dragondawg
07-30-2007, 03:49 AM
Broncos will need a strongside linebacker to emerge
By FRANK SCHWAB
THE GAZETTE
ENGLEWOOD -- There will be a revolving door at the Denver Broncos’ starting strongside linebacker position until someone stands out.
Warrick Holdman got the first shot, working with the starters Sunday morning. In the afternoon, Nate Webster was on the strong side with the starting defense. Webster played middle linebacker in the morning. D.D. Lewis, Cameron Vaughn and Louis Green also will get chances to win the job.
“They’re looking for someone to step up and take it,” Holdman said. “Every day they’re going to give somebody a shot. I got to make sure when I’m in there I earn it and show the coaches I want the spot.”
Eddie Moore held that spot most of the offseason, but he had knee problems after the minicamp in early July. He failed a physical Sunday and was released.
Assistant head coach/defense Jim Bates wouldn’t give an edge to any of the remaining five players who will be evaluated at the position.
“It’s going to be a wide-open competition,” Bates said.
Holdman is in his ninth season. Moore had the starting spot ahead of Holdman because Moore had played for Bates in Miami and knew the scheme well. Holdman said he was still not up to speed on the system but was learning quickly.
“I’m still getting down techniques and exactly what they want,” Holdman said. “Just being comfortable to where you can just play, not thinking anymore.”
Williams remembered
There was no formal remembrance or anything said in a meeting before the first training camp practice, but cornerback Champ Bailey said former teammate Darrent Williams was on the minds of many Broncos players. Williams was shot and killed Jan. 1.
“He’s been on our mind since everything happened,” Bailey said. “We always reflect on that. Everything we do, we break it down and honor him in what we say, in a lot of things. We’ll always consider him to be a part of this team. Always.”
Running back Damien Nash collapsed and died Feb. 24.
The Broncos are wearing stickers on the back of their helmets with Williams’ No. 27 and Nash’s No. 29 displayed.
Odds and ends
End John Engelberger worked with the starting defense. Kenard Lang, a starter last year, was with the third team. Rookies Jarvis Moss and Tim Crowder were the ends on the second team. ... With Brandon Marshall out of practice because of a quadriceps injury, receiver Brandon Stokley worked as the starter opposite Javon Walker. ... Coach Mike Shanahan said he hoped receiver Rod Smith, who is recovering from hip surgery, can return before the third preseason game, which is Aug. 25. ... Defensive lineman Kenny Peterson, who was cut Friday, was re-signed Saturday after defensive end Carlos Hall didn’t report. Shanahan said Hall didn’t want to play anymore, and the team put Hall on the reserve/did not report list. Denver also signed linebacker Wesly Mallard, who is in his sixth season.
http://www.gazette.com/sports/holdman_25415___article.html/team_broncos.html
By FRANK SCHWAB
THE GAZETTE
ENGLEWOOD -- There will be a revolving door at the Denver Broncos’ starting strongside linebacker position until someone stands out.
Warrick Holdman got the first shot, working with the starters Sunday morning. In the afternoon, Nate Webster was on the strong side with the starting defense. Webster played middle linebacker in the morning. D.D. Lewis, Cameron Vaughn and Louis Green also will get chances to win the job.
“They’re looking for someone to step up and take it,” Holdman said. “Every day they’re going to give somebody a shot. I got to make sure when I’m in there I earn it and show the coaches I want the spot.”
Eddie Moore held that spot most of the offseason, but he had knee problems after the minicamp in early July. He failed a physical Sunday and was released.
Assistant head coach/defense Jim Bates wouldn’t give an edge to any of the remaining five players who will be evaluated at the position.
“It’s going to be a wide-open competition,” Bates said.
Holdman is in his ninth season. Moore had the starting spot ahead of Holdman because Moore had played for Bates in Miami and knew the scheme well. Holdman said he was still not up to speed on the system but was learning quickly.
“I’m still getting down techniques and exactly what they want,” Holdman said. “Just being comfortable to where you can just play, not thinking anymore.”
Williams remembered
There was no formal remembrance or anything said in a meeting before the first training camp practice, but cornerback Champ Bailey said former teammate Darrent Williams was on the minds of many Broncos players. Williams was shot and killed Jan. 1.
“He’s been on our mind since everything happened,” Bailey said. “We always reflect on that. Everything we do, we break it down and honor him in what we say, in a lot of things. We’ll always consider him to be a part of this team. Always.”
Running back Damien Nash collapsed and died Feb. 24.
The Broncos are wearing stickers on the back of their helmets with Williams’ No. 27 and Nash’s No. 29 displayed.
Odds and ends
End John Engelberger worked with the starting defense. Kenard Lang, a starter last year, was with the third team. Rookies Jarvis Moss and Tim Crowder were the ends on the second team. ... With Brandon Marshall out of practice because of a quadriceps injury, receiver Brandon Stokley worked as the starter opposite Javon Walker. ... Coach Mike Shanahan said he hoped receiver Rod Smith, who is recovering from hip surgery, can return before the third preseason game, which is Aug. 25. ... Defensive lineman Kenny Peterson, who was cut Friday, was re-signed Saturday after defensive end Carlos Hall didn’t report. Shanahan said Hall didn’t want to play anymore, and the team put Hall on the reserve/did not report list. Denver also signed linebacker Wesly Mallard, who is in his sixth season.
http://www.gazette.com/sports/holdman_25415___article.html/team_broncos.html