Horse Tracks: Broncos' 'No Fly Zone' not letting the quarterback battle get interesting

Even in practice, the Denver Broncos defense is smothering everything Mark Sanchez or Trevor Siemian try to do with the offense. Why just them? Because those are the quarterbacks facing the first and second string defenses on every snap. Paxton Lynch is getting all of the reps with the third string.

Typically, an offense would have the advantage facing the defense in practice. Not against the all-consuming man coverage the No Fly Zone runs. Even Gary Kubiak noted that reality.

"I tell them that every day. It’s like I tell our receivers and tight ends, if you can’t beat man coverage, you are going to have a hard time making the Broncos because we play man almost every snap," said Kubiak. "It’s just so competitive. We are just so hard to throw against because of what we do coverage-wise. That’s what makes us good. I tell them that every day. You couldn’t ask for anything better. If you want to be as good as you can be, you get to work against it every day."

You can slap anyone upside the head who tries to suggest this team isn't going to be near the top of the AFC in 2016. During the first three days of camp, there has been few successful deep passes against the first or second string defenses.

We could suggest that is an indictment on either Sanchez or Siemian, but really it is just an affirmation of what we've all already witnessed from this defense through its Super Bowl championship run. There will be no regression on that side of the ball.

I like the phrase Iron Sharpens Iron, but it looks more like Iron Versus Steel out there. That is going to make this quarterback battle very boring indeed. I can't imagine how difficult it is for coaches to determine which quarterback is winning this job.

Training Camp Recaps

Denver Broncos Day 1 news and notes - Mile High Report
Day one of Training Camp is in the books for the Denver Broncos! We have updates on the quarterback battle, Demaryius Thomas looking a different player, the rise of Kapri Bibbs?, Derek Wolfe a man amongst men, and other news and notes.

Denver Broncos Training Camp Day 2 news and notes - Mile High Report
Day two of Denver Broncos Training Camp is in the books! We have updates on the quarterback battle, a sick one-handed catch by Sunshine, Von Miller continuing his progress, Shane Ray and Shaq Barrett getting valuable reps and more

Denver Broncos Training Camp Day 3 news and notes - Mile High Report
Today we have Sanchez and Siemian splitting first team reps "50/50", Paxton Lynch finishing the day strong, Shane Ray the starter?, Adam Gotsis looking healthy and taking part in live action for the time as a Bronco, Kayvon earning praise, and more!

Horse Tracks

Broncos Training Camp Quick Hits: Day 3
Kayvon Webster broke up a pair of passes and earned praise from Head Coach Gary Kubiak as he works as the No. 3 cornerback with Aqib Talib sidelined.

Broncos Training Camp Takeaways: Day 3
Kayvon Webster is making the most of his chance ... Paxton Lynch leads the offense to a touchdown ... and Adam Gotsis saw some team-period work.

Injury Update: Sylvester Williams, Phil Taylor near return to field
Head Coach Gary Kubiak expects the two nose tackles to return soon after recovering from their Day 2 injuries.

Broncos quarterback mystery continues | 9news.com
It’s way too early to call it a quarterback controversy. Besides, there can’t be a controversy if there is no definitive starter and backup to argue about.

Broncos' LB tandem a testament to late bloomers and scouting eye - ESPN
Maybe when you get released three times by the same team, you get your hackles up a bit about what some in the outside world think about your abilities.

Ronnie Hillman fighting for spot on Denver Broncos' depth chart - ESPN
Just how big the crowd is at running back for the Denver Broncos can best be explained by the fact that the team’s leading rusher in a season that ended with a Super Bowl win -- Ronnie Hillman -- is in a battle to keep his roster spot.

Gary Kubiak receives Lifetime Achievement Award from Texas A&M | Broncos Wire
Broncos Head Coach Gary Kubiak has been selected by Texas A&M University as a 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. He will be honored with the award at the 39th Annual Burgess Banquet on Friday, Nov. 18, at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas.

This acrobatic, one-handed catch has us convinced Jordan Taylor is the Broncos' best player - SBNation.com
My favorite player on the Broncos’ roster isn’t Von Miller, although he’s a close second. It isn’t Bradley Roby either, though he’s a lot of fun, too. It’s not Demaryius Thomas, and it isn’t new quarterback Mark "Butt Fumble" Sanchez. My favorite Denver Broncos player is Jordan "Sunshine" Taylor.

Update: Woody Paige Is Officially Leaving the Denver Post | Westword
Moments ago, employees of the Denver Post received a memo from managing editor Linda Shapley confirming that longtime Post sports columnist Woody Paige is leaving the paper, confirming rumors we first discussed in this space two weeks ago; see our original item below.

NFL News

Brock Osweiler apparently doesn’t want to emulate Tom Brady | ProFootballTalk
After four years spent behind Peyton Manning (but seven games in front of him), Brock Osweiler left Denver. Now free from Peyton’s shadow, Osweiler has found himself in Tom Brady’s, sort of.

Eric Fisher gets big four-year extension from the Chiefs - Arrowhead Pride
Whoa. That’s what I have to say after seeing the news that Eric Fisher got a big four-year extension from the Kansas City Chiefs.

Ryan Fitzpatrick is the Jets' starter again, so where does that leave Geno Smith? - SBNation.com
Geno Smith has developed in his time in the NFL, but the Jets likely won't see what that finished product looks like.

'Gleason' is a story of family, love and triumph despite ALS - SBNation.com
The film is about Steve Gleason, the former NFL player, and so much more.

The Giants are saying all the right things. Now, they have to back it up. - SBNation.com
Big Blue will need more than words to snap its playoff drought this year.