Some more tidbits on today's OTA practice

[SoCalBronco]

BRONCOS NOTES: Lepsis, Brandon return to practice
By FRANK SCHWAB, THE GAZETTE
May 29, 2007 - 9:30PM


ENGLEWOOD -- Denver Broncos offensive tackle Matt Lepsis and safety Sam Brandon returned to football drills Tuesday, after each of their 2006 seasons ended with major knee surgery.

Lepsis, the Broncos’ offensive left tackle, was one of the team’s biggest losses last year. Lepsis said he didn’t do much Tuesday in a minicamp practice but he felt good. Lepsis was on crutches for six weeks after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee against Cleveland on Oct. 23.

“It’s going to take time, but I’m sure by opening day I’ll be back to 100 percent,” Lepsis said.

Lepsis said the training staff has advised he wear a brace in training camp and preseason games.

Brandon also suffered a torn ACL in his right knee, against Pittsburgh on Nov. 5. He didn’t do much during practice but stayed after to work with assistant defensive backs coach Ronnie Bradford.

“I didn’t think I’d be back this quick, but it’s a progression,” said Brandon, who would be Denver’s top backup at safety if he’s healthy. “It feels pretty good, actually.”

LINEUP ISSUES

The Broncos will have a few starting position battles in training camp, and there was a preview of them Tuesday, this offseason’s first practice open to the media.

Eddie Moore, who played for Broncos assistant head coach/defense Jim Bates in Miami, spent some time with the starting defense at outside linebacker. Warrick Holdman also spent time with the starters. Moore was out of football last year. The position is open because D.J. Williams moved to the middle to replace Al Wilson.

At right offensive guard, Chris Kuper and Montrae Holland split time with the starters. Demetrin Veal played most of the snaps at defensive tackle with the starting defense.

Those positions are open because the Broncos lost free agents Cooper Carlisle and Michael Myers.

http://www.gazette.com/sports/lepsis_23000___article.html/broncos_brandon.html

[SoCalBronco]

Eddie Moore, who played for Broncos assistant head coach/defense Jim Bates in Miami, spent some time with the starting defense at outside linebacker. Warrick Holdman also spent time with the starters. Moore was out of football last year. The position is open because D.J. Williams moved to the middle to replace Al Wilson.



Come on Cameron Vaughn, step up your game, son. Get into the mix!

[epicSocialism4tw]

At right offensive guard, Chris Kuper and Montrae Holland split time with the starters.

Interesting. Kuper is getting his opportunity. We should see some of what the youngster has during camp. I'm excited about that almost as much as I am seeing the new DL rook triumvirate. I have high hopes for Kuper.

Demetrin Veal played most of the snaps at defensive tackle with the starting defense.

I have always like Demetrin, but I think that he's a pawn right now.

[bronco610]

"triumvirate"??????????? What? English please Llama.

[epicSocialism4tw]

"triumvirate"??????????? What? English please Llama.

;D

It means: a group of three with some sort of power. I am projecting of course. :thumbsup:

[bronco610]

;D

It means: a group of three with some sort of power. I am projecting of course. :thumbsup:

Well of course, makes perfect sense nowROFL! ROFL! ROFL!

[chrisp]

I have always like Demetrin, but I think that he's a pawn right now.

You might be right about the pawn thing, but I have a feeling that the coaches have always had a high regard for Veal considering his undrafted status.

He's not the prototype size for the Bates scheme, yet he's still here, so he obviously brings something to the position. He's been able to make some plays in the limited gametime that he has had, although he's not played enough for us to know if that really means anything or not.

Certainly they will be looking to put pressure on Thomas, and maybe they would rather see Thomas fulfil his potential than start Veal in a game, but frankly, if Veal is in there then the job is his to lose, and whoever wants that job from him is going to have to step up to the plate...

One thing that does intrigue me, however - given that veal is a little undersized, what are the chances he gets a look at RDE? I know we drafted Crowder to possibly play there but nothing's certain at this stage...

[Los Broncos]

I really like Veal, i think he sticks this year and plays very well.

[BlaK-Argentina]

I want to see Sam Brandon get a shot at SS. I think he can do a better job than Ferguson there.
If not Brandon (keeping him at the big nickel), Curome Cox showed some promise last year.

[SonOfLe-loLang]

Cox isn't the sure tackler that Ferguson is. I always thought Bates' scheme needed a centerfielder type safety though (which fits cox's description) due to the heavy man to man that the corners will play. Maybe not though because I can't see Fergs or Lynch filling that role.

[BlaK-Argentina]

Cox isn't the sure tackler that Ferguson is. I always thought Bates' scheme needed a centerfielder type safety though (which fits cox's description) due to the heavy man to man that the corners will play. Maybe not though because I can't see Fergs or Lynch filling that role.

Yeah but we have that in Lynch already. Lynch is great against the run, and an excellent tackler... Ferguson is just adequate, and not very good against the pass. If no one beats him for the job, cool, but I'd like to see Brandon or Cox get a shot at it. :thumbsup:

[Paladin]

Won't Wodwick Wogers have a shot?

[KipCorrington25]

I've never understood the love for Veal... the player not the meat.

He's undersized, doesn't seem quick or athletic, and the next time he makes a play it will be the first.

If he's starting on opening day we're fooked.

[phibacka31]

I am relly excited to see the S competition cause i think Cox and Abdullah will get their chances. I am ALso VERY interested to see who wins the LB spot. Very weird that eddie moore was running withjt the first team. I woulda guessed, holman, lewis, webster, and vaughn:thumbsup:

[Kaylore]

Eddie Moore, who played for Broncos assistant head coach/defense Jim Bates in Miami, spent some time with the starting defense at outside linebacker. Warrick Holdman also spent time with the starters. Moore was out of football last year. The position is open because D.J. Williams moved to the middle to replace Al Wilson.

At right offensive guard, Chris Kuper and Montrae Holland split time with the starters. Demetrin Veal played most of the snaps at defensive tackle with the starting defense.

They really never make changes until after the first week of training camp, so this doesn't say too much. We'll get a better feel in a few months when all the players have had a chance to digest the playbook more and get in with coaches.

[Dedhed]

Eddie Moore, who played for Broncos assistant head coach/defense Jim Bates in Miami, spent some time with the starting defense at outside linebacker.


http://www.gazette.com/sports/lepsis_23000___article.html/broncos_brandon.html

I think it's likely that Moore is the default starter as much to show the other OLBs where to line up and the basics of the Bates scheme. I think it says next to nothing about who will start week 1.

[Popcorn Sutton]

I am relly excited to see the S competition cause i think Cox and Abdullah will get their chances. I am ALso VERY interested to see who wins the LB spot. Very weird that eddie moore was running withjt the first team. I woulda guessed, holman, lewis, webster, and vaughn:thumbsup:

We haven't heard a lot about Webster lately.

[ScottXray]

Come on Cameron Vaughn, step up your game, son. Get into the mix!

I'd like nothing better than Cam to step it up...but he has to get Faster if he's gonna make the team this year.

Hopefully some experience will make him get to the hole quicker than he was last pre-season, or he is camp fodder, and won't make the PS again.:pimp: