At this point in the season, the defense always outpaces the offense — it’s easier for defenders to read and react than it is for offensive players to learn the playbook — but it’s getting ridiculous down at Broncos camp.
Denver’s defense, which is largely returning the same group that propelled the franchise to its third Lombardi Trophy, has been dominating the Broncos offense, which is returning just four starters from their Super Bowl team — Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders, Matt Paradis and C.J. Anderson. And that may actually be a bad thing.
The defense is so good that the offense can’t do much of anything. Every play they run is getting blown up by Brandon Marshall, T.J. Ward, Chris Harris or someone else, making it nearly impossible for those new faces to get their quality reps in.
Now, you can make the case that going up against one of the best defensive in NFL history is actually going to strengthen and toughen the Broncos offense, but that’s only if the offense eventually breaks through.
They’re not.
Of course, it’s not the worst news in the world that one side of the ball is so absurdly dominant, but it’s something to keep in mind.
Here’s what else you should be keeping your eye on from Broncos training camp, starting with Benny Bash’s 3.5 Hot Takes:
3.5 hot takes from #BroncosCamp
Episode 1.2@MileHighSports pic.twitter.com/myikEVWWZq— Benny Bash🎧 (@TheBennyBash) August 3, 2016
Worn-down Bodies:
Kayon Webster (36) and Max Garcia (76) not practicing or dressed out today #broncoscamp pic.twitter.com/TO99QdEPdu
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) August 3, 2016
Looks like Max Garcia isn't practicing today. Ronnie Hillman (back) is though. #BroncosCamp
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) August 3, 2016
Ty Sambrailo (not practicing) just walked onto the field wearing a massive arm brace. Not a good look for an injury prone player @TySambo51
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) August 3, 2016
Ty Sambrailo just walked out with a large brace on his right elbow. pic.twitter.com/VwTXBQDaT0
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) August 3, 2016
Three backup offensive lineman working with the first team now wth Max Garcia and Ty Sambrailo out and Russell Okung limited
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) August 3, 2016
Kayvon Webster looks to be nursing his left knee, walking laps on the sideline while his teammates warm up #broncos pic.twitter.com/3SkGrpMKRh
— Mic DePinto (@c_rasta5) August 3, 2016
CJ anderson just came off field assisted by training staff. #Broncos. #denver7
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) August 3, 2016
#Broncos CJ Anderson back on field but hasn't been in yet. Appears to be ok #Denver7
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) August 3, 2016
#Broncos happy with Vance Walker. Had back issue but practiced entire time. Showed leadership #Denver7
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) August 3, 2016
The Quarterback Showdown
QB update: Sanchez and Siemian are sharing first team reps today #BroncosCamp
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) August 3, 2016
#Broncos Sanchez with long diving completion to Sunshine Taylor #Denver7
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) August 3, 2016
#Broncos Sanchez getting back on track w two solid completions. Hillman back in there #Denver7
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) August 3, 2016
#Broncos Siemian w long sideline completion to Latimer. One of his best passes of camp #Denver7
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) August 3, 2016
#Broncos QB Mark Sanchez and Trevor Siemian both strong showings early in practice on crossing routes #Denver7
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) August 3, 2016
Paxton Lynch just worked with the first team offense during 7 on 7. He's getting an opportunity @PaxtonLynch #BroncosCamp
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) August 3, 2016
The future of the Broncos: Paxton Lynch handoff to Devontae Booker @PaxtonLynch @dbook23 #BroncosCamp #Broncos pic.twitter.com/yfZeWpNz4m
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) August 3, 2016
QB Paxton Lynch tosses a ball after practicing play action. Mark Sanchez fills in at RB for the drill @Mark_Sanchez pic.twitter.com/EhUk3KaCvI
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) August 3, 2016
#Broncos Paxton Lynch showing youth today. Been wildly inconsistent after terrific performance Monday #Denver7
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) August 3, 2016
Today's takeaway from camp: Paxton Lynch is still the third QB, far behind Siemian and Sanchez. It's okay though, he's a rookie #BroncosCamp
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) August 3, 2016
Sunshine Continue To Shine
The Broncos quarterbacks are starting to figure out if you need a catch throw it to Jordan Taylor #BroncosCamp
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) August 3, 2016
First pass I've seen Jordan Taylor not catch all camp. Was extremely difficult and very high. Catchable, but difficult
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) August 3, 2016
Jordan Taylor is a legitimate option at WR. Building chemistry with Mark Sanchez and connecting in practice #BroncosCamp @Mark_Sanchez
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) August 3, 2016
#Broncos Sanchez with long diving completion to Sunshine Taylor #Denver7
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) August 3, 2016