2009 Denver Broncos Training Camp - 8/2 PM Update - Class still in session

This report is going to be short and to the point, like the practice itself.  The Broncos came out in shorts, enjoying some needed "break" time after four grueling practices in pads.  It was what is termed as an "Opportunity Practice" - that is, children of the coaches were on the field during the beginning of the workout helping with the practice. 

That doesn't mean, however, that serious teaching wasn't going on.  There was.  Mike Nolan was very vocal working with his defensive unit, going over audible calls and formations.  That has been the big difference so far this camp.  The Broncos coaches seem to be teaching this year more than observing and reacting.   It seemed in the past that these workouts were designed and run with the idea that the team was a contender, that it need only work on plays and specific situations.

That has changed this year.  The coaching staff is teaching this team, going over playing football from the ground up.  That is happening every time the team takes the field, in pads or not, with family on the field or not.

After the short walk-through, the starters and most 2nd-teamers retreated to the sidelines while the rest of the team put the pads on and gave the fans an 11-on-11 scrimmage. 

Here are a couple of thoughts from the brief session...

The only notable Bronco in pads for this session was Marcus Thomas

Tom Brandstater saw all the action at quarterback and showed signs of why he could be an intriguing prospect.  He has decent footwork skills in the pocket and has the size to see over the line.  He does, of course, make rookie mistakes - gets happy feet at times, fumbles snaps, etc, but overall he is someone worth keeping your eyes on.

Brandon Marshall was not on the field at any point during the workout.

That's it.  I did run into Papi in the team shop.  He realized I am a lot shorter in person - TV does that to a person!