Day 3 of Denver Broncos training camp was open to the public as Broncos Country got their first look at the team as it inches closer to throwing on the pads. It wasn’t a great day for the Broncos offense, but there were several players who stood out, as it was the defense that won the day, if we’re keeping track.
Denver Broncos offense hit and miss on Day 3 of camp
It was Zach Wilson’s turn to run with the first-team offense on Friday. The overall order for Sean Payton’s rotation on the afternoon was Wilson, Jarrett Stidham, and Bo Nix. One theme that was consistent on the afternoon was that the Broncos’ offense and the quarterbacks weren’t consistent from a production standpoint in the various team periods.
Wilson had a nice throw and completion to Josh Reynolds during the first team period of the day, throwing it off balance. Denver’s quarterbacks tried to test some areas downfield on the afternoon, but they weren’t able to capitalize on those big shot plays — an area they haven’t attacked as much just yet. There was a lack of overall rhythm to the passing game on Friday, which led to all three QBs scrambling on various plays. Each QB had various incomplete passes on the day and nobody really stood out.
The Broncos’ defense generated quite a bit of pressure consistently on the afternoon, but it’s hard to evaluate or gauge one way or the other because they aren’t in pads yet. That happens on Monday, and that will help us generate a clear picture when evaluating the units.
Players who stood out on offense on the afternoon were Michael Bandy, Javonte Williams, and Jaleel McLaughlin. Bandy caught several passes from each of Denver’s quarterbacks and utilized his speed to create separation after the catch. Williams and McLaughlin each had some impressive runs that generated good gains on the ground.
Defensively, players like Ronnie Perkins, Zach Allen, Thomas Incoom, and Baron Browning generated quality pressure looks during the Broncos team periods. Perkins, Allen, and Incoom came up with sacks on the day if it were a real game scenario.
Defensive back Reese Taylor nearly came away with an interception of Nix during the Broncos’ final team period of the day, sinking back into coverage and nearly hauling in a pass by the near sideline.
Broncos injury updates
Safety Brandon Jones had a hamstring tweak that kept him out of Denver’s team periods. According to Payton, they’ll monitor his hamstring closely. It’s unclear whether or not he’s expected to miss any time, but considering Denver’s history with those types of injuries, they’ll be smart with working him back. Devon Key and JL Skinner received more looks at safety in his absence on the afternoon.
Outside linebacker Nik Bonitto has missed the last couple of days of training camp with a minor ailment but should be back for Saturday’s practice, according to Payton.
Overall, nothing significant on the injury side has impacted the Broncos so far in training camp and hope remains that they can continue to make it through each practice healthy.