SoCal and Khan's Camp Reports: 7/29 AM Practice: Offensive Rookies shine

[SoCalBronco]

SoCal reporting from OF1 here after practice with Khan, Meck and No1BroncoFan. Khan will be posting his report shortly.

This was a nice practice today.


Standouts:

1. Jay Cutler- Wow. Khan reported that he had problems yesterday morning but got better in the PM session. We'll he brought his A game today. Of all the passes he attempted in in the 9 on 7s, and 11 on 11s, only 1 was not a completion and that was to Watts on a slant where he threw it a bit high and behind him. Everything else was on the money and complete. He began the 7 on 7s with a laser to Kircus on a square in at 12 yards. He made a good read too. It was a play with a square in on top and a drag on the bottom designed to stretch the LBs hi-lo. He recognized man coverage and threw the square in which was open right over the ball at 10-12 yards, right between the 8 and 7. He then showed off his arm on a comeback to Terrell, very accurate and fast release. He did a good job on his reads. I noticed on three occasions he moved his head from one side of the field to the other in his drops and dumped it off for short gains, once to Leach and another time to Marty Johnson, a camp body, who actually played well today.

Jay was very good throwing slants today. He hit Devoe between the 1 and the 4 with alot of velocity in a spread formation against the first team nickel D. And then he had his first (and only incompletion) on that slant to Darius, who according to Khan, seemed to be limping. By my count, Cutler was 8 of 9.

Brandon Marshall- Yes, another rookie was a standout today. He did not drop a ball. Early, during the endzone 1 on 1 drills he beat Shoate on a fade.

[Broncoman13]

Great report SoCal... Glad to see you're on the spot and giving great insight on Cutler. Hope nothing's wrong with Watt's foot/leg. Like I've been saying all along, he's gonna be a player!

When you watch Cutler, what is his arm strength like when compared to the other QB's you've watched live?

[Requiem]

Thanks SoCal, and thanks to all you guys there. DAMMIT, I want to be there.

[shakenbake]

Thanks SoCal. Good to hear Culter is looking better.

[SoCalBronco]

More on Marshall. He is really huge and has good body control for a big guy. In the endzone drills, he did a real nice job on Foxworth. He exploded off the line with his footfire technique and shifted his shoulder one way to get Fox to bite and then once he did, he used his arms to rip his away across Fox inside for a slant.

In the 7 on 7s and 9 on 7s, he beat Bailey on an out route from the slot that Plummer put right in a great place. It was a great catch against a great corner on the sideline. He snagged a poorly thrown ball by BVP along the sideline a bit later and when the defender stripped it from him he immediately dove on the ball. He seems to have a great work ethic. He caught some inside routes too, where he found the windows between the zone. In all, he was very impressive today. The CLEAR No. 3, IMO.

3. Javon Walker- He didnt look like he had any issues with his leg to me. He looked very sharp. He abused some of the corners and made catches in tight spaces. He did not seem to limp at all. He really outphysicalled D-Will off the line a few times on slants.

4. Tony Scheffler- Excellent hands and an excellent feel for zones. He can get seperation in man too. I was really surprised to see the rookies standing out over the vets like this (although the vets were ok for the most part). He did not drop a pass. He caught some short crosses and got big time seperation against a second team LB on a corner. He was also able to snag some balls against the first teamers. He can get vertical really fast.

5. Jake Plummer- Very good day. He started off on the wrong foot though. The Defense was in a two deep five underneath zone and Nate Jackson got past the LBs into the deep middle gap but Plummer was inaccurate. For the rest of practice he was spot on, making good reads and throws. He had some nice connections to Walker and Marshall.

6. Run Defense- First and second team front sevens did a good job of bottling up the run all day. Al had some nice plays. Everyone was good in pursuit. In the first play on the full team run drills, Denver pitched it outside on a strongside toss and Lynch immediately filled the hole and rocked Dayne. On the next play, Bell ran an outside zone play to the weakside and got nothing. Cobbs tried his hand at it on a weak side toss and got nothing. Courtney Brown in particular was doing a good job of getting penetration against the run. Bell got rocked by a backup LB on the next play. They actually had Dumervil at DT a few times, even in the base four man line, despite his size and he seemed to hold the A gap well against the run.

[Gcver2ver3]

good news on the cutler front....nice

[watermock]

Cutler has a prototypical over the top relase that is quick. He doesn't have to wind up like Jake. Obviously I am not at camp, but there is a bit of video on the official site that shows how quick his release is. He hasn't even lined up over guard yet either! He couldn't be in a better situation IMO.

[Requiem]

Yeah, Marshall and Scheffler will ruin people's ****.

[baja]

I know this is like a broken record but is there any news on lelie?

[2KBack]

cutler doesn't concern me this year.
Hearing that Scheff and Walker are making noise is the best news I've heard.

[Rohirrim]

Thanks, SoCal. Any RB news?

[SoCalBronco]

We've got the studs, how bout the DUDS:

1. Jeff Shoate- This guy was getting abused constantly. He was on the IR last year so maybe he needs time but he was repeatedly beaten in the endzone drills.

2. BVP- He did not look like he had any confidence in himself. He always was looking short first and just tried to keep dumping it off. He was inaccurate a few times as well. He threw a ball out of bounds on a sideline route and laid Tatum out on an pass play where Tatum was sitting down in the zone right over the ball. He threw him a kind of lazy pass and Tatum got flattened to the field by DJ. There was another play that I think it was Ian who almost picked it off between the curl area and flat area. He just didn't look right today.

3. DEs in pass rush- It is generally hard to determine how good the pass rush (and by contrast, the pass protection) in camp since you cant touch the QBs, but I counted several occasions where the QB got it off before any of the DL got there. There were a few completions which would have been sacks in real life since the DEs were there and just held up right as the pass was being thrown but, generally, I didnt see much push from the DL to collapse the pocket.

4. Underneath Pass Defense in Zones- The Linebackers do a good job of getting depth on their drops with their speed, but the new emphasis that Coyer talked about in his interview on making the zone drops more precise and more simple has a downside to it. I remember at the very beginning of practice, I was sitting right in front of the backers and Coyer kept talking about landmarks and depth and keeping your eyes on the QBs. This is more of a traditional teaching in zone, not the pattern reading where you cover your area and when you see someone come into the area you bump them or disrupt the route. Here, they were focused on the QBs eye and getting depth and that left alot of room for the underneath routes. Alot of stick routes, drags where the WR would plant and turn back to the QB. There was alot of underneath areas open and the offense capitalized. By contrast though, there was very little open deep or in the intermediate area where the LBs were dropping to.

[watermock]

Sounds like Walker is good to go allready. Keep it one a days with him for now. Marshall will look quicker once he gets some polish on him, I'm not that concerned about his quickness, he's a big boy and can use that to his advantage. He can always be converted to TE or at least go onto the line in a quasi two TE set against 3/4's. Rod, Walker, Chef and Marshall has some interesting possibilities against that D with Watts in for the 3 wide.

Ashlie who? We should of known better than to draft a girl.

[SoCalBronco]

5. Running Backs in general- None of these guys are special. Khan remarked that a camp scrub who we had not heard of before, #36 Marty Johnson, was the best of the bunch. As I noted earlier when talking about the front seven against the run, none of these guys really consistently made plays in the run game. Mike Bell had nice cutback where he correctly read the DE playing wide. Tatum and Ron also each had like 1 nice play each where you could see them make a good decision. But on the whole, neither showed vision. Both of them were hesitant. There was a play where Dayne tried to cut back across the entire field and in a real game he would have lost big yardage. Just didnt see any vision or any quality play from this group this morning. Just wasnt there. Burnsie had some nice hits on these guys in the 9 on 7 run plays.

[Florida_Bronco]

Thanks SoCal! Keep it coming!

[SoCalBronco]

That's all for now. I will look through my notebook for some of the other little things to post as I head back to the hotel right now before I get back for the afternoon practice. I'll be back online on my laptop at the hotel in a few mins.

Damn it was hot this morning. Thankfully, Fred did not make it worse by being an a-hole like I was expecting.

OF1 rules!!!!

[Requiem]

SoCal, if I give you my routing number, will you deposit 2,000 bucks into my account and I'll be out there in like 10 minz.

[Kaylore]

I'll just supliment this report with some things that I saw.

First, the bandwagoners showed up. Not surprising given it's a Saturday but Dove Valley was packed in like sardines. The parking lot was full and they were directing people onto a back road. I had to walk a quarter of a mile and missed the first ten minutes. I hooke up with Meck and No1Broncosfan on the way in and they made it one of the best camps because of how hilarious we were making fun of everything from Lelie to Bob.

Anyway let's get this thing going.

Because I was tardy I missed the position drills and the first portion of camp. When we finally got in, we were placed behind some lovely trees. I'm happy to report that the trees are very healthy, though I'll get more into that later with rascal's turf report.

We didn't see much until they did goal-line fade pass drills and then we were right in the corner of the endzone that they were practicing in standing a few feet from the defensive backs. After that we watched some seven on seven and finished with some situational drills. It was during this time we noticed a man with dark hair wearing a "Williams 55" jersey sneering at Ian Gold. Intuitively I yelled "SoCal Bronco!" and sure enough it was him. The four of us had a great time. Today was pull pads, so the hitting was on.

Ok so now I'll get to my player reviews and I want to start with Running Backs....

[shakenbake]

5. Running Backs in general- None of these guys are special. Khan remarked that a camp scrub who we had not heard of before, #36 Marty Johnson, was the best of the bunch. As I noted earlier when talking about the front seven against the run, none of these guys really consistently made plays in the run game. Mike Bell had nice cutback where he correctly read the DE playing wide. Tatum and Ron also each had like 1 nice play each where you could see them make a good decision. But on the whole, neither showed vision. Both of them were hesitant. There was a play where Dayne tried to cut back across the entire field and in a real game he would have lost big yardage. Just didnt see any vision or any quality play from this group this morning. Just wasnt there. Burnsie had some nice hits on these guys in the 9 on 7 run plays.

Is this a result of poor running back play or good run D ?

[KansasBronco]

Everyone diehard bronco fan out there thanks you for you time and effort. Your coverage blows the papers and the broncos website away. What are Burger Bill and Andrew Mason doing besides eating?

[Kaylore]

Running backs. I'm still not thrilled with the running backs. We were able to see what was happening behind the LOS so I had a good view. I would like to point out that all players who get the ball are instructed to run it through even if they've already been hit/tackled down. The result is fans on the other side of the LOS seeing the backs jot toward the endzone cheering when they were checked back behind the LOS. I think this is why different people are reporting different things.

Cedric Cobbs: He looks like he might be having a conditioning issue. I think he hasn't developed his hamstrings very well because his center of gavity is high and he is knocked off ballance fiarly easily. Nothing real spectacular on that end. His reps diminished as the practice went on. I wasn't terribly impressed.

Ron Dayne: He looked pretty bad today. Was hit in the backfield for loses on several occations. He twice reversed his direction and tried to run the other way and only once was successful and it was against the second team D. You can't do that in the pros. It doesn't work. On another play he was hit at the line by Ekuban and then continued (as isntructed) toward the endzone untouched. A lot of people reacted like this was a big run but it wasn't - they just coudn't see.

Marty Johnson - Who is marty Johnson? I'll tell you who he is. He's my Todd Devoe of this year. This guy really impressed me. He was the only back that made cutbacks while advancing the ball. He ran with decisive force and pushed through the holes. He was spliting time on the third team, but I think with some development he could be a decent back.

Tatum Bell - Ok SoCal was with me and still I'm not seeing the "rave reviews" of this kid, nor was I hearing it on the sidelines. He ran ok but got nailed by Curome Cox on one run (who is having a good camp, by the way.) I don't see Bell cutback very much which is a pity considering his speed and quickness. He hasn't dropped any balls yet, which is always good news considering he struggled in that respect last year. He runs better routes as well - for a running back.

[Kaylore]

Is this a result of poor running back play or good run D ?
I'm hoping it's the later. We were top of the league agains the rush last year so logic would say so.

[scorpio]

Everyone diehard bronco fan out there thanks you for you time and effort. Your coverage blows the papers and the broncos website away. What are Burger Bill and Andrew Mason doing besides eating?


I'm sure Andrew Mason is busy making love to a different lingerie model every night.


Or maybe not.

[24champ]

Everyone diehard bronco fan out there thanks you for you time and effort. Your coverage blows the papers and the broncos website away. What are Burger Bill and Andrew Mason doing besides eating?
honestly it seems like andrew mason is just copying kahn by having an "on the spot" training camp updates. Make no mistake its not better than Kahn's reporting.

BTW Kahn your reports kick ass.:thumbs:

[Kaylore]

Receivers -

Darius Watts: No drops today and good body control. That pass that Cutler missed him on looked like he got held by Willie Middlebrooks. Darius was walking with a bit of a limp today. I think he tweaked his leg. He wasn't as explosive out of his breaks as he was yesterday.

Todd Devoe: Todd was better today. He had some athletic catches and his routes looked better. He seems to get sloppy at times and pick things up at other times.

Brandon Marshall: Boy he had a field day. He had several catches and looked a quicker than he did yesterday. One of the things Heimerdinger and Steve Watson were having him work on yesterday was his stutter-step. He wouldn't plant and kind of drifted toward the area he was wanting to go and it tipped his hand to the defender. Today he was much more exact and good about faking his shoulder toward the way he wanted to tempt the defender. He's so big that he can out-muscle guys for balls.

Javon Walker: Crazyhorse will be thrilled to hear that Walker had a great day. He wasn't wearing a brace and caught pretty much everything thrown at him. He made some more exacting cuts and and beat Bailey on one play. It was a comeback and Javon did a nice job of leaping and using his body to shield Bailey from the ball. He was probably tired of Bailey swatting down passes he was sure he'd caught.

Rod Smith: He was same Rod Smith. Caught what was thrown his way. For the record I kind of don't watch the guys I know are good (Al Wilson, Champ Bailey, Rod Smith) because I'm more interested in the other guys, so if you're wondering why I'm leaving them out, that's why.

David Kircus: Showed some explosion and heady play in the return game. The kid is athletic and had some decent catches. He's not affraid to stick his head in and block during the rushing plays. I like guys like him who are trying to do everything to make the team. They're commitment shows in their practice speed.

[shakenbake]

seriously, you should send a copy to the Denver Post and RMN. Did anyone catch burger bills update from yesterday ?

here is a copy:
ove Valley Days
By Bill Williamson
Denver Post Staff Writer
DenverPost.com
Broncos reporter Bill Williamson provides news, notes and anecdotes from the team's training camp today:

Fieldwork


There was a lot of individual work going on this morning with plenty of intrigue toward the end. The highlight of the morning session was an end-zone drill as quarterbacks tried to connect with receivers over cornerbacks in the corner of the end zone.

Quarterback Jake Plummer hit Rod Smith and Javon Walker on two nice passes. Star cornerback Champ Bailey made the play of the early day by knocking down a Plummer pass to Walker at the last possible moment. Bailey watched the ball all the way.

The offensive and defensive lines tangled in one-on-one drills, always entertaining to watch. Among the highlights were center Tom Nalen eating up undrafted rookie Antwon Burton and defensive end Courtney Brown schooling backup tackle P.J. Alexander.

Cutler watch


Rookie Jay Cutler had extensive work this morning in his first training camp practice -- hours after signing a six-year, $48 million contract . He was working No. 3 behind Jake Plummer and Bradlee Van Pelt. Cutler had his moments but also threw his first camp interception, a pass that hit defensive tackle Demetrin Veal in the gut. "That's going to happen. I'm going to throw more picks in here, and I just got to keep going," Cutler said of his errant throw.

Quote of the day


"He looks good...but sometimes I think he throws the ball too hard...but he'll learn," - Denver Pro Bowl middle linebacker Al Wilson on Cutler.

Shanahan Barometer


Broncos coach Mike Shanahan was in great spirits, after the first practice session in his 12th season in Denver. He was quick to joke with reporters and appeared raring to go for more.

"We're undefeated," Shanahan said as he reached the podium to meet the media after the first practice.

Saturday Camp Facts


Practice begins at 8:30 a.m. and will run approximately two hours. The afternoon practice begins at 3:50 p.m. and will run to around 5:30 p.m. Gates open an hour before each practice. Admission is free. Parking at Broncos headquarters is located on the west side of the practice fields, and is open on a first-come, first-served basis. Non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase at training camp.

http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_4108925

He gets paid for that peice of crap.

[Kaylore]

Quarterbacks:

Jay Cutler: I was very pleased with Jay today. He looked like the kid I saw in the Vandy tapes today. Sharp throws. Starting to read the defenses and he's getting better about puting the right about of power into his throws. There are times when he needs to add touch and times when he needs to bring the heat and get it to the guy. He has the best arm of all the QB's. On slants and inside throws he got the ball to the receiver on time so they didn't have to adjust and gave them a chance to make a move. Great practice for Jay today.

Jake Plummer: Started out a little raw and tried to force a throw to Nate Jackson. As the practice went on he made some great plays finding guys in the Zone (like Marshall) and got the ball to Rod and Javon. I think he's going to have a good year this year.

BVP: Bradlee played to not make a mistake. He didn't really take a lot shots down field and mostly was dumping off to his release valves. I will say that when he did throw, it was usually to the open guy and pretty accurate. His lack of arm strength limits the throws he can make and also what receivers can do to get open. Still decent.

Preston Parsons: They use him for a lot of different things. I think he'd make a great backup. He's got a decent arm and can make some nice throws. His accuracy is sometimes a little iffy, but he's a decent camp guy.

[Kaylore]

Other things:

Tony Scheffler: The guy is great and might have one of top three set of hands on the team. He gets open, has no qualms about geting physical, is great at using his size to beat defenders and gets the ball quite a bit. That's a sign that he can get open and that he's got the QB's confidence. What really impressed me is how he really tries to sneak past the secondary to get open on the deep stuff. He can settle in a zone seam or out-physical man coverage. A good player.

Fred: He made a girl cry yesterday but today he was a little more tame. AnthonyPacino wants to get a 12X12 picture of Fred and get him to sign it. Hilarious!

Will Roaf: Roaf ate some chocolate today and relaxed on his recliner.

Kyle Turley: He was seen practicing throwing his helmet at defensive ends. Maybe it will help...probably not.

Rascal's Turf Report: Rascal will be depressed to hear that with goal line plays held on the other field today, both fields got chewed up pretty bad. there was more yellowing on the second field today. The grounds crew will need to work extra hard to keep the grass looking pristine. I shutter to think what rascal would do if he were here himself. :holyguac!

Anyway, that's that. These reports are property of SoCalBronco, Kaylore and the Orangemane.com. Do not post without permission and please link directly to this site when permission is granted. :haw!:

[elsid13]

Thanks guys. At any point did Socal attempt to mug Gold or start an Ian Gold rant.

How are the safeties looking? and seem Mike Bell get the one cut and go thing.

[shakenbake]

Quarterbacks:
BVP: Bradlee played to not make a mistake. He didn't really take a lot shots down field and mostly was dumping off to his release valves. I will say that when he did through it was usually to the open guy and pretty accurate. His lack of arm strength limits the throws he can make and also what receivers can do to get open. Still decent.


Does it look like BVP is feeling the heat of having Cutler on the team. He has to know his days are numbered.

[Kaylore]

Does it look like BVP is feeling the heat of having Cutler on the team. He has to know his days are numbered.
You know, I'm not sure. He had a great camp yesterday. He's a baller so I don't see him backing down for anyone. I just think it was an off day and the coverage was better.

[SoCalBronco]

Thanks guys. At any point did Socal attempt to mug Gold or start an Ian Gold rant.

How are the safeties looking? and seem Mike Bell get the one cut and go thing.

Nah, although Khan tried to bait me into it. He said, hey look who is walking our way, your boy No. 52 and I put my notepad up so that I wouldnt see him. ;D Some guy standing next to us and talking to us had this "i dont get it look" on his face. It was pretty funny.

I was really happy to finally meet Khan and Meck today and No1BroncoFan was also there, he is a cool guy.

On the safeties issue, I wasnt able to get a good look at them too often. They didnt seem to make any major mistakes. There was very little open deep today and I did not notice any real deep passes. Lynch was real good in run force on outside runs today.

[Kaylore]

Thanks guys. At any point did Socal attempt to mug Gold or start an Ian Gold rant.

How are the safeties looking? and seem Mike Bell get the one cut and go thing.
Safeties are ok. They always have the defenders on the other field so it's hard to tell. Nick Ferguson forced a fumble today. Hamza's ok but I really think Curome Cox is making some nice strides. Lynch is part of my "he's doing so great I'm going to ignore him" list.

[RhymesayersDU]

I'll just supliment this report with some things that I saw.

First, the bandwagoners showed up. Not surprising given it's a Saturday but Dove Valley was packed in like sardines. The parking lot was full and they were directing people onto a back road. I had to walk a quarter of a mile and missed the first ten minutes. I hooke up with Meck and No1Broncosfan on the way in and they made it one of the best camps because of how hilarious we were making fun of everything from Lelie to Bob.

Anyway let's get this thing going.

Because I was tardy I missed the position drills and the first portion of camp. When we finally got in, we were placed behind some lovely trees. I'm happy to report that the trees are very healthy, though I'll get more into that later with rascal's turf report.

We didn't see much until they did goal-line fade pass drills and then we were right in the corner of the endzone that they were practicing in standing a few feet from the defensive backs. After that we watched some seven on seven and finished with some situational drills. It was during this time we noticed a man with dark hair wearing a "Williams 55" jersey sneering at Ian Gold. Intuitively I yelled "SoCal Bronco!" and sure enough it was him. The four of us had a great time. Today was pull pads, so the hitting was on.

Ok so now I'll get to my player reviews and I want to start with Running Backs....
Well, now I don't feel as bad for missing today due to work.

Was that guy who was heckling the defense yesterday afternoon there? That guy was, well... interesting.

Also, hahahaha @ seeing somebody heckling Gold and assuming it's SoCal, and being right. Classic. I have nothing against Gold, but when I meet up with you guys at some point tomorrow or this week, I'm gunna hate on Gold just for the hell of it.

[Northman]

excellent job gentlemen. way better than any actual sports writing.

[elsid13]

Nah, although Khan tried to bait me into it. He said, hey look who is walking our way, your boy No. 52 and I put my notepad up so that I wouldnt see him. ;D Some guy standing next to us and talking to us had this "i dont get it look" on his face. It was pretty funny.


Don't worry Socal, Khan was just looking for an opening to sell Gold some jewelry

[Kaylore]

Well, now I don't feel as bad for missing today due to work.

Was that guy who was heckling the defense yesterday afternoon there? That guy was, well... interesting.

Also, hahahaha @ seeing somebody heckling Gold and assuming it's SoCal, and being right. Classic. I have nothing against Gold, but when I meet up with you guys at some point tomorrow or this week, I'm gunna hate on Gold just for the hell of it. SoCal didn't actually heckle him, just muttered some unkind remarks. I just saw him running toward us and mentioned that he probably was coming over to give SoCal a big hug and he didn't like that very much. ROFL!

[Al Wilson]

As always great job guys.

[Odysseus]

Yeah, Marshall and Scheffler will ruin people's ****.

I am very high on these two pickups.

It's good to get news from home and the Broncos "holy land". Great reports guys I like the depth, consistency and humor.

[TALON]

As far as the runningbacks go, one must remember that not only is our run defense solid, (number 2 in the league) but our defensive LBs know exactly what the offense is trying to do, and theyre great at finding and plugging holes.......Im not too worried about it.

Thanks for the great work guys!!!

[MechanicalBull]

I know its still very early but if things continue as is does it look like we will be once again only carrying 2 QBs(Plummer and Cutler)?

[CB Bronco Fan]

Mike Bell Info??????????

[Moon§hiner]

Good stuff!!..thanks guys!!

[watermock]

Bronco Fans are unreal. SoCal flies out to go to a training camp and heckle Ian? He's such a Cane/DJ homer. Not as bad as Orange 4 Life homers for Jake tho. Don't even get me started on Garcia...I LOL

How did my adopted son Cecil look today? From the sound of the running game it doesn't sound like he's making Warren his b!tch. Lord look at all the people reading this thread!

[Kaylore]

Mike Bell Info??????????
Did I leave him out? I guess I did. He didn't get many snaps but picked up seven yards on the one run I did see him in. He hits the hole well.

[Kaylore]

Bronco Fans are unreal. SoCal flies out to go to a training camp and heckle Ian? He's such a Cane/DJ homer. Not as bad as Orange 4 Life homers for Jake tho.

How did my adopted son Cecil look today? From the sound of the running game it doesn't sound like he's making Warren his b!tch.
Well they're running a lot of single back sets right now, though he is still the first team guy. He's got good hands and is more of a plow-horse than KJ. I think you can expect some good things from Cecil Sapp this year. I'm high on the kid as well.

[SoCalBronco]

Bronco Fans are unreal. SoCal flies out to go to a training camp and heckle Ian? He's such a Cane/DJ homer. Not as bad as Orange 4 Life homers for Jake tho.

How did my adopted son Cecil look today? From the sound of the running game it doesn't sound like he's making Warren his b!tch.

I didnt heckle him. I did not say a word to any of the players, although I wanted to say Hi to champ because in the morning stretch he was just a few feet away as was Fox and Fergy. Fergy has a nonstop motor mouth.

[OrangeForceOne]

12:51 pm update.

The parking lot is about empty and the Broncos cheerleaders just got off the bus. Too bad you left Kahn.;)

[zdoor]

Awesome job guys:thumbs: :thumbs:

[telluride]

Hey Correspondents (SoCal, Kaylore, etc.),

Would it not be possible to simply live-blog the practices? You could do so from a Blackberry, on this site. Would make for a much more immediate report.

(Not that I'm complaining.)

[watermock]

I thought the girls were still in Iraq. They must of flown in recently. Boy I bet their wings are tired. *ka-ching*

[Kaylore]

Hey Correspondents (SoCal, Kaylore, etc.),

Would it not be possible to simply live-blog the practices? You could do so from a Blackberry, on this site. Would make for a much more immediate report.

(Not that I'm complaining.)
Meck and I discussed that. the problem is that if I were to try and type and watch, I'd miss a lot while I was typing. Also, I don't own a device that is capable of that.

[12th man]

Well they're running a lot of single back sets right now, though he is still the first team guy. He's got good hands and is more of a plow-horse than KJ. I think you can expect some good things from Cecil Sapp this year. I'm high on the kid as well.

Wow, Sapp must be doing realy well to still be running with the first team. Last year, I thought KJ was the man, and he would be our full back for a long time. If Cecil is better, I can't wait to see what he can do!

[watermock]

Aren't we a little demanding Telluride? They have a internet link in the bus I believe. It's probably best to take notes or tape comments then report from the mobile sports bar.

[Crushaholic]

Nothing on Domenik Hixon? I had to look on the roster to see if he was still even part of the team...

[ro_50]

Good posts guys.

Thanks for the work.

[ro_50]

Nothing on Domenik Hixon? I had to look on the roster to see if he was still even part of the team...


Isn't he being held out because his foot has not healed quickly enough?

[watermock]

Wow, Sapp must be doing realy well to still be running with the first team. Last year, I thought KJ was the man, and he would be our full back for a long time. If Cecil is better, I can't wait to see what he can do!

It took awhile for Cecil to accept his role. He was the man at CSU and just ran the rock. He didn't have to block, catch or play ST. There was a big knock on him that he couldn't catch but I always wondered if they just didn't throw it to him at CSU. He's becoming a complete player. He was a great runner at CSU. I think the Broncos like that he can carry the rock as well. If he's developed his recieving he could be a fine FB and he now is a ST star as well. We are getting some good wedge busters on ST's as well with Webster/Burnsie/Sapp. He ran a 4.55 out of school which is damn fast for a FB.

[Requiem]

The most pathetic thing about it is that the Broncos willingly drafted a player who had a broken foot in the fourth round of the NFL Draft.

Hopefully Hixon proves me wrong, but that's just stupid.

[telluride]

Okay, okay. Sorry I mentioned it.

But there is something uncommonly great about live blogging from an event. I'm no World Cup fan, but the blogs from the game on Deadspin.com really hooked me. (By the way, that's a great site if you have not yet checked it out.)

In any event, great reports guys. I'm stuck in NYC and following from afar.

[OrangeForceOne]

Aren't we a little demanding Telluride? They have a internet link in the bus I believe..

Considering Socal had the scoop up before ANYBODY else I'd say we're doing pretty good!

:peace:

[Arkie]

Cedric Cobbs: He looks like he might be having a conditioning issue. I think he hasn't developed his hamstrings very well because his center of gavity is high and he is knocked off ballance fiarly easily. Nothing real spectacular on that end. His reps diminished as the practice went on. I wasn't terribly impressed.


That's really discouraging. Cobbs said he learned more last year on our practice squad than any other football season. He seemed humbled for the first time and really excited about his chances this year. He said Bobby Turner worked with him on running lower, and both of them were encouraged with his progress. Then we are so satisfied with our three running backs to not draft another one for the first time since 2001. It's just the bad news I wasn't expecting. Thanks for the reports, Kaylore. Keep us updated! :thumbs:

[Requiem]

Then we are so satisfied with our three running backs to not draft another one for the first time since 2001.

Maroney for the win at #15.

[RhymesayersDU]

Okay, okay. Sorry I mentioned it.

But there is something uncommonly great about live blogging from an event. I'm no World Cup fan, but the blogs from the game on Deadspin.com really hooked me. (By the way, that's a great site if you have not yet checked it out.)

In any event, great reports guys. I'm stuck in NYC and following from afar.
It's actually a good idea... Just hard. Me personally, I couldn't do it. I can't even understand how people do game chats during the season. If I'm typing, I'm not paying attention. But if anybody could do it, I'd bet Kaylore could. He is indeed the man. It's funny how I was there on Friday, watching all the same things as him, and he has everything broken down, and all I came away with was "wow, those were the Broncos, and I was like 10 feet away." I was in awe, like a typical mark. I noticed myself on Friday taking so many pictures of certain guys that I missed plays. I'm going to have to put the camera down and just watch on Monday.

[Hulamau]

I'm hoping it's the later. We were top of the league agains the rush last year so logic would say so.

I suspect so if you remember from nearly every prior camp the RB's looked like dogs the first couple of days with only flashes here and there, and we've got the best D we've had in a long time now so they will certainly have the edge for a while.

[Bronco Billy]

Though I'm a firm believer in letting Cutler sit out and learn his first year, I'm really gad all reports on him were positive today. Great job, gents!

[watermock]

Let's have a scrimmage against the "new chef" defense before we bury the backs.

Cutler will only get better.

[Hulamau]

So Cal or Khan,

Have you seen Hixon do anything yet .. how's he look?

[SoCalBronco]

So Cal or Khan,

Have you seen Hixon do anything yet .. how's he look?

He wasnt out there today. He still has problems with his foot.

[Paladin]

Hixon is being held out because his foot has not yet healed enough. Would not surprise me if he were put on PUP or IR later. Best way to keep him around.

I have read some places in which Hixon was viewed as a good pick at the time. I am not ready to down play him yet, although as I remember there were several other possible "decent" picks availble at the time as well. but then, I didn't think taking DWill or Paymah made sense last year, so, what do I know?

[BlitzingDog]

Camp is always an exciting time but nervous with injuries, and players you have hopes for just don't come through (Browner etc) it is very nice to hear that these youngens and Watts etc are looking good, now lets just hope they all keep up and they continue to shine during games. Shanahan has said that Tatum Bell has improved this year and that he just hopes he keeps getting better and better, sounds like he has been impressed with his off field workouts but yet we still see Bell running #2 and Denver interested in Thomas Jones. I'd hate to go into the season as Dayne with our #1 but I'd love if Bell does what I think he can do. So if Bell isn't the man I almost want Thomas Jones, he was my fav RB the year he went out and he can do some stuff, but its just like whatever at RB anymore.

[watermock]

Every draft needs a mandatory cripple. That pick just reminds me of Willie. At least we didn't spend a first on a foot injury.

[SoCalBronco]

Oh and BTW Mock, Kaylore and I immediately thought of you today when we saw several plays being run near the end of practice from the empty backfield formation. :)

[Requiem]

I have read some places in which Hixon was viewed as a good pick at the time. I am not ready to down play him yet, although as I remember there were several other possible "decent" picks availble at the time as well. but then, I didn't think taking DWill or Paymah made sense last year, so, what do I know?

I have read that as well, but there was still boat loads of talent out there at the time of the selection. In my opinion at least, quality players that could have definitely helped the team more than an injured specialist.

[Kaylore]

Oh and BTW Mock, Kaylore and I immediately thought of you today when we saw several plays being run near the end of practice from the empty backfield formation. :)
Yes, rest assured the five wide set is alive and well. We even were hoping you'd appear from somewhere and tell the QB's trying to run it to "STFU!". So much for that being Kubiak's brainchild.

[montrose]

If anyone could handicap some of the races at positions like #3 WR, TE, etc. that would be really cool. I'm hearing great reports on guys like Scheffler and Marshall but how are they stacking up with Watts, Jackson, Terrell, etc? Thanks!

[Cito Pelon]

Khan, SoCal, how many windsprints do these guys do? How much pure running? Laps, windsprints, etc.?

[elsid13]

Khan, SoCal, how many windsprints do these guys do? How much pure running? Laps, windsprints, etc.?

Over/under is that Khan collapse after 2 wind sprints and Socal stops for Starbucks halfway thru his first.

[Cito Pelon]

Khan, Socal, if you're still on the board, can you compare/contrast Kube and Dinger? What's Dennison doing? Shanahan?

I guess I'm curious about how the O coaches strike you.

[watermock]

Yes, rest assured the five wide set is alive and well. We even were hoping you'd appear from somewhere and tell the QB's trying to run it to "STFU!". So much for that being Kubiak's brainchild.

http://www.fotosearch.com/thumb/IGS/IGS637/IS977-092.jpg

That should work great against the 3-4. It was always about the PLAY SELECTION rather than the idea it shouldn't be in the playbook. Honestly, I wouldn't use it at all, but I never had the illusion that Shanahan didn't have ideas how it sets up mismatches. That said, you can totally overwhelm the OL in that set. What I couldn't stand was when we would go into that at 3rd and 3 at the goal line. How much turf do you think the defense has to defend in that scenario?

As I predicted last year, teams are adjusting to the 3-4 by using two TE's that can catch. All you have to do is kinda get a body on the OLB and the QB won't get killed.

I would love to see some Chef,Marshal at the end line, and Rod and Walker wide. If they send the OLB the inside reciever at least is in the way. If he drops off, the TE like either Chef or Marshall can go into their pattern. I just think that when you empty the backfield you take any responsibility away from the front 7 to have ANY responsibility to hold their gaps.

I'm super excited about Chef. I think Marshall can go inside too, and maybe slot out to draw a LB because they see a double TE they won't go into the dime. I also want a RB to pick up a stray perp. I saw movement to this last year and we went 13-3 so I can't be insane.

Again, I'm not completely manical about hating it, but at the goal line I think it's idiotic. In a desperation drive late against a prevent? Sure. I always said send Big Money in at FB to blow a DT up. We did it in pre-season last year ONCE and Warren was so pumped he laid the DT on his butt and we walked in the endzone untouched. I understand our line is too light to push a Jumbo package D off the ball at the line. Maybe my boy Cecil will fill that role. I saw him carry a player on his back into the endzone when he was at CSU. If he can bring that to blocking, we will have some goal line. The role of Griffith for TD is realized by many but not all.

I just think the 5 wide was used too much and at the wrong times. Hell, we ran that thing when we had some pathetic WR's TE's/RB. I can't remember their names. They are all gone. Name someone from even 3 years ago that was worth a crap besides Rod Smith. Once Bambi is gone, there won't be a single one left on the roster but maybe Carswell, who wasn't in on the 5 wide anyway. We had players like Billy Miller and Kevin Casper and Cole out there and we still ran the stupid thing. If these young guns work out, we might have the ability to run triple WR with Chef inside and a single back. I still think that's the best passing formation that can still run the draw or screen. I also think we don't run the screen nearly enough. Of course, you need a freakin back to run a draw or screen.

[Tombstone RJ]

Nice reports Khan and SoCal, keep'm coming!

[dragondawg]

i guess BVP still can't throw, from from i've read cutler is a better throwing and could be no.2 when the season opens, we'll see how it goes in pre-season

[ward63]

i guess BVP still can't throw, from from i've read cutler is a better throwing and could be no.2 when the season opens, we'll see how it goes in pre-season

As much as a warrior BVP is in my mind, he's as good as gone from what I've read about camp. If Cutler keeps improving, BVP has to go. A lot of guys on D-line will be kept and WR, plus you know Shanny will say...we got Rod Smith for our 3rd string QB.

[Durango]

I hope Denver doesn't back-up Plummer with Cutler. At least Van Pelt knows the system. He doesn't run it all that well, but he knows it. Cutler would be the 'deer in the headlights' kind of starter.

All things considered, Plummer may actually be the one guy the Broncos cannot do without.

Seems strange to say with all the question marks still swirling around the guy 6-7 months after the Pittsburgh game, but continuity always seems so crucial to success in a Shanahan offense.

[ClevelandBronco]

"Oh Brother, Where Art Thou" is playing to the right of my monitor, I have a piece of pizza in front of me and I've saved reading this thread until tonight.

Holy ****, life's good. What do I owe for being born in this place and time?

[GreatBronco16]

I hope Denver doesn't back-up Plummer with Cutler. At least Van Pelt knows the system. He doesn't run it all that well, but he knows it. Cutler would be the 'deer in the headlights' kind of starter.



I'd take Cutler over BVP any day of the week right now. BVP should be used as our RB if none of the other guys can step it up.:~ohyah!:

[ClevelandBronco]

I'd take Cutler over BVP any day of the week right now. BVP should be used as our RB if none of the other guys can step it up.:~ohyah!:

IMO, Cutler doesn't taste the field this season if we have to put Rod Smith behind center.

[Kaylore]

Cutler's making big strides - strides in what amounts to a marathon, but he's moving along very well. By end of season with taking snaps week after week, looking at game film, if he continues to progress as he has I have no problems with him starting next year and even backing up Plummer toward the end of the season. Jay can just do more and that creates freedom in how you attack a defense.

[Kaylore]

Khan, Socal, if you're still on the board, can you compare/contrast Kube and Dinger? What's Dennison doing? Shanahan?

I guess I'm curious about how the O coaches strike you.
Right now pretty much one guy is running the show: Mike Shanahan. I haven't noticed a tremendous difference between what Dennison did last year to this year. The plays are the same, but Hemerdinger really seems to have added a presence on the coaching staff with the receivers and the QB's. I'm very pleased.

[watermock]

[ I want people to know that what I report is accurate0.

That was the objection despite the deflecion. Other opinions make it harder to believe? His quote stands on it's onwn words

I also don't appreciate guys who insert conflicting reports because it makes it harder for people to know what to believe.


Oh man never mind. It's just semantics.

[Tyrant]

Kaylore...I think you're reports are impressive. Appreciate the effort.

But that picture of John Beck next to Jay Cutler has got to go.

[Atlas]

I hope Denver doesn't back-up Plummer with Cutler. At least Van Pelt knows the system. He doesn't run it all that well, but he knows it. Cutler would be the 'deer in the headlights' kind of starter.

All things considered, Plummer may actually be the one guy the Broncos cannot do without.

Seems strange to say with all the question marks still swirling around the guy 6-7 months after the Pittsburgh game, but continuity always seems so crucial to success in a Shanahan offense.

I think Cutler unless he has a meltdown I think he'll be #2. If he is the #3 QB then that means he'll have to run scout team during the week and he won't learn the gameplan and he won't get very many reps. BVP will run the scout team this year.

Of course if Plummer is out for multiple games Shanny might move BVP ahead of Cutler and start him but he'll still be the #3 QB if Plummer is healthy.