reporter down in Houston and he said that right now the fans still have great things to say about Kubiak. He said that Kubiak does a great job of communicating with the fans, the media, and especially the players. He said that last one though is probably why Kubiak fails as a coach. It works as a Coordinator because you are not making as many decisions personnel wise but because Kubiak was a player and because Kubiak gets very attached to his players he has a hard time letting go when he absolutely needs to. A great example is that of Matt Schaub in Schaub was showing some signs even the year before his collapse that he was struggling and yet Kubiak refused to really look at another QB. This though is where I can see the combo of Kubiak and Elway working well in we all know Elway is not afraid to cut anyone or just not even pay some of our home grown talent if they are asking too much. Elway is a business man through and through.

The other thing he had to say about Kubiak is that while Kubiak is amazing towards the offensive side of the ball he just never spent any time on the defensive side of the ball when he was coming up the coaching ranks like you see so many so he just doesn't understand that side of the ball and why he needs a top defensive coordinator to make it work. Thankfully I don't think Phillips is going anywhere any time soon and most likely has made Denver his last stop unless he gets fired in the next couple of years which I don't see happening.