Walker poised for big year - The Orange Mane

dragondawg · 08-10-2007, 01:55 AM

By Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News

The walk-through after practice was winding down Thursday when Javon Walker waltzed over to his receiver’s spot and, one by one, sent his cleats flying to the sidelines.

If anybody deserves to kick off his shoes and relax, it’s Walker.

He’s been a full participant through 11 days of workouts while his position has been decimated by injuries.

But after jogging his next route lightly in his socks, he pressed on like he has all month.

Walker helped move the chains while the second-team took their end-of-practice snaps, just for laughs.

He then caught live passes before giving the Juggs machine a whirl to cap his workout, shoes on.

"It’s training camp, and when everything is pretty much done with, it’s going to make the games a lot easier," Walker said, with sweat beading on both sides of his mohawk. "Obviously we don’t want any injuries because we need those guys for games and the upcoming season but you just take it for what it’s worth and just stay out there working."

Walker on Wednesday had been given the option to take the second of back-to-back practices off but declined. He’d been asked before, too, but passed.

"The only thing it’s doing is making me stronger. And why would I practice in the morning and let those guys practice in the afternoon? We’re a unit," he said.

Walker hasn’t just been available but has looked smooth in his route-running, demonstrated a quick burst and been mostly reliable with his hands. With no rehabilitation to consume him, as was the case when he was rebounding from knee surgery prior to the 2006 season, he appears locked in on improving on his 69-catch, 1,084-yard, eight-touchdown debut with the Broncos.

"I feel like I’m back to my old self as far as not coming off any injuries and I’m doing everything I can to show what I can do," he said. "Last year was a glimpse, but in my head, the people of Denver haven’t seen nothing yet."

And what was missing?

"Everything. Everything," he added. "They saw a fraction of what I can do out there when I’m going, healthy and feeling great."

Neck and neck

Cecil Sapp in camp has appeared to receive more carries during team periods as the No. 2 running back. But part of the reason that may be the case is that the Broncos know what they have in Mike Bell off his rookie season and need to see if Sapp can handle the switch from fullback back to consistently toting the ball.

"No one’s etched in stone at the 2, 3, whatever," position coach Bobby Turner said. "I’m trying to keep the guys fresh and I’ve been rotating them ? and keeping the reps even. I keep track of what plays they run – run and pass. It depends on the period but I kind of rotate them every day."

It was Bell’s shot to work the second unit most frequently in 11-on-11 activity Thursday. He even played some fullback for the second straight day, not necessarily because that’s where he’s headed, but to see what kind of versatility he possesses.

Bell stressed that he and Sapp are "definitely getting an equal shot" to be Travis Henry’s backup.

But that scenario, Bell added, is in the back of his mind, because, "Basically things are going to work themselves out, whether it’s now or later."

Turner said he’s liked the hustle, attitude and grasp of the offense both players have demonstrated.

As for Sapp’s development, Turner noted the ex-Colorado State star’s getting more comfortable on a daily basis, "so I’m expecting him to progress."

Bell, for one, can’t wait for the preseason games to start.

"I think I’ve made a lot of improvement from last year, and I’m excited to see what I can do, especially in the run game," he said. "I’m way more patient than I was last year. I’m pressing the plays. Travis has helped me a lot, just the way he runs. And just recognizing fronts and defenses and blitzes, it’s second nature to me now where the game’s slowed down a lot. When things are going 100 miles per hour, I can sit back there and relax. ? And I’m in better shape, which plays a role, too, because when you’re tired you can’t focus."

Interested observer

Broncos general manager Ted Sundquist and the team’s salary-cap manager, Mike Bluem, huddled after practice with agent Jack Reale. Two of the team’s highest-profile free agents, kicker Jason Elam and safety Nick Ferguson, are represented by Reale.

Talks regarding both players are mainly in the preliminary stages. And, despite a favorable salary-cap situation, it’s more likely talks won’t intensify until after the season following Denver’s free-agent spending spree this past off-season.

Daily highlights

Linebacker Cameron Vaughn, attempting to make the team in a reserve/special teams role, slapped away a pass from tight end Stephen Alexander along the right sideline. He came back later and intercepted a Jay Cutler throw on a similar route by Alexander on the opposite side.

With John Lynch in Palo Alto, Calif., attending funeral services for late 49ers coach Bill Walsh, cornerback Domonique Foxworth slid over to safety and took most of the first-team repetitions with Curome Cox occasionally filling in. Foxworth’s move pushed Jeff Shoate into the first-team nickel, covering the slot. Cox ended practice by picking off backup QB Patrick Ramsey in the no-huddle period in a match-up of second-team offense and defense.

DT Amon Gordon helped his cause to make the roster with an interception. Gordon has consistently run with the second unit in camp with Sam Adams getting extensive time off, and may eventually push free-agent Alvin McKinley for a job.

DE Jarvis Moss (left knee) once again participated in position drills but was kept out of the team period. Several players left drills prematurely after being shaken up, including rookie OT Ryan Harris (back), WR David Kircus and DE Elvis Dumervil (leg).

The offense had some sloppy moments, with David Terrell dropping consecutive passes and TE Teyo Johnson and OT Cliff Washburn getting consecutive false starts.

Chris Kuper saw some action at right tackle for the second straight day. Kuper, currently running as the backup right guard to Montrae Holland, practiced at the position last season but moved outside for the first time in 2007. The move, in part, was necessary, with Matt Lepsis, Jacob Rogers sitting out and Harris banged up midway through Thursday’s practice.

Injury report

The out-of-pads list included S Hamza Abdullah (right hamstring), LB Louis Green (left knee), G Ben Hamilton (concussion), S Quentin Harris (right knee), LB Warrick Holdman (spinal cord), OTs Lepsis (groin) and Rogers (left knee) and WRs Brandon Marshall (left thing), Glenn Martinez (right thigh), Brandon Stokley (left thigh), Marquay McDaniel (left hamstring) and Rod Smith (left hip). Lepsis and Hamilton have been ruled out for Monday night’s preseason opener vs. the San Francisco 49ers.

He said it

"You can say it doesn’t have an effect. But me being in my ninth year, I know how it works. Every day you’re not practicing, you fall a step behind. And it feels like I’m starting over and it’s like the first day of OTAs where I have to prove myself all over again."

Holdman, on how his spinal-cord concussion he suffered Aug. 3 when he was rotating in with the first unit may alter his chances to start at strong-side linebacker

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drm...666280,00.html

listopencil · 08-10-2007, 02:04 AM

Quote:

... and WRs Brandon Marshall (left thing),

I hope his thing gets better soon.

yerner · 08-10-2007, 03:15 AM

any reason to think marshall gets cut

Dude can't be making any allies with all the bs he pulled in the off season and now can't play. Just saying..

dbfan21 · 08-10-2007, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yerner

any reason to think marshall gets cut

Dude can't be making any allies with all the bs he pulled in the off season and now can't play. Just saying..

No way. He'll be back soon. One more week.

Beantown Bronco · 08-10-2007, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yerner

any reason to think marshall gets cut

Dude can't be making any allies with all the bs he pulled in the off season and now can't play. Just saying..

502 post rule.

Mediator12 · 08-10-2007, 03:45 PM

Walker is going to have to play well. He faces the second Hardest CB schedule in the league.

Denver 1 Buffalo Javon Walker Terrence McGee C+ 2.5
Denver 2 Oakland Javon Walker Nnamdi Asomugha A- 3.8
Denver 3 Jacksonville Javon Walker Rashean Mathis C+ 2.5
Denver 4 Indianapolis Javon Walker Kelvin Hayden C 2
Denver 5 San Diego Javon Walker Quentin Jammer B+ 3.5
Denver 6 Bye Javon Walker Rod Smith
Denver 7 Pittsburgh Javon Walker Ike Taylor D 1
Denver 8 Green Bay Javon Walker Charles Woodson A 4
Denver 9 Detroit Javon Walker Fernando Bryant C- 1.8
Denver 10 Kansas City Javon Walker Ty Law C+ 2.5
Denver 11 Tennessee Javon Walker Nick Harper B+ 3.5
Denver 12 Chicago Javon Walker Charles Tillman B+ 3.5
Denver 13 Oakland Javon Walker Nnamdi Asomugha A- 3.8
Denver 14 Kansas City Javon Walker Ty Law C+ 2.5
Denver 15 Houston Javon Walker Dunta Robinson C+ 2.5
Denver 16 San Diego Javon Walker Quentin Jammer B+ 3.5
Denver 17 Minnesota Javon Walker Antoine Winfield C+ 2.5

He only faces three below Average CB's all season in Hayden, Ike Taylor, and Fernando Bryant. Then, he faces three A- rated CB's. His matchups are not going to be easy for the most part and I am glad he will be 100% to face them.

Beantown Bronco · 08-10-2007, 03:47 PM

Charles Woodson gets an A, but Ty Law gets a C+ ? That doesn't seem right to me.

Mediator12 · 08-10-2007, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beantown Bronco

Charles Woodson gets an A, but Ty Law gets a C+ ? That doesn't seem right to me.

Based on performance from last year, yes. Woodson was much better in GB than he was the last few years in OAK. Ty law was much worse last year even being sheltered in the cover 2.

RunSilentRunDeep · 08-10-2007, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mediator12

Walker is going to have to play well. He faces the second Hardest CB schedule in the league.

Not worried. He faces the Hardest CB practice schedule in the league.

08-10-2007, 01:55 AM	#1
dragondawg All Pro Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 2,009	Walker poised for big year By Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News The walk-through after practice was winding down Thursday when Javon Walker waltzed over to his receiver’s spot and, one by one, sent his cleats flying to the sidelines. If anybody deserves to kick off his shoes and relax, it’s Walker. He’s been a full participant through 11 days of workouts while his position has been decimated by injuries. But after jogging his next route lightly in his socks, he pressed on like he has all month. Walker helped move the chains while the second-team took their end-of-practice snaps, just for laughs. He then caught live passes before giving the Juggs machine a whirl to cap his workout, shoes on. "It’s training camp, and when everything is pretty much done with, it’s going to make the games a lot easier," Walker said, with sweat beading on both sides of his mohawk. "Obviously we don’t want any injuries because we need those guys for games and the upcoming season but you just take it for what it’s worth and just stay out there working." Walker on Wednesday had been given the option to take the second of back-to-back practices off but declined. He’d been asked before, too, but passed. "The only thing it’s doing is making me stronger. And why would I practice in the morning and let those guys practice in the afternoon? We’re a unit," he said. Walker hasn’t just been available but has looked smooth in his route-running, demonstrated a quick burst and been mostly reliable with his hands. With no rehabilitation to consume him, as was the case when he was rebounding from knee surgery prior to the 2006 season, he appears locked in on improving on his 69-catch, 1,084-yard, eight-touchdown debut with the Broncos. "I feel like I’m back to my old self as far as not coming off any injuries and I’m doing everything I can to show what I can do," he said. "Last year was a glimpse, but in my head, the people of Denver haven’t seen nothing yet." And what was missing? "Everything. Everything," he added. "They saw a fraction of what I can do out there when I’m going, healthy and feeling great." Neck and neck Cecil Sapp in camp has appeared to receive more carries during team periods as the No. 2 running back. But part of the reason that may be the case is that the Broncos know what they have in Mike Bell off his rookie season and need to see if Sapp can handle the switch from fullback back to consistently toting the ball. "No one’s etched in stone at the 2, 3, whatever," position coach Bobby Turner said. "I’m trying to keep the guys fresh and I’ve been rotating them ? and keeping the reps even. I keep track of what plays they run – run and pass. It depends on the period but I kind of rotate them every day." It was Bell’s shot to work the second unit most frequently in 11-on-11 activity Thursday. He even played some fullback for the second straight day, not necessarily because that’s where he’s headed, but to see what kind of versatility he possesses. Bell stressed that he and Sapp are "definitely getting an equal shot" to be Travis Henry’s backup. But that scenario, Bell added, is in the back of his mind, because, "Basically things are going to work themselves out, whether it’s now or later." Turner said he’s liked the hustle, attitude and grasp of the offense both players have demonstrated. As for Sapp’s development, Turner noted the ex-Colorado State star’s getting more comfortable on a daily basis, "so I’m expecting him to progress." Bell, for one, can’t wait for the preseason games to start. "I think I’ve made a lot of improvement from last year, and I’m excited to see what I can do, especially in the run game," he said. "I’m way more patient than I was last year. I’m pressing the plays. Travis has helped me a lot, just the way he runs. And just recognizing fronts and defenses and blitzes, it’s second nature to me now where the game’s slowed down a lot. When things are going 100 miles per hour, I can sit back there and relax. ? And I’m in better shape, which plays a role, too, because when you’re tired you can’t focus." Interested observer Broncos general manager Ted Sundquist and the team’s salary-cap manager, Mike Bluem, huddled after practice with agent Jack Reale. Two of the team’s highest-profile free agents, kicker Jason Elam and safety Nick Ferguson, are represented by Reale. Talks regarding both players are mainly in the preliminary stages. And, despite a favorable salary-cap situation, it’s more likely talks won’t intensify until after the season following Denver’s free-agent spending spree this past off-season. Daily highlights Linebacker Cameron Vaughn, attempting to make the team in a reserve/special teams role, slapped away a pass from tight end Stephen Alexander along the right sideline. He came back later and intercepted a Jay Cutler throw on a similar route by Alexander on the opposite side. With John Lynch in Palo Alto, Calif., attending funeral services for late 49ers coach Bill Walsh, cornerback Domonique Foxworth slid over to safety and took most of the first-team repetitions with Curome Cox occasionally filling in. Foxworth’s move pushed Jeff Shoate into the first-team nickel, covering the slot. Cox ended practice by picking off backup QB Patrick Ramsey in the no-huddle period in a match-up of second-team offense and defense. DT Amon Gordon helped his cause to make the roster with an interception. Gordon has consistently run with the second unit in camp with Sam Adams getting extensive time off, and may eventually push free-agent Alvin McKinley for a job. DE Jarvis Moss (left knee) once again participated in position drills but was kept out of the team period. Several players left drills prematurely after being shaken up, including rookie OT Ryan Harris (back), WR David Kircus and DE Elvis Dumervil (leg). The offense had some sloppy moments, with David Terrell dropping consecutive passes and TE Teyo Johnson and OT Cliff Washburn getting consecutive false starts. Chris Kuper saw some action at right tackle for the second straight day. Kuper, currently running as the backup right guard to Montrae Holland, practiced at the position last season but moved outside for the first time in 2007. The move, in part, was necessary, with Matt Lepsis, Jacob Rogers sitting out and Harris banged up midway through Thursday’s practice. Injury report The out-of-pads list included S Hamza Abdullah (right hamstring), LB Louis Green (left knee), G Ben Hamilton (concussion), S Quentin Harris (right knee), LB Warrick Holdman (spinal cord), OTs Lepsis (groin) and Rogers (left knee) and WRs Brandon Marshall (left thing), Glenn Martinez (right thigh), Brandon Stokley (left thigh), Marquay McDaniel (left hamstring) and Rod Smith (left hip). Lepsis and Hamilton have been ruled out for Monday night’s preseason opener vs. the San Francisco 49ers. He said it "You can say it doesn’t have an effect. But me being in my ninth year, I know how it works. Every day you’re not practicing, you fall a step behind. And it feels like I’m starting over and it’s like the first day of OTAs where I have to prove myself all over again." Holdman, on how his spinal-cord concussion he suffered Aug. 3 when he was rotating in with the first unit may alter his chances to start at strong-side linebacker http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drm...666280,00.html Last edited by dragondawg; 08-10-2007 at 01:58 AM..

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08-10-2007, 03:15 AM	#3
yerner Ring of Famer Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Charlottesville VA Posts: 3,304	any reason to think marshall gets cut Dude can't be making any allies with all the bs he pulled in the off season and now can't play. Just saying..

08-10-2007, 03:45 PM	#6
Mediator12 OM analyst REAL Front Seven Bandwagon !!! Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: INDY Posts: 9,701 Adopt-a-Bronco: Malik Jackson	Walker is going to have to play well. He faces the second Hardest CB schedule in the league. Denver 1 Buffalo Javon Walker Terrence McGee C+ 2.5 Denver 2 Oakland Javon Walker Nnamdi Asomugha A- 3.8 Denver 3 Jacksonville Javon Walker Rashean Mathis C+ 2.5 Denver 4 Indianapolis Javon Walker Kelvin Hayden C 2 Denver 5 San Diego Javon Walker Quentin Jammer B+ 3.5 Denver 6 Bye Javon Walker Rod Smith Denver 7 Pittsburgh Javon Walker Ike Taylor D 1 Denver 8 Green Bay Javon Walker Charles Woodson A 4 Denver 9 Detroit Javon Walker Fernando Bryant C- 1.8 Denver 10 Kansas City Javon Walker Ty Law C+ 2.5 Denver 11 Tennessee Javon Walker Nick Harper B+ 3.5 Denver 12 Chicago Javon Walker Charles Tillman B+ 3.5 Denver 13 Oakland Javon Walker Nnamdi Asomugha A- 3.8 Denver 14 Kansas City Javon Walker Ty Law C+ 2.5 Denver 15 Houston Javon Walker Dunta Robinson C+ 2.5 Denver 16 San Diego Javon Walker Quentin Jammer B+ 3.5 Denver 17 Minnesota Javon Walker Antoine Winfield C+ 2.5 He only faces three below Average CB's all season in Hayden, Ike Taylor, and Fernando Bryant. Then, he faces three A- rated CB's. His matchups are not going to be easy for the most part and I am glad he will be 100% to face them.

08-10-2007, 03:47 PM	#7
Beantown Bronco Athletic Supporter Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Mass Posts: 19,040 Adopt-a-Bronco: Matt Prater	Charles Woodson gets an A, but Ty Law gets a C+ ? That doesn't seem right to me.