The sounds of pads popping echoed throughout the UCHealth Training Center as the Denver Broncos pushed on for Day 5 of Training Camp.
Monday’s practice was only an entree that will set the table for Tuesday’s first fully padded practice.
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Patrick Surtain and Courtland Sutton sharpening one another
Various players on the Broncos’ 90-man roster are competing for a spot on the regular season roster, but two roster locks continue to elevate their play heading into this season.
Patrick Surtain and Courtland Sutton competing against each other is must-see TV.
Throughout training camp so far, Surtain has shined when the Broncos offense and Sutton have tried to test him.
The trend continued once again at Monday’s practice.
The Broncos’ second-year cornerback is elevating himself towards star status, but the battle between him and Sutton will elevate the team.
Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson and Sutton will face some of the NFL’s best cornerbacks including Jalen Ramsey, J.C. Jackson, and Marlon Humphrey to name a few.
The Broncos’ offense benefits from the challenge of facing a top-tier corner each day in practice.
On the other hand, Surtain benefits from covering players like Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, and Tim Patrick ahead of some of the tough matchups he’ll face this season.
PS2 is that dude. 🎮@PatSurtainll x #BroncosCamp pic.twitter.com/1CgO9VQZ0J
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) August 1, 2022
Surtain won two reps in coverage during Monday afternoon’s practice, but Sutton hauled in a beautiful over-the-shoulder touchdown during the red zone period with Surtain trailing in coverage.
Once the team transitions to full pads on Tuesday, their matchups will be even more exciting to watch.
Denver Broncos red zone period a success
Denver’s defense was stout during the team period against the offense, but the offense found its footing during the red zone period.
Russell Wilson found Courtland Sutton on the very first play from scrimmage for a touchdown. On the very next play, Wilson connected with Jeudy who was wide open.
The Broncos’ red zone offense needs to be better in 2022 after being a bottom ten unit last season.
The biggest difference is the man under center. Wilson’s presence at the line of scrimmage has been calculated, identifying what the Broncos defense plans to throw at him, and adjusting after the snap.
Monday’s practice was a good step in the right direction.
KJ Hamler activated off the PUP list
The Broncos’ offense received a huge boost on Monday after the team activated wide receiver KJ Hamler off the PUP list.
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Hamler’s return to the field will be beneficial for the offense as they aim to score more points this season.
The team will continue to ease Hamler back into things. He participated in individual drills on Monday but continued to receive mental reps during the Broncos’ team period.
“It felt good being back on out there, finally,” Hamler spoke in his post-practice press conference.
While Hamler has continued to ease his way back in, the Broncos have benefitted with their depth at wide receiver.
Players like Kaden Davis, Brandon Johnson, and Montrell Washington have stepped up, making plays throughout various practices.
Hamler expects to be ready for the Broncos’ Week 1 season opener against the Seattle Seahawks, but the team will ultimately make the final decision as he continues to ramp things up during practice.
The Denver Broncos will be back on the field Tuesday for their first day in full pads.