Montrose's 8/2 AM Report: Prater Steals the Show

[montrose]

Practice was packed today, I overheard a security person say they had over 1,700 fans come in. It was a sight to see, as today was a great practice – even in the heat. I got a chance to have lunch with Apa and Kaylore after practice, they’ve got some great pics and notes so look out for that. With that, away we go…

QB: Jay looked great again today. I didn’t see one bad decision as he lasered in passes to all of his WR’s, looking sharp and accurate. During red zone drills, he ran for what would’ve been a few scores. During the final full drive of practice, Jay found Graham, D-Jack, Stokley and BMarsh for the TD. BMarsh’s TD was a sweet falling catch in the end zone. Apa said he had to contain his enthusiasm since he was with the media. At the 2-minute drill to end camp, Jay hit several WR’s to setup Prater for the game winner (which was about 54 yards). I don’t mean to get everybody overworked here, and the OL is certainly a question, but Jay looked INCREDIBLE and has all camp. I’d be more than willing to say he is now our best player, no disclaimers. The same can’t be said for Ramsey who had another terrible practice. Our section was clowning on him all session, just as we were he threw a terrible pick to Foxworth. He looks inaccurate and uncomfortable. He completed one nice pass down the seam to Nate Jackson (who fumbled) and that was it. Hackney again looked sharp, far and away the 2nd best QB at camp. He completed several nice passes in the intermediate and deep range.

RB: The Broncos seemed to focus more on passing today but Young, Hall and Torain all looked good. Selvin’s extra weight seems to be really benefiting him, as he’s running between the tackles more and more. He had a few nice carries and seemed to be constantly gaining 4-5 yards. Hall also looked good, catching a few screen passes and breaking a nice run to the outside against the 1st defense. Torain was also impressive, he makes beautiful cuts and is just a horse to bring down. He also put a juke on Morton after a swing pass in the red zone drills that the crowd loved. Alridge was okay, displaying his speed on one zone running play but the defense contained him well today. Clearly, the defense is aware when he’s on the field (as they now are with Royal). I didn’t see much of Sapp today because we were in mostly 3 WR sets. Hillis and Pittman were working in a bit at FB and HB, respectively – but I didn’t see much action for either. Pierce was playing some FB and looked okay but is clearly a fillin.

WR: BMarsh was the freaking man today. Best practice any player has had yet. He didn’t drop a ball, catching several very tough passes including one over Foxworth and in front of Rodgers. He scored a few TD’s in the red zone drill, put a reverse spin on one CB that made him fall down and scored that incredible TD falling in the end zone. He was simply amazing today and had the entire crowd getting behind him. D-Jack had another solid day, he caught a few passes on drags and is the clear #2. Stokley made some nice catches in traffic as well although JMFW is beginning to learn how to play him much better and they are having some battles. Colbert threw a nice block on a Torain cutback but that was about it. Martinex dropped an easy checkdown as did Russell. Royal caught a nice ball in front of Morton on a comeback but was mostly quiet. Today was the BMarsh show (with one exception to come…)

TE: Graham looks great, he seems to have really improved his route running and hands, and is still a tremendous blocker. He caught a beautiful pass on a seam route during the final drive. Nate Jackson had a tough practice, being stripped by Bly while heading to the sideline and later fumbling, but recovering, on a seam patter. Scheffler was so-so as well, he caught a nice driving pass and lost his shorts right in front of a laughing crowd. He also false started a dropped a ball he should, but one play later caught a long TD from Hackney on a bootleg. Tony was getting more reps with the 1st team and Nate Jackson was working more with the #2’s, so the world may be coming back into orbit for those here on the Mane.

OL: Best practice of camp! They looked great giving Cutler all kinds of time. Again there was a greater emphasis on the passing game today, but the OL looked solid all around. Nalen was out again with Wiegmann filling and doing a solid job – he’s probably better than Nalen in pass-pro. Clady was Clady, he picked up Winborn on a twist-blitz and put him right on his ass. My whole section (which was great by the way) were talking about effortless he looks – as if he’s been playing for 10 years. Harris was good as well, and I’m beginning to think Kuper and Harris will be the right side of our OL to begin this season. There isn’t much to speak of regarding the group as the starter’s were great today. The 2nd team was okay as well, although Polumbus had some trouble with Dumervil and Moss while Gandy and Lichtentsteiger were on roller skates blocking D-Rob.

DL: The first group looked good. D-Rob continues to anchor the middle while Peterson, Ekuban, Mallard and Thomas are playing as high motor complimentary players. With more passing, the DT’s were mostly quiet. Moss had another beastly practice, with two sacks, several pressures and a few tipped passes. Dumervil had a nice practice as well (with the emphasis on passing), he had a big sack on the end-of-practice drive. I didn’t see much of Crowder or Engelberger today. Peterson had a funny moment yelling at a ref that they can’t hit the QB’s during the end-of-practice drill.

LB: Niko and Nate were rotating at MLB while Boss was out today and replaced by Green. Kaylore and Apa think Nate’s looking like the MLB. I’m just not sure yet, I think it’ll depend on the preseason as both have there moments. With today being a heaving passing game, neither saw a ton of work. DJ looked solid as usual in coverage while Winborn and Green are good backups. I can’t speak too much on this unit as they were mostly quiet in the passing game.

DB: God I love our CB’s. Champ looked great today, the QB’s don’t even try him that often. Bly also looked good, he’s a great fit covering the slot in 3 WR sets – his strip of N.Jackson was sweet. Foxworth had another pick and continues to shine at practice. BMarsh got him on a deep pass by cutting in front and using his body, but I doubt Champ could’ve stopped that either. Paymah was okay but JMFW was better. Jack is sticking to Stokley like glue, I went crazy when JMFW flew in out of no where and blew up a bubble screen to Stokley. Abdullah was out and replaced by Manual who was mostly quiet. Saw a little of the 4-3-3-1 look today with McCree deep. Didn’t notice much of the safeties although Barrett had his best practice of camp. He laid a lick on Nate Jackson and Alridge and was flying around to the ball. All-in-all, the DB’s and WR’s had a great battle all day. I’d give the edge to the WR’s when Jay is QB’ing, but you get the sense that a lot of that just comes from unstoppable passes.

ST: Today was Matt Prater’s day. He had the entire crowd behind him as he drilled FG after FG, almost hitting the camera guy on the skylift numerous times. He didn’t miss a kick to my knowledge, all from the 40 and 50 yard ranges. The real crowd pleaser came when he lined up and absolutely drilled a 68 yard FG that would’ve been good from 73. The crowd went nuts, as did the team. If he can transfer this over to the games, we’ve got a real weapon here. He later hit 54 yard FG to win the game with :01 seconds left on the clock and send the team home happy on their 1 1/2 days off.

Had a great time today. I’ll try to make Monday but can’t promise anything. Have a good one guys!

[Bronx33]

wolf post in 5-4-3-2-1



Thanks for the write up montrose....

[Los Broncos]

Great report man, thanks again!

[Los Broncos]

Originally Posted by Bronx33

wolf post in 5-4-3-2-1



Thanks for the write up montrose....

[theAPAOps5]

Okay I am going to say it. Even if Marshall gets a 4 game suspension he will make the pro-bowl if he stays healthy.

Champ may be the best cover corner in the league and he can't stop Marshall every time. He just does things that no one can. I was literally feet away from him when he made his two best catches in the endzone. If I didn't see what I just saw I wouldn't believe it.

[Los Broncos]

Originally Posted by ApaOps5

Okay I am going to say it. Even if Marshall gets a 4 game suspension he will make the pro-bowl if he stays healthy.

Champ may be the best cover corner in the league and he can't stop Marshall. He just does things that no one can. I was literally feet away from him when he made his two best catches in the endzone. If I didn't see what I just saw I wouldn't believe it.

Wow, sounds unreal the way he is playing.

[theAPAOps5]

He has amazing hands. Its really fun to watch. He was giving a ball boy crap because he was running around with an ice pack around his arm. Marshall went up to the staff and said what the hell are you doing to these kids. How does this dude have an injury.

[rovolution]

great post again Montrose!!!!!


Im really excited about what im hearing about Jay. i just feel like giggling like a school girl thinking about how Jay will destroy Defenses around the league!!!!!

[theAPAOps5]

Kaylor and I were talking with Guru from Mile High Report and the best thing about Jay is his pocket presence. He steps up when he feels the rush rather than back peddling and throwing of his back foot.

Now we need to see how it happens full speed in a game.

[Inkana7]

Thanks for the report, montrose!

[wolf754life]

its official, we are going undefeated, enjoy!

[theAPAOps5]

Originally Posted by wolf754life

its official, we are going undefeated, enjoy!

I don't think that but I do think our offense and defense will be greatly improved. But we aren't at elite status yet. Except Marshall he really can be a HOF player if he gets his head right.

[broncofan2438]

Nice write up bud, wish I could have made it out there this year, but hearing the reports from you guys makes us feel like we were there

[summerdenver]

Great report thanks.

[BMarsh615]

I love hearing all this GREAT stuff about Marshall. I was worried sick he would never be the same just 2 months ago!

[theAPAOps5]

Also for those who say they take what we write with a grain of salt because we aren't "pro's". We spent most of camp with a prominent Denver Beat writer and he was astonished at how well Kaylor and Guru were breaking it down. He also was amazed at Marshall's abilities. So I thats why I feel confident saying Marshall could be all pro its not just the homer in me.

[Broncosfreak_56]

Awsome report. Thanks man!

[2KBack]

Originally Posted by ApaOps5

Kaylor and I were talking with Guru from Mile High Report and the best thing about Jay is his pocket presence. He steps up when he feels the rush rather than back peddling and throwing of his back foot.

Now we need to see how it happens full speed in a game.

this pleases me to no end. I was really looking for Cutler to develop a better feel for the rush.

[Bronx33]

Originally Posted by 2KBack

this pleases me to no end. I was really looking for Cutler to develop a better feel for the rush.

Yep but folks still need to be patient and a winning season will be another step in the right direction for cutler and this team iam not seeing a superbowl this year but i want to see more improvement over last season. (this would be a good thing) for SB runs in the future.

[theAPAOps5]

Originally Posted by Bronx33

Yep but folks still need to be patient and a winning season will be another step in the right direction for cutler and this team iam not seeing a superbowl this year but i want to see more improvement over last season. (this would be a good thing) for SB runs in the future.

Very well said. This team looks to be heading in the right direction. Going to youth will pay off down the road. Might not be this year and fans have to be patient.

[montrose]

Originally Posted by ApaOps5

Very well said. This team looks to be heading in the right direction. Going to youth will pay off down the road. Might not be this year and fans have to be patient.

Word. I love the direction we're going, and believe we can be a SB team by 2010 if we keep following this path - avoiding the quick fix, drafting well, don't overspend to resign players, etc. By that time, NE, Indy, SD, Dal, etc. should see a bit of a drop in their talent pool while we'll have accumulated some more and the core of our team (Cutler, Clady, Marshall, Moss) should be in their prime.

[watermock]

Maybe the "beat" writers should work part time...they might pay attention. Sound like they were humming for the crowd today.

[hambone13]

Originally Posted by Bronx33

Yep but folks still need to be patient and a winning season will be another step in the right direction for cutler and this team iam not seeing a superbowl this year but i want to see more improvement over last season. (this would be a good thing) for SB runs in the future.

I'm still concerned with how many balls he has batted down because of his faith in the rocket arm. They say he can make all the throws but the touch pass is an important one to keep getting better at....

[Kaylore]

Originally Posted by watermock

Maybe the "beat" writers should work part time...they might pay attention. Sound like they were humming for the crowd today.

Actually not Lee Rasizer. He's out in the sun everyday talking to the players and staff for an angle. He talked to us for a good hour today and was hilarious. There are some good guys out there, Mock.