The Denver Broncos conducted a scrimmage format during Saturday’s training camp practice in Dove Valley. After a rough showing on Friday, the Broncos offense and Bo Nix found a way to respond and put together a more efficient day.

Denver Broncos offense bounces back in Saturday scrimmage

Saturday’s training camp practice was competitive in full pads as Sean Payton structured the day with a scrimmage format. Denver had several team periods with a special teams emphasis, serving as intermissions after each period.

After the offense struggled against the defense in Friday’s practice, Bo Nix and the Broncos’ offense put together a much more efficient day.

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In Denver’s first team period of the afternoon, Nix had a beautiful sidearm throw to Devaughn Vele on 3rd and 9, which moved the chains for a first down. On the very next play, he found Troy Franklin downfield, who worked his way back on a route for a first-down worthy gain with Patrick Surtain II in coverage.

Nix’s final throw of the first period saw him recognize a blitz from the defense, firing a shot to Trent Sherfield for a first down, which led to a great start for them after Friday’s sluggish practice.

Throughout the various periods, Payton manufactured different scenarios that factored in down and distance and hash mark as opposed to a move-the-ball period.

However, the defense buckled down in the second team period, with Riley Moss making a great play on the football in coverage against Marvin Mims, knocking it away. On the next play, Nix went to connect with Evan Engram, but the pass was dropped.

Nix was then picked off on the ensuing play by Patrick Surtain II on a pass intended for Troy Franklin near the sideline after scrambling to avoid pressure from Zach Allen and Nik Bonitto.

Denver Broncos offense efficient in red zone period

Near the end of the day, the Broncos’ offense and defense faced off in a goal-line, red-zone period that saw Nix and the offense have success.

Nix evaded pressure from Zach Allen and Bonitto once again and was able to scramble inside the five-yard line. On the very next play, he threw a beautiful high-point dime to Courtland Sutton for a touchdown with Surtain playing tight underneath coverage.

In another series, Nix also threw a touchdown pass to Devaughn Vele.

From a rushing standpoint, the goal-line period is where second-year running back Audric Estime seemingly made the most of his opportunities, punching it in twice. Once with Nix at QB and the other with Jarrett Stidham.

Young standouts during Saturday’s practice

Undrafted wide receiver Jerjuan Newton hauled in the play of the day on Saturday, catching a downfield bomb from Sam Ehlinger, beating the corner and safety for an explosive touchdown. He’s put together a quietly impressive camp and will be someone to watch next week when Denver plays the 49ers in their first preseason game.

Seventh-round tight end Caleb Lohner continues to impress day by day, hauling in a nice catch and run for a first down from Stidham. On top of getting featured in the passing game, Lohner has been an impressive and willing blocker, and that is something that will help aid his chances of making the 53-man roster, where Denver is looking for another tight end to contribute behind Evan Engram and Adam Trautman.

Broncos news and notes

  • Inside linebacker Alex Singleton was back at practice in full pads after he had finger surgery a few days ago, but he did not participate in any team drills. “He has got a thumb, and part of it is just the wound and the incisions,” Payton said. “If we had a playoff game tomorrow, he’d have a club on him and be playing, but we don’t have a playoff game tomorrow and he’s smart. So we’ll see him pretty soon.”
  • Rookie outside linebacker Que Robinson (knee) observed practice once again.
  • Fullback Michael Burton was not in pads during Saturday’s practice.
  • LB Dre Greenlaw (quad) observed practice as the team continues to be smart with bringing him along.