Happy Wednesday, Broncos Country.
After an offseason that seemed like it took forever — football is officially back! The Denver Broncos will square off against the Chicago Bears this Thursday at 6:00 PM (MDT). By all accounts the team is ready for action and eager to beat up their opponent instead of themselves.
"We are ready to hit somebody else. It’s time to play. I don’t want to be like I was last year where I got hit on the sideline," said Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillips. "I’m not talking about that, I’m talking about our players. I got run over last year by a Pittsburgh [Steelers’] guy. He’s not playing this year."
Phillips isn't the only one looking forward to seeing bodies fly all over the ground, rookie defensive end Adam Gotsis is also eager to go head-to-head against opposing offensive lineman.
"You go against your own guys for about two weeks straight and it gets a bit repetitive," stated Gotsis. "It's going to be good to go against someone else and a chance to play out there full-go and leave it all out there on the field."
For Gotsis and many other rookies on the Broncos squad, it will be their first chance to prove their worth and have their skills on display in an event that matters. Is Gotsis nervous for his first time under the lights in the NFL? Absolutely not. He is eager to play and show his fellow teammates and coaches what he is capable of.
"It's going to be exciting. I'm just excited to be out there. I'm excited for the opportunity. I'm excited for everyone to be out there and have a shot to prove themselves. Same thing with me, show up to prove myself."
Fellow rookie safety Will Parks is also excited about Thursday's game, but unlike Gotsis he is a bit worried for his first game in the NFL.
"I'm really nervous. Coach is up there and he's looking at me. I'm nervous because I'm excited. It's an excited nervous," Parks remarked. "So many kids dream of this opportunity and I can go out there and showcase what I can do at that stage. It's a dream come true."
But overall, Parks is excited for the opportunity and is ready to play some football as well.
"I'm really excited to cut loose, go out there and hit another body. It's part of my game, going out there and making my presence felt."
Broncos Country, are you ready for some football? What are you looking forward to most in Denver's first preseason game? Sound off in the comments and give us your thoughts!
As always, thanks for reading and here are today's Horse Tracks.
Horse Tracks
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