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Day three of Denver Broncos Training Camp was Trevor Siemian’s day to shine. We also have updates on Garett Bolles(again), rookie Isaiah McKenzie, Kasim Edebali replacing Ray? news and notes, injury updates, and more!
Siemian has his best day:
After having a less than stellar start to his Training Camp, Trevor Siemian showed why he shouldn’t be discounted in this quarterback battle. He had multiple deep balls to Emmanuel Sanders and others and was much crisper than he was the past two days.
Siemian not only with the good deep balls today, but some nice placement on his quick outs. Also perfect in his 7-on-7 period just now.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) July 29, 2017
With Paxton Lynch getting off to a hot start, Siemian needed a day like this to make sure Lynch didn’t create too much separation between the two. This was a much needed good day for Siemian and he was the better quarterback today.
Vance Joseph downplayed Siemian’s big day a bit and said it will be a collective effort and not just be a day by day thing.
“They both made plays and they both didn’t make plays. It’s tough to ride the rollercoaster with those guys. Who won today? Who didn’t win today? I’m not going to do that, guys. It’s going to be a collective evaluation over the weeks. I have a hard time watching each day of what they’re doing instead of watching the film and making a collective evaluation at the end.”
Siemian took some chances today which is something he needs to do more going forward. Coaches want to see if he will attack downfield more, especially the middle of the field. Last season he showed he can throw the go-route well at times, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that he had success there today, especially with wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders.
Siemian will have to carry this momentum going forward if he wants to win this job. Lynch has clearly improved so this puts the pressure on him to grow as a player as well. The pads come on tomorrow so things will get very interesting for both quarterbacks.
Lynch not as sharp but still good and has the play of the day:
After having one good and one great day, today was a slight step back for Paxton Lynch. From all the reports he didn’t have a bad day(Outside of Mike Klis) but lacked the big plays that stuck out for him in the prior practices.
Still 1-on-1s: Paxton with a beauty of a touch pass to Virgil Green who beat Von. 25-yard TD.
— Ryan Koenigsberg (@RyanKoenigsberg) July 29, 2017
He was a little more inaccurate than he was the days prior and had a few near interceptions, but overall still seemed like a decent day for Lynch. Trevor was just better on this day.
While he didn’t flash nearly as much Trevor today, he may have had the play/pass of the day near the end of practice.
In what has become a trademark play for Lynch, he threw a deep play and split two defenders to hit tight end A.J. Derby for a big play.
Paxton with a beauty to AJ Derby on a flag. In between two guys, in true Paxton fashion.
— Ryan Koenigsberg (@RyanKoenigsberg) July 29, 2017
It will be Lynch’s day tomorrow with the first-team offense and it will be the first full padded practice with contact, so it will be a huge test for Lynch. If he has a big day, the momentum once again swings back toward him, if not, the Siemian hype may start heating up once again.
Rookie Isaiah Mckenzie dominates:
The Broncos explosive returner/receiver was rather impressive today, especially in the punt drills.
Mackenzie has dominated according to VJ. He has looked VERY impressive. It will be a surprise if he's not the starting punt returner
— Darren McKee (@dmac1043) July 29, 2017
McKenzie is basically penciled in as the Broncos starting punt returner and today showed why. This led to Denver Broncos Head Coach Vance Joseph to say that McKenzie has dominated every challenge given to him.
“Isaiah has been the same guy since he’s gotten here. He is a very mature rookie. Every challenge that we’ve given Isaiah, he has taken it and dominated it. He is obviously a fabulous returner. He’s a big time slot player. He’s tough. He has not changed. What we saw on tape and what he’s given us since he’s been here, been the same.”
Now as I said, he’s penciled in as the starting punt returner, but what about kick return? It doesn’t sound like we will see him out there much.
“He’s more of a punt returner,’’ said Broncos head coach Vance Joseph. “Your kick returner is a bigger guy in my opinion. That’s a physical, violent play. I wouldn’t expose him to that if we didn’t have to. Cody Latimer and Carlos Henderson -- that’s the body type you want for that position. I wouldn’t put Isaiah in that role if we didn’t have to. That’s a physical role. A physically contacted role.”
We all know that McKenzie is explosive and quick, especially without pads/shells, but how he holds up when the pads come on will be something to watch tomorrow. He’s not a very big guy and struggled with fumbles in college, so hopefully, he will be able to overcome his size and those issues.
Bolles a “lock” to start at left tackle?:
After three days, Cecil Lammey has called the left tackle battle. He has seen enough from the first-round pick Garett Bolles to anoint him the starting left tackle for the Denver Broncos.
3 days in and 1 thing is clear. Garrett Bolles looks like a lock at starting Left Tackle. #Broncos @1043TheFan
— Cecil Lammey (@CecilLammey) July 29, 2017
The rookie has earned some rave reviews from onlookers at camp so this shouldn’t come as a surprise. Especially considering how his competition, former second round pick Ty Sambrailo, has struggled badly so far.
Joseph was asked about his assessment of Bolles and he said that the first round pick has done a “fine job”.
“Garett Bolles has done a fine job. He’s blocked his guy for the most part. He’s still a rookie. He’s making small mistakes, but as far as blocking his guy, he’s good at that. As far as knowing everything to do right now, he’s getting there. But blocking his guy, he can do that.”
Those small mistakes will happen with a young guy but he has been playing well and it sounds like he is running away with the left tackle job.
Vance Joseph names Kasim Edebali as Ray’s replacement:
It was reported yesterday that Shane Ray would miss 6 to 8 weeks with a torn ligament in his wrist and the search for his replacement began. The Broncos signed Danny Mason as depth, but Vance Joseph indicated that Edebali will be the guy to replace Ray.
Vance Joseph said Kasim Edebali is No 1 pass rushing OLB in place of Shane Ray. #9sports
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) July 29, 2017
He also said that the reason they signed Edebali was because that he was a relentless pass rusher, and that is something he has shown in camp thus far.
“We signed Edebali because he is a relentless rusher. So far, he’s showed that. He’s a hard worker and he’s a hard body. Until Shane and Shaq are back, he’ll be fine. He was signed because he could rush the passer. So that’s what those guys do for a living. We feel good about him.”
Joseph wasn’t the only one raving about Joseph. Right tackle Menelik Watson called Edebali is a “monster”.
“Kasim can be a monster. I think he can be whatever he puts his mind to. The kid has got incredible girth and he's got incredible intelligence, great hands, great feet. He's putting it together and he's only going to get better. Everyone out here is just making everybody better and everyone is pushing each other. You just can't ask for more than that and I think we're off to a great start and we've got to keep stacking these days up.”
“Incredible girth”. Yup, he just said that.
Injury report:
- Running back Bernard Pierce did not practice today because of a hamstring injury he suffered on Friday.
- Shane Ray also held out because of his wrist injury. Linebacker Shaquil Barrett, nose tackle Kyle Peko, tight end Jake Butt, and quarterback Chad Kelly continue to sit out practice because they’re on the NFI or PUP list.
News and notes:
- Wide receivers Demaryius Thomas and Bennie Fowler are on vegan diets to stay in excellent shape
- Running back C.J. Anderson says he will be used more in the passing game this year.
- Ronald Leary has been playing right guard, but has said he wants to "find one spot and stick with it."
- Rookie receiver Carlos Henderson has been struggling and Vance Joseph says the rookie is just trying too hard.
- Rookie corner Brendan Langley is physical against the run which is always a good trait for a corner.
- Von Miller will not play a ton this preseason according to Vance Joseph
Tweets from practice:
#Broncos offensive line getting ready for the day. pic.twitter.com/bDa4tx5ZCj
— Ian St. Clair (@IanStClair) July 29, 2017
Mike McCoy coaching up the #Broncos QBs. pic.twitter.com/ShWTqL5hvC
— Ian St. Clair (@IanStClair) July 29, 2017
Garret Bolles is a large man. #Broncos tackles getting their work in. pic.twitter.com/IPWoWGBeNM
— Ian St. Clair (@IanStClair) July 29, 2017
#Broncos first-round pick @gbolles72 channeling @VonMiller. pic.twitter.com/BR8nePKgC9
— Ian St. Clair (@IanStClair) July 29, 2017
Garett Bolles takes first 1st team rep again. #9sports
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) July 29, 2017
Trevor Siemian with the starters for the first team drill. Team wearing shoulder pads today. Several CJ runs to start the drive. #4Broncos
— Mark Haas (@markhaastv) July 29, 2017
Offense going hurry up: Trevs first throw is a dime to AJ Derby on an out to the right side for a first down.
— Ryan Koenigsberg (@RyanKoenigsberg) July 29, 2017
Nice job by the left side of the line (Bolles/Garcia and McGovern at center) to spring Anderson for a big hole into open field, 39-yard TD.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) July 29, 2017
CJ ran well during the drive. Trevor completed a short pass, but overthrew Sanders on a deep pass. Paxton's turn. #4Broncos
— Mark Haas (@markhaastv) July 29, 2017
Both Siemian and Lynch led the offense into scoring range. Longest two plays on Lynch's drive were scrambles by the QB.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) July 29, 2017
1-on-1s: Emmanuel beats Talib and Trevor hits him for a TD. Next play, DT beats CHJ and Trevor hits him for another TD.
— Ryan Koenigsberg (@RyanKoenigsberg) July 29, 2017
DeMarcus Walker is having a heckuva practice at this point. Creating havoc on the #Broncos line.
— Ian St. Clair (@IanStClair) July 29, 2017
Paxton comes back and finds Emmanuel with a fantastic throw on a deep out.
— Ryan Koenigsberg (@RyanKoenigsberg) July 29, 2017
Paxton showing some nice zip, hits Latimer for a jump catch over two defenders. #Broncos
— Ryan Edwards (@redwardsradio) July 29, 2017
Still 1-on-1s: Paxton with a beauty of a touch pass to Virgil Green who beat Von. 25-yard TD.
— Ryan Koenigsberg (@RyanKoenigsberg) July 29, 2017
Good battles b/w Darian Stewart & A.J. Derby in one-on-one. Derby is good at selling misdirection, but Stewart is savvy, doesn't always bite
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) July 29, 2017
Miller destroys a handoff to Anderson from the backside. Absolutely no chance on the play.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) July 29, 2017
Brandon Marshall timed the snap count right and "sacked" Paxton Lynch immediately. Good news for #Broncos to get pass rush up the middle
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensBSN) July 29, 2017
Ragged stuff from the passing game in that period. Lynch had an incompletion into double coverage. Siemian 1-for-2, missed on a short cross.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) July 29, 2017
DT looks better physically than he has in years
— Darren McKee (@dmac1043) July 29, 2017
Siemian goes through progressions, hits open Sanders with an over-the-shoulder pass up the left sideline. Sanders used double move past CHJr
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) July 29, 2017
Nice job by Lynch to cleanly field the low snap and still find SANDERS near the left sideline. (Big oops on the last one)
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) July 29, 2017
Although it's not full pads, with shoulder pads there's a bit more contact & the DL is getting more push vs. run. Fewer lanes for RBs.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) July 29, 2017
Nice play fake from Paxton to find DT over the middle. In game action, could've likely won the foot race to the end zone. #Broncos
— Ryan Edwards (@redwardsradio) July 29, 2017
Trevor's drive stalls out with the 2nd team. Had a nice completion to a diving Heuerman to start the drive, fizzled from there. #Broncos
— Ryan Edwards (@redwardsradio) July 29, 2017
Isaiah McKenzie showing some moves on the punt return ... nicely done.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) July 29, 2017
Isaiah McKenzie with an athletic punt return draws cheers. #Broncos
— 104.3 The FAN (@1043TheFan) July 29, 2017
Great period by Riley Dixon -- eight of nine punts went at least 50 yards and had at least 4.25 seconds of hang time.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) July 29, 2017
Paxton Lynch threw a dime upstairs to AJ Derby where only Derby could grab. Both jump up to celebrate. Heck of a throw.
— Cameron Parker (@CameronParkerPO) July 29, 2017
VJ: "(A.J.) Derby is a guy that can win one-on-ones"
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensBSN) July 29, 2017
No real comment about the quarterbacks - it's going to be a collective decision. Tomorrow is going to be a bigger day pic.twitter.com/U40OP4PpJi
— Darren McKee (@dmac1043) July 29, 2017
Mackenzie has dominated according to VJ. He has looked VERY impressive. It will be a surprise if he's not the starting punt returner
— Darren McKee (@dmac1043) July 29, 2017
Menelik Watson singing praises of rookie tackle Garett Bolles today..... glowing praise. #BroncosCamp pic.twitter.com/RhoFHmSYkA
— Marc Moser (@RadioMoser) July 29, 2017
The rookies carrying in the pads today. #Decision17 pic.twitter.com/mKx4MSC088
— 104.3 The FAN (@1043TheFan) July 29, 2017
#Broncos Menelik Watson on Kasim @DenverChannel pic.twitter.com/Xj752rZ27y
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) July 29, 2017
#Broncos Domata Peko said it's time for football. Can't wait to get bit pads @DenverChannel pic.twitter.com/buXr92BgFH
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) July 29, 2017
C.J. Anderson smiles when he talks about getting downfield on his pass routes and making plays. Something he loves being able to do again.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) July 29, 2017
Notable quotes:
Vance Joseph on tight end A.J Derby
“Derby is a guy that can win one-on-ones. You watched one-on-ones with the safeties, he can really separate. He’s a great route runner. He’s got great ball skills. He made a great play in the corner over there. With our tight end group, he’s the guy that can win one-on-ones as far as match ups. When you’re game planning and you want to get a guy on a certain linebacker, he would be that guy for us.”
C.J. Anderson on quarterback Paxton Lynch
“He’s doing way better compared to last year. You can see the jump. A lot of it is he’s more comfortable. He’s putting a lot more time into it, too. It’s a little different when you’re having a quarterback battle and then you don’t do what you want to do to win the battle. But then you might get out of the playbook and never realize that you might be up anytime like he was last year. This year he understands that it’s still the battle but win or lose, he has to still in the playbook and be ready. The questions, just like De’Angelo, the questions that he is asking me, because we’re familiar with the system, myself, [WR] Emmanuel [Sanders] and D.T., we can help him out a lot more.”
Ronald Leary on tackle Garett Bolles
“I’m still trying to figure him out myself. He’s a good kid, he loves the game and he’s always happy. You need that little juice sometimes especially when you get into the dog days at camp. He’s still learning. We have to real him in sometimes a little bit but I love him. He brings energy to the group and I’m glad he’s here.”
Tackle Menelik Watson on going against Von Miller every day
“I love it. I was in Oakland and going against [Raiders DE] Khalil Mack for three years and then coming here and getting the chance to go against a guy like Von every day only makes you better. [OLB] Shane [Ray] too man, I wish Shane a speedy recover. You can't ask for two better edge rushers in this league. It's only going to make the guys better. It's great work for everybody. We've just got to use it to our advantage and get better every day—watch the film, make corrections and continue to strive to get better.”