Denver Broncos Training Camp Report 2012
Day Thirteen, 8/7/2012
QUARTERBACKS
Peyton Manning – He seemed a little frustrated (although wouldn’t admit it after practice) with the team’s performance at the end of practice. They ran a two minute drill but the Broncos offense stalled at the four-yard line, and four incompletions ended the drill for the first team. Earlier in practice Manning was throwing with plenty of zip. Any doubts about his arm strength are unfounded. I’ve seen almost every throw from Manning this offseason and there’s no fatigue. He zipped one to Eric Decker on the right side on a quick out with Wesley Woodyard in tight coverage. Manning laid it out right into Decker’s outstretched arms and open hands. I asked Peyton if he had any thoughts, prayers, or guidance for the Eagles family as they deal with the tragic loss of Andy Reid’s son. The Colts went through a similar situation years ago when Tony Dungy lost his son. Manning’s comments are here:
http://www.denverbroncos.com/multimedia/videos/Training-Camp-Day-13-Manning/5a5f7c40-ffd4-4461-ba1b-5bb5aacced0f
Caleb Hanie – Made some nice completions early in practice but still struggling with accuracy when team drills start. Tried to put too much on a couple of passes that ended up sailing high. That’s a mechanical flaw and one that hasn’t improved over the course of the offseason. When going through his progressions he ‘bird dogged’ too much. In other words he just locks onto his target which makes his passes easy to predict.
Brock Osweiler – Threw a pick at the beginning of his reps in the two minute drill. Tried to connect with Gerrell Robinson (pass was behind), instead it was Tony Carter who hauled it in. Earlier in practice showed great touch on a 9route to Mark Dell. Put enough air under it and dropped it in the bucket on the correct shoulder where only Dell could get it. Kid has talent, just needs polish and consistency. I like the way he continues a play fake after the handoff. That small move will hold an edge defender for just a split second, and that may be all it takes to help spring a big play.
Adam Weber – Weber moved the team in the two minute drill. Made some quick decisions, and most feel he’s been the most consistent backup QB. Osweiler is the most gifted QB on the roster, but the rookie goes through his ups and downs. Some talk about using Weber as No2 behind Manning. Me personally, I would rather see Osweiler in that spot.
RUNNING BACKS
Willis McGahee – Hard charging once again. Did a nice stutter step move to create space for himself in the hole. Also had a nice ‘matador’ move where he was running at full speed then stopped quickly to allow a defender to whiz by, then put on the speed again and get upfield. That’s a move Marshall Faulk used to do all the time.
Lance Ball – Classic Lance Ball. Low center of gravity, leg drive, willing inside runner. Speed has slowed down since they put the pads on.
Ronnie Hillman – was padded up and back at practice today after missing time with that hamstring injury. Didn’t have a hitch in his step and showed good acceleration in drills. Coach Studesville was really working with him on leg drive when pushing the sled. He can pop that tackling sled almost as hard as FB Chris Gronkowski. Didn’t see much team drill work and most I talked to felt he won’t play on Thursday night.
Knowshon Moreno – had and up and down day. Showed good leg drive today running between the tackles. In fact, it was his best day as a runner. However, slipped more than once when trying to juke in the open field. Also tried to bounce a play outside that Rahim Moore easily sniffed out and ran him down. Drew some moans from the crowd when he ran a stretch play out of bounds. He was waiting for a cutback lane to open up but must not have seen one. Was catching cleanly in receiving drills and team drills.
Jeremiah Johnson – Not enough strength to push the pile but does a nice job keeping his legs churning after contact. Like the way he ‘gets skinny’ when running between the tackles. Can duck under outstretched arms and has great burst and acceleration. Still doesn’t catch cleanly on every pass, something he needs to remedy if he wants to make the final roster.
Xavier Omon – Had a nice play where he was running for the 3 hole, saw the left side of the OL just collapse the defense and cut it back to the 8 hole. Actually turned on some speed (he was running HARD) and was able to beat Steven Johnson to the corner. Turned it upfield and scored from about 30 yards out. Nice play X-man!
WIDE RECEIVERS
Demaryius Thomas – Was back to practicing after sitting out yesterday with a tight Achilles’. Looked good running routes in 1-on-1 drills. Was going back and forth with Tracy Porter. He’d win one time then Porter swatted away the next pass. Good competition! Saw little action in team drills as expected the team is being cautious with DT. No need to push him back.
Eric Decker – had a near TD pass from Manning swatted away by Champ Bailey. Later had a one-handed TD grab with Bailey draped all over him.
Andre ‘Bubba’ Caldwell – Adjusted nicely to a poorly thrown out route by Caleb Hanie. Timing seemed a little off with Manning today. It will take some time and more reps for Manning to get used to Caldwell’s speed.
Matthew Willis – Worked as a return man and showed good acceleration. Couldn’t get to a Manning TD pass at the back pylon in team drills. Plucks the ball cleanly when the pass is in front of him. I would like to see better ball tracking ability.
Jason Hill – not in my notebook.
Brandon Stokley – Made some nice double moves on out and ups today. Very slippery on underneath routes. However, struggled to get open against rookie CB Omar Bolden today.
Greg Orton – DNP.
Gerell Robinson – Had two TDs today, one against Ramzee Robinson, one against Tony Carter. Showed good body control, ball tracking ability, and sideline awareness. He’s got a spot on the Practice Squad in my opinion, but performances like this could put him on the active roster.
Tyler Grisham – DNP.
Mark Dell – Big day for Mark Dell. He made one catch that was behind him (Hanie pass) where he twisted and turned in stride to bring the pass in. He continued in stride after the catch and made extra yardage before contact.
Cameron Kenney – This kid can make some crazy catches. His body control is elite, but his hands and concentration are hit and miss. It seems like he’s a bad ball receiver. Meaning he needs a high degree of difficulty catch to make the play. When he has to go after it he can make circus catches seem routine. However, when it’s right on the numbers he’ll drop too many. He’s unlikely to make the team, but damn is he fun to watch.
TIGHT ENDS
Jacob Tamme – Timing issues from yesterday were a thing of the past. Looks good catching routes over the middle seam and is difficult to match up with.
Joel Dreesen – Made a sweet grab on the sidelines with Champ Bailey essentially right on top of him. Dreesen stretched out to catch a low pass where only he could grab it. Again, Manning with uncanny accuracy and great placement of the football.
Virgil Green – A big weak point of his game is blocking, but Green looked better today. Had nice hand placement and did a good job staying light on his feet when engaged with an opponent.
Julius Thomas – Did a good job of looking in a high pass from Caleb Hanie.
Cornelius Ingram – no notes on him today.
DEFFENSE
Derek Wolfe continues to show quick burst off the snap.
Ty Warren left due to stomach issues.
Keith Brooking was on the field, wearing number 57….a number also shared by LB Steven Johnson. Uh-oh. Not a good sign for the undrafted rookie.