The Denver Broncos will hold their sixth day of training camp here in the next couple of hours and will be in their second day of pads. After a rough showing on the first day of pads, the Broncos offense has to come out and return the favor to Denver’s defense this morning. Here’s a look at everything Broncos fans need to know before today’s practice.
Denver Broncos offense needs to return the favor of physicality on Day 6
The Denver Broncos defense took it to the offense on the first day of pads yesterday, as the team’s primary offensive focus was run-oriented. Denver’s defense, led by Zach Allen, Baron Browning, D.J. Jones, and John Franklin-Myers, was all over the place on Monday, flustering Javonte Williams, the offensive line, and Jaleel McLaughlin’s rushing attempts.
As the team prepares for this morning’s practice, the offensive line needs to return the favor. Williams had one big run on Monday that was set up by Alex Palczewski and the second-team offense, but any rushing attempt against the first-team defense was a tough task. Ben Powers had a false start on one play and slipped on another, two events that would have had a negative impact on Denver in a real game. He’ll look to have a bounce-back day.
The first day of pads is always uncomfortable and there’s definitely a learning curve after doing months of football in nothing but shorts and a helmet. Pads, however, always help aid coaches with a more realistic look at player evaluation.
ICYMI: #BroncosCountry Day 5 Camp Report: @MileHighSports
Defense leads the way in first day of pads. pic.twitter.com/RLV82xME44
— Cody Roark (@CodyRoarkNFL) July 30, 2024
“I think a lot more,” head coach Sean Payton said. “There have been so many cases that I can recall where the pads define the player positively and sometimes negatively. What you typically see early on with pads—and we’re going to watch it on tape—today our pad level I’m sure is going to be higher than we want it to be, both offensively and defensively—and I’m talking about the interior lines. But it’s significantly different.”
Broncos players to watch for on Tuesday
Undrafted rookie linebacker Levelle Bailey looked like he had a productive day during Monday’s first padded practice. Certainly his athleticism and size were on display as he found himself near the football often. Can he follow it up by stacking the day with another strong showing?
Cody Barton got the primary reps next to Alex Singleton on Monday, which means Jonas Griffith will likely get the reps next to Singleton this morning. Griffith’s size is intimidating and his speed and athleticism make him an intriguing player to watch for as well at the inside linebacker position.
Tim Patrick should return to practice this morning after having a scheduled day off on Monday. Brandon Jones is still expected to get more work on the side field as he goes through his treatment program for his ailing hamstring injury.
Second-year tight end Nate Adkins has had a quietly consistent start to training camp, finding himself mixed into various personnel groupings offensively. He’s had a handful of catches over the course of the last few days in an h-back type of role as he tries to maintain his spot on the 53-man roster — competing with Greg Dulcich, Adam Trautman, Lucas Krull, and Thomas Yassmin.