The Denver Broncos offense is going through growing pains, struggling throughout the week with drops from receivers, turnovers from quarterbacks and penalties on the line.

Thursday, the Broncos offense found some rhythm and flow.

Joe Flacco had zip to his passes in 11-on-11 action, completing passes with quick and efficient decision making, including some bullets to Courtland Sutton — one for a touchdown — who is rebounding from an early shaky camp. Flacco also hit Austin Fort on a touchdown pass, who was wide-open on a long catch-and-run.

But make no mistake, there is still plenty more work to be done.

“I want to move the ball, get first downs and score points,” Fangio stated about the offense he desires. Kevin Hogan struggled early in practice in a goal-line sequence after being intercepted by Horace Richardson on a pass intended for Noah Fant. Hogan also saw some passes batted away by second-year cornerback Isaac Yiadom.

However, Hogan did bounce back at the goal line, finding Trinity Benson in the back of the end zone for a touchdown. Benson is a fast-rising name in camp from East Central University and could see action in the return game as well.

Drew Lock flashed some good, but also some bad, throwing an interception on a crossing route to Trey Johnson. Lock’s playmaking ability is evident, but the rookie remains very raw in his progression.

The young rookie tight-end Noah Fant has been improving at a steady rate and beginning to emerge as a real red zone option for the Broncos.

The energy from both the team and crowd seemed to be higher than usual since camp started.

What we learned:

  • Juwann Winfree returned to practice, recovering from a leg injury.
  • DaeSean Hamilton (hamstring), Jake Butt (ACL), River Cracraft (oblique) and Todd Davis  (calf) did not practice.
  • Jake Rodgers limped back to the locker room early in Thursday’s practice.
  • Tight-end Bug Howard was carted off the field on Thursday after being rolled up on during a pass break-up near the goal line. Reported by Nicki Jhabvala, X-rays were negative on Bug Howard’s ankle. Awaiting MRI.