The Denver Broncos were back at work for the first time since their 22-0 dismantling of the Chicago Bears in their preseason opener on Thursday night.
Denver dominated and displayed depth on defense, but head coach Gary Kubiak wasn’t taking things easy on his team at Saturday’s training camp practice.
Here are the top takeaways from the first practice following the preseason opener.
The quarterbacks remain even
Mile High Sports readers and Kubiak are apparently on the same page. Readers gave Mark Sanchez only a slight edge in the QB competition after Thursday’s game. As such, Kubiak decided to split reps evenly between he and Trevor Siemian on Thursday.
Sanchez and Siemian both going AGAINST the first team D today. Good and fair way of comparison #BroncosCamp
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) August 13, 2016
Siemian showed off his arm strength on Thursday night and again on Saturday, hitting DeVier Posey (sic, below) on the most impressive play of the day.
Siemian lets loose a cannon to DeViet Posey for what looked like a 40-yard gain #broncos
— Mic DePinto (@c_rasta5) August 13, 2016
A 60 yard TD pass from Trevor Siemian drawing the largest cheer from the crowd so far today #BroncosCamp
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) August 13, 2016
The turnover issues that have plagued Sanchez through his career continued against the Bears and again on Saturday.
Mark Sanchez with a 90+ yard pick six #BroncosCamp
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) August 13, 2016
Kubiak said after practice he was mostly happy with Thursday’s performance, although MHS writer Zac Stevens suggests Saturday was a step back for the QBs.
Kubiak: all three QBs looked good in the game, today was a rough practice pic.twitter.com/1xynMkEfl7
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) August 13, 2016
Kubiak was NOT happy with the way practice went today. It was clear during practice and after when he talked to the media #BroncosCamp
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) August 13, 2016
Jared Crick wants Malik Jackson’s spot
Throughout the second and third quarters it seemed like the only name Ron Zappolo was calling on defense was Jared Crick. The former Texan signed with Denver in the offseason and appears to be in the lead of taking over the starting DE spot vacated by Malik Jackson.
After a great outing against the Bears, Jared Crick receiving first team reps on the defense today #BroncosCamp
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) August 13, 2016
when your QB is 6-7 it helps to be 6-4. Jared Crick batts down Lynch'd pass during 7-on-7s #broncoscamp
— Mic DePinto (@c_rasta5) August 13, 2016
Aqib Talib is preparing like a Week 1 starter
The NFL suspended safety Shiloh Keo two games on Friday for a February DUI arrest. No charges have been filed against cornerback Aqib Talib in conjunction with his June shooting incident, but it was recently reported that Talib could miss half the season or more as a result. That isn’t keeping him from preparing like he’s going to start in the first game.
Aqib Talib's first team session & he nearly picks off Sanchez on the first throw #broncoscamp
— Mic DePinto (@c_rasta5) August 13, 2016
Talib was one of several veteran starters who did not play in Chicago, but it appears the injury and time off have not slowed the three-time Pro Bowler.
Aqib Talib back on the field after not playing against the Bears. Looks ready to go #BroncosCamp #Broncos pic.twitter.com/Cc71pFKPYH
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) August 13, 2016
Kubiak: Aqib Talib is doing great, progressing well #BroncosCamp
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) August 13, 2016
Von Miller will be at full speed soon
Miller was another of the veteran starters who didn’t participate in Thursday’s game. Last week Miller told the media he’s not back at “Von Miller” speed quite yet, but Saturday’s practice showed he’s close.
Miller lined up opposite new left tackle Russell Okung and beat the Pro Bowl-caliber blind side protector in a one-on-one.
There should be no doubts about Von Miller. He just burned Russell Okung (a Pro Bowl caliber LT) @Millerlite40 #BroncosCamp
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) August 13, 2016
The kicking unit and offense need extra reps
Brandon McManus was perfect in the postseason, but missed two kicks in the preseason opener. The first was blocked and the second hit the upright.
McManus is adjusting to a new long snapper after Aaron Brewer was released in the offseason. He’s also caught in the middle of a holder battle between veteran Britton Colquitt and seventh-round draft pick Riley Dixon. Colquitt was holding on the block, Dixon on the miss.
Dixon was spotted taking extra snaps during practice.
Punter Riley Dixon practicing holding for field goals. Interesting since McManus missed he field goal that he was theholderfor #BroncosCamp
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) August 13, 2016
The entire offense produced one touchdown and two field goals, all in the first half. The defense proved it hasn’t lost a step from last year’s championship run, but the offense is putting in extra work to catch up.
The entire offense taking reps after practice- something that they haven't done all of camp #BroncosCamp
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) August 13, 2016
Cody Latimer has a big opportunity
Bennie Fowler was in a sling (sic, below) during practice. Kubiak announced after practice that Fowler suffered a small fracture in his elbow and will miss a few weeks. No specific timeline was set for his return.
That sets up a big opportunity for Cody Latimer, who is in competition with Fowler for the No. 3 receiver spot and key roles on special teams.
Fowler was impressive against Chicago, so this should give him an even bigger opportunity to snatch the job away from Fowler.
Bennie Fowler in a slog not practicing. Not sure what is wrong, will find out after practice #BroncosCamp
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) August 13, 2016
BREAKING: Kubiak: Bennie Fowler has a small fracture in his elbow. Will be out a few weeks
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) August 13, 2016