The Denver Broncos are back on the practice field this morning for the fifth day of training camp. What should Broncos Country look for when they attend this morning’s practice?
Denver Broncos throw on the pads for Day 5 of training camp
The ramp-up period is over as the Denver Broncos take the field this morning for their first padded practice of training camp. Going into practice today, here are some things that Broncos fans need to keep their eyes on and some players to watch for.
Broncos QB rotation changing?
One thing Sean Payton told us following Saturday’s practice was that the rotation at quarterback could change a bit coming into this week.
“They’re doing well,” Payton said. “I think they’re doing well. We don’t have a sum total, but the rotation has been pretty consistent. I think that will begin to change a little bit as we get into the next week and a half to two weeks.”
Does that mean that Payton’s focus on the starting job will shift to Jarrett Stidham and Bo Nix? Both QBs have primarily been in the driver’s seat of the competition with steady and competitive days. Nix comes into Monday’s practice after a strong showing on Saturday.
When asked about whether or not he’d accept being the backup, he reflected on both sides of the position.
“Well I don’t know if I have a choice on that one, if I accept it or not,” Nix said. “If I want to stick around, I better accept it, but I also don’t necessarily want to become complacent. It’s my rookie year. I’m OK with sitting back, and hanging out and learning. I have full confidence and trust in these coaches and this team. They’ll play me when I’m ready, and I’m going to do my best to get ready. That’s all I can do, but I also think you owe it and respect the other guys who are in the competition. They also want to be the starter too, and they also are going to have to accept what happens. So it’s not an easy thing, but at the same time we’re all mature and we’ve all been here, done that before. Whatever they decide, it’s what we’re going with. We’re all just giving it our best right now.”
This morning we’ll see exactly what Payton means by a change in the rotation.
Which position battles come under focus with the pads?
With pads coming on, position battles at cornerback, linebacker, defensive line, and running back will be under the microscope.
Denver’s defensive line has generated some pressure early to start camp without pads, but will that trend continue when the pads come on and the offensive line is allowed to engage within the frame of the pass rush? Offseason addition John Franklin-Myers is going to be a player to watch for, especially as the pads come on.
At linebacker, Jonas Griffith and Cody Barton are deep in competition for the starting job at inside linebacker. Griffith was one of the standout players on Saturday, making plays in coverage and with his pursuit to the football.
The ongoing cornerback battle opposite of Patrick Surtain II will be one to watch as well as players like Damarri Mathis, Riley Moss, and Levi Wallace can do more when they get more press coverage opportunities where they’ll be allowed to be more physical with the handful of receivers that are rotating in with the various offensive units.
Javonte Williams and the running back group will also have more opportunities to solidify their positions. With the offensive line being able to be more physical, how the backs do in between the tackles will be under evaluation. Early on in camp, all backs have looked good so far, but the evaluation really changes when contact comes into play.
Practice kicks off this morning at 10:00 a.m. MT.