Denver Broncos: What We've Learned Through Week 2 of Training Camp
The Denver Broncos have been in training camp for one week at UC Health Training Center. It’s still early, but things are starting to take shape for the 2015 version of the Broncos.
Players are on the rise, and players are getting hurt or seeing their stock fall in this short period of time. The Broncos are working diligently to determine which 53 players will make the final roster.
Offensive coordinator Rick Dennison has maintained big-picture focus as the first preseason game nears.
“We have obviously got all of our installation in. It's just going back and refreshing their memories and trying to get a game plan in at the same time. We're not really game-planning per se. It is putting in some plays so that they can focus on a handful and know what we do during the season as far as we have a set number of plays, these are formations and this is how you train.” Dennison concluded, “That's really all that it is, just a little extra time getting ready for game plan, but just still trying to teach them.”
Here’s what we’ve learned through two weeks of training camp.
There Will Be No-Huddle at Times
1 of 5
Arguably the biggest question for the Broncos entering training camp was how head coach Gary Kubiak and Peyton Manning would mesh their two different play styles. Kubiak prefers a conservative offense that leans on the rushing attack; Manning has worked from the shotgun for most of his Broncos career, and he’s known as a pass-happy quarterback who can excel in a no-huddle offense.
Out at UC Health Training Center, we’ve seen the Broncos work Manning from under center and in a shotgun/no-huddle offense.
“The thing that we're trying to do is the days that he does work, we're really covering a lot of bases. You saw we did everything in the book from no-huddle to you name it, we did it. [We are] making sure he's getting his work.” Kubiak emphasized, “I really like what I see. I think it's our job to just continue to keep him fresh. He'll scream for the work. That's not a problem, but I think it's going to help if we can keep him fresh about every fourth day.”
No worries Broncos fans, the team is going to use both styles of offense to build the best team they possibly can in 2015.
Kubiak further explained, “Like I said, we want to do both. I know he can run the no-huddle. He does an exceptional job with that. We'd also like to be able to huddle and play fast, too. You can do that, also.” Kubiak concluded, “We teach it all and we're going to continue to do that. If you are huddling and you're playing well, hopefully you're keeping your defense off the field, too.”
Trial by Fire on the Offensive Line
2 of 5
The offensive line lacks experience in the current starting unit. At left tackle they have Ty Sambrailo, the rookie second-round pick. At left guard, they have their 2015 fourth-round pick Max Garcia. In the middle of the line at center resides 2014 sixth-round pick Matt Paradis. He didn’t make the 53-man roster as a rookie, but Paradis did stick around as a developmental player on the practice squad.
Combined, these three have zero regular-season snaps.
On Friday, they will get thrown into action against a ferocious Seattle Seahawks defense. Kubiak knows this game will be a challenge for the guys up front.
“Yeah, those three young guys, that's a heck of a place for them to walk into for their first preseason game," Kubiak said. "But no, it's good. You play great people in this league.”
In addition to their aggressive defense, the young offensive linemen will also be up against the 12th Man.
“You're going to play in noise there, whether it's preseason or regular season. They need to be tested.” Kubiak admitted, “There's going to be mistakes, but I like the way they work. I like what they stand for.”
Each day in practice, this line has to go against the likes of DeMarcus Ware, Von Miler and Malik Jackson. With the preseason starting, now they’ll be facing more elite rushers from the upcoming teams on the schedule.
“I think anytime you're a first year guy, it is trial by fire no matter where you go. Our guys are working. It's a lot to ask. One thing I think those guys know, they have a lot of guys with them. Those three guys—well, I know [C] Matt's [Paradis] been in the league for a year—but those three guys have eight other guys going to work with them,” Kubiak said.
Marshall and Trevathan Getting Healthier
3 of 5
The Broncos have switched to a 3-4 defense under new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips. It will be a more aggressive scheme, and the inside linebackers will be counted on to make a lot of tackles.
Their starting inside linebackers are arguably two of the best in the game.
Brandon Marshall has turned into a fine “Sam” (strong-side inside) linebacker. He arrives at the play with natural violence, and Marshall can be a disruptive player who separates the ball from the ball-carrier.
Danny Trevathan can flip the field with game-changing plays at “Bow” (weak-side inside) linebacker. He has the speed to play sideline-to-sideline, and Trevathan is quite capable of staying with tight ends in coverage. In fact, Trevathan can bait quarterbacks into making bad throws and pick off passes.
Currently, Marshall is recovering from offseason foot surgery. Trevathan is recovering from two knee injuries that caused him to miss most of the 2014 season.
Phillips has been monitoring their progress closely.
“Yeah, Brandon Marshall and Danny Trevathan went through more of practice. They look better and better each day. I’m pleased with that. When you have both guys that led the team in tackles, it’s nice to have them back.” Phillips explained, “But they’re not there physically yet. They need to get in football shape, too, so that’s a part of it. It’s good for them and good for us.”
It seems like Marshall is ahead of Trevathan in the recovery process at this time. However, we could see both inside linebackers ready to go by the start of the regular season.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
Harris and Talib Best in the League?
4 of 5
The Broncos have worked diligently to put together a quality secondary. They’ve been able to assemble arguably the best overall secondary in the league by using the draft, college free agents and veteran free agency.
The Broncos added Chris Harris Jr. as an undrafted free agent in 2011. He quickly made an impression as a nickel corner, and now Harris can be considered one of the best outside corners in the game. He can play inside if needed, but he can easily stay with receivers on the outside on downfield targets.
In free agency last year, the Broncos picked up Aqib Talib. He and Harris were college teammates at Kansas for one season, and that on-field chemistry was immediately evident when Talib stepped onto the field for the Broncos. He’s a big, physical corner who can intimidate opponents. If needed, Talib can shut down elite tight ends because of his size and aggressive mindset.
The Broncos picked up Bradley Roby in the first round of the 2014 NFL draft. He worked as a nickel corner last year as a rookie, was tested early and often and Roby shined in critical moments. This year, Roby will continue to learn behind Talib and Harrs, but he has the upside to one day be an All-Pro starting corner.
Phillips thinks Harris and Talib might be the best cornerback duo he’s ever coached.
“They’re probably the best. I’ve had a lot of really good corners. The latest were the guys at Houston who were really good. But these guys are the best, I think, that I’ve been around.” Phillips continued, “And our other guys—[CB Bradley] Roby’s coming along and [CB Tony] Carter’s coming along. I mean we’ve got some guys that it will be tough losing some of them, probably.”
In the aggressive Phillips defense, we could see this secondary make a ton of plays for the Broncos in 2015.
Latimer Impressing
5 of 5
The Broncos found a potential star in Cody Latimer. The second-round pick in 2014 struggled through a disappointing rookie season, but this year in camp he’s been working hard to show that he can do more in the regular season.
Latimer has been making difficult catches seem routine out at practice. The Broncos have their own version of Odell Beckham Jr. in Latimer. He has the body control to work the sidelines or back of the end zone effectively. Latimer has the wingspan to reach over and around defenders to snare the pass.
He can use his big frame to box out smaller defenders, and Latimer does a good job of getting position on each throw. Latimer is listed as the third wide receiver on the depth chart, and there will be times when he gets on the field in three-wide receiver formations.
Demaryius Thomas believes in his teammate.
“Cody's explosive. He makes big catches," Thomas said. "I think he's been actually working on his game with route running. He came in raw at the beginning.”
Thomas explained, “Now he's getting off the presses and running deep. He's doing great at the top of the routes and making plays on the ball. It's a big difference. I was the exact same way. He's going to be good.”
The Broncos have been easing Thomas back into action after he missed the entire offseason program. In his place, Latimer is lining up as a starter and getting plenty of first-team looks.
Latimer himself feels good about getting more reps in practice.
“Like I said, with the reps, when I'm given more reps it has given me more opportunities to showcase my talent and show that I can make plays to my team, my coaches and my quarterbacks.” Latimer concluded, “I think that it has been paying off well and I just want to continue to try and make plays.”
The Broncos are hopeful Latimer can continue his strong play in the preseason and into the regular season.
All quotes and injury/practice observations obtained firsthand. Record/statistical information provided via the Broncos' media department unless otherwise noted. Advanced stats via ESPN's employees-only database.
Contract and salary-cap information provided by Spotrac. Transaction history provided by Pro Sports Transactions.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.png?w=480)
