/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60683789/fullsizeoutput_2877.0.jpeg)
Day 4 of Broncos camp is now in the books and it was the first padded practice the 2018 Broncos put in this year. We have updates on rookie running back David Williams, Courtland coming up big and winning the day, big Tim Patrick making a name for himself, and finally, Lynch and Kelly are looking a bit underwhelming.
Running back David Williams stands out once the pads come on:
It seems like each day I’m writing about another running back standing out and today is no different. One name I heard mentioned throughout the day was 7th round rookie running back David Williams, or as Andrew Mason calls him Dave “Eric Dickerson” Williams.
Rookie RB David Williams has had two strong TD runs from red zone today. #9aports
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) July 31, 2018
The powerful back impressed today once the pads came on. As 9NEWS Denver’s Mike Klis notes above, Williams had a few red zone touchdowns today and this is his game. He’s not the fastest or quickest guy, but the guy will run you over.
Now with that said, Williams is not a “plodder” by any means. Head Coach Vance Joseph who said good things about all five backs noted that Williams has good feet.
“It’s practice, they’re all grinding away. They’re all showing great balance and that’s important with young backs to take contact and don’t fall to the ground. They’ve all shown that. No. 2 (Phillip Lindsay) has shown explosion, 37 (Royce Freeman) has shown his power and 36 (David Williams) has got great feet. De’Angelo [Henderson] has come back in great shape and he’s back to being explosive again. All five guys are being productive.”
It feels like this will be an ultra-competitive running back battle that will last until the final days of camp. It does feel like the starting job is between Booker and Freeman while Lindsay, Henderson, and Williams are fighting for the 3rd and 4th spot. I could see a scenario where all five make the team but Lindsay is considered a receiver/returner instead of a running back.
It’s going to be fun and will be one battle that will be fun to watch play out through the rest of camp and into the preseason.
Courtland Sutton with the game winner and continues to impress:
One name who continues to be mentioned after each practice is the rookie wide receiver, Courtland Sutton. Yes, he is still a bit raw and needs to work on his route running, but the big rookie is showing that he can contribute right away.
Courtland Sutton is unreal
— Ryan Koenigsberg (@RyanKoenigsberg) July 31, 2018
Third and long and Case Keenum, under pressure, just chucks it up to the back of the end zone for Sutton who claims another victim by skying over Issac Yiadom for the TD.
Don’t call it a 50-50 ball when Sutton is involved.
Sutton has routinely shown off his great hands and ability to win “50/50 balls”. During an interview with Orange and Blue 760, safety Justin Simmons said it is more 70/30 than 50/50 with him.
Head Coach Vance Joseph said he “hopes Sutton is over 50%” and that he will be an asset in the red zone.
“It could be. He’s a big body with great ball skills. He has strong hands, so even when the ball is contested, he can win. Obviously, you see what he can do. Hopefully he’s over 50 percent, that’s going to be huge for us, especially in the red zone.”
This skill was on display during the final team period in practice. It was the last play of the game and the offense was in the red zone. Keenum was pressured and threw up a ball to Sutton and then he high pointed the ball over rookie corner Isaac Yiadom for the touchdown, the game-winning touchdown.
No, this is not the same photo from yesterday.@SuttonCourtland just did it again. pic.twitter.com/pSHN0VMk0z
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) July 31, 2018
Starting cornerback Bradley also raved about Sutton(and fellow rookie receiver Hamilton) when speaking to the media.
“I really like those guys. I have to give it to [President of Football Ops./GM] John [Elway] and everybody up top because those are great, great picks. At first it was like ‘Who are these guys?’ I didn’t really watch college football that much, but on that field their beasts. Especially ‘14’, Courtland, he’s getting up, snagging on guys every day. He’s a big guy, solid hands. DaeSean is good as well. Good routes, sneaky deceptive fast—the’yre great picks. They’re going to help us this year for sure.”
It looks like the Broncos have a good one here with Sutton and he is earning himself some playing time if this continues throughout the rest of camp and into the preseason.
Darkhorse wide receiver? Tim Patrick stands out today:
One receiver who stood out today was first-year wide receiver Tim Patrick, The 6’5” receiver was making plays and even earned some first-team work where he caught a touchdown pass from quarterback Case Keenum.
Keenum with a nice throw to Tim Patrick who comes down for the TD. Patrick is a talented guy. #Broncos #TrainingCamp @OrangeBlue760
— Anthony Rodriguez (@AnthonyRod33) July 31, 2018
Joseph was asked about Patrick after practice today and he said they have been excited about him for a year now and he hopes that he continues to prove them right.
“He’s a grinder. He’s a big-body, so what you’re looking for backup receivers is guys you can put in the game, who can block, who can catch the ball in traffic and who can play special teams. He can do those things. We’ve been excited about him for a year now. It’s his chance to prove us right.”
Patrick will need to show he can contribute on special teams, be a reliable pass catcher, and run block consistently first, but he is making a strong case thus far.
Rookie John Diarse and slot receiver River Cracraft have also caught peoples attention so it figures to be a fun competition here going forward.
Quarterback’s Paxton Lynch and Chad Kelly struggle:
There has been a lot of talk recently about the Broncos potentially going out and getting a veteran backup to starting quarterback Case Keenum. Today’s practice was just another example of why this conversation is beginning to happen.
Is Vance Joseph comfortable with his backup QBs Paxton Lynch and Chad Kelly? "I am. I am right now.'' #9sports
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) July 31, 2018
Listen, with Lynch it is the same stuff. He makes some good throws but is not consistent. He gets his passes batted down a lot at the line of scrimmage and he is still apparently tucking and running after not finding his first read. You’re not, at least yet, seeing the growth you hoped to see from Lynch. Can you trust him to step in and take over for Case Keenum for an extended period of time if that were to happen? I don’t know if I can say yes.
As for Kelly, he has yet to live up to the fan hype. He threw an ugly interception during 7-on-7 drills today which is never good to see.
Ugly pass from Chad Kelly. Throws behind receiver for a pick. #Denver7
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) July 31, 2018
So should the Broncos be worried about their backup quarterback position? Well, Vance Joseph who is likely speaking for the Broncos Front Office here says no and that he is comfortable with them...right now.
“I am right now. Paxton is making a lot of strides. The thing for him, he’s got to stay on the field and he’s got to play. He hasn’t played enough to prove that he can or cannot, in my opinion. Once he plays enough and has success and has some failures, then we’ll decide if he can play or not. Right now, he needs to play.”
This sounds like we are going to get a heavy dose of Paxton Lynch this preseason. Vance is right, Lynch does need to play, but you’re still seeing the same bad habits creep up.
Vance also said they’re not taking stats or evaluating the quarterbacks right now because they’re just practicing. This statement again seems like it is coming from upstairs while Vance will take the heat for it.
“[They’re] very solid. It’s early, it’s practice, so no one is grading practice. We don’t look at it like you guys look at it. It’s just practice, so we have good plays, we have bad plays, and we fix the bad ones and high five the good ones. We’re not taking stats, we’re not grading guys right now, we’re just coaching. For us, we don’t see it that way. So, I can’t answer your question, because we don’t see it that way.”
It is still early, but it sounds like neither young quarterback is proving to be the consistent backup you look for. It is still early and we are only four practices in but we have all been through this song and dance the past two years.
I was skeptical at first, but thank god(Elway) for Case Keenum.
News and notes:
- Linebacker Joe Jones took first-team reps in place of Brandon Marshall today.
- Broncos locker room used to be split by offense and defense but now its mixed up. This is likely in response to the Offense vs. Defense mentality that existed post-Manning.
- During Orange and Blue 760’s radio broadcast, Andrew Mason noted that tight end Austin Traylor has been receiving some fullback reps.
- Mason also stated that running back Devontae Booker has stacked two solid days together in a row.
- Running back De’Angelo Henderson told Orange and Blue 760 that the offense is “10x better” compared to last year which is obviously good news.
Injury report:
- Wide receiver Kenny Bell sat out practice with a hamstring injury.
- Rookie linebacker Josey Jewell sat out practice with a hamstring injury.
- Cornerback Marcus Rios sat out practice with a sore hip.
- After an injury scare, left tackle Garett Bolles is in full pads and practicing.
- Tight end Jeff Heuerman sat out practice with knee soreness.
- Cornerback Tramaine Brock is sitting out practice with a slight hamstring injury.
- Wide receiver Philly Brown is sitting out practice with a concussion.
- Linebacker Brandon Marshall is practicing but his wrist is heavily wrapped. Marshall sat out team drills and only participated in individual drills. He should practice fully tomorrow.
- Defensive end Derek Wolfe left practice with a “small stinger” but did return to practice and is okay according to Head Coach Vance Joseph.
Tweets from camp:
Like the Griswolds at Walley World, first ones here: @SkeeterMills__ and @rivercracraft. pic.twitter.com/FeERweb7zb
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) July 31, 2018
Case Keenum in the house. #broncos pic.twitter.com/0AF2K0zstG
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) July 31, 2018
First full-padded practice for #Broncos today. I will be keeping a close eye on RB competition. Clarity starts to emerge when physicality enters equation. #Denver7 pic.twitter.com/kYsGAOJfKa
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) July 31, 2018
Day 4 of #Broncos training camp, more jugs machine work for the wide receivers!
— Orange & Blue 760 (@OrangeBlue760) July 31, 2018
: @AnthonyRod33 pic.twitter.com/9K5zezS7LK
.@ESanders_10 is ready to have another great day here on Day 4 of #Broncos training camp.
— Orange & Blue 760 (@OrangeBlue760) July 31, 2018
: @AnthonyRod33 pic.twitter.com/7M2GFRi3lX
#Broncos @VonMiller with less celebrated entrance today. He still spent time before camp getting crowd pumped up #Denver7 pic.twitter.com/Dm0gRVffZu
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) July 31, 2018
Safe to say that @ESanders_10 is feeling it today on Day 4 of #Broncos training camp.
— Orange & Blue 760 (@OrangeBlue760) July 31, 2018
: @AnthonyRod33 pic.twitter.com/7nDt8lsuQl
TIP DRILL ALERT!
— Orange & Blue 760 (@OrangeBlue760) July 31, 2018
: @AnthonyRod33 pic.twitter.com/WGU1KubR5c
Doesn’t look like the #Broncos wide receivers should be allowed to play musical chairs. They’ll just take the chairs.
— Orange & Blue 760 (@OrangeBlue760) July 31, 2018
: @AnthonyRod33 pic.twitter.com/Gi4iUq0m8h
Royce Freeman running 3rd in early RB drills, pads on #BroncosCamp
— RosterWatch (@RosterWatch) July 31, 2018
Day 4 handoff practice for the #Broncos!
— Orange & Blue 760 (@OrangeBlue760) July 31, 2018
: @AnthonyRod33 pic.twitter.com/wtEVK2jK7C
Doesn’t look like the #Broncos wide receivers should be allowed to play musical chairs. They’ll just take the chairs.
— Orange & Blue 760 (@OrangeBlue760) July 31, 2018
: @AnthonyRod33 pic.twitter.com/Gi4iUq0m8h
QB’s and RB’s working on the passing game at Day 4 Broncos Training Camp @OrangeBlue760 pic.twitter.com/4CcxIlIhuj
— Michael Coover (@MichaelCoover) July 31, 2018
Safeties sure do love when the pads come on for contact! Day 4 of #Broncos training camp rolling on!
— Orange & Blue 760 (@OrangeBlue760) July 31, 2018
: @AnthonyRod33 pic.twitter.com/T8HDqDgYck
RB’s working on drills at @Broncos Training Camp Day 4 @OrangeBlue760 pic.twitter.com/uPoz13AjqX
— Michael Coover (@MichaelCoover) July 31, 2018
Broncos defensive backs practicing creating turnovers pic.twitter.com/yvPqAnpDTe
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensBSN) July 31, 2018
Case Keenum and the #Broncos quarterbacks getting work with the tight ends on Day 4 of training camp.
— Orange & Blue 760 (@OrangeBlue760) July 31, 2018
: @AnthonyRod33 pic.twitter.com/x6ubOgB5Kz
#Broncos running backs cutting and weaving through the appropriately colored orange poles on Day 4 of training camp.
— Orange & Blue 760 (@OrangeBlue760) July 31, 2018
: @AnthonyRod33 pic.twitter.com/0DQNEe5jlv
Safeties doing work at @Broncos Training Camp Day 4 @OrangeBlue760 pic.twitter.com/zWPwkZmBeJ
— Michael Coover (@MichaelCoover) July 31, 2018
Cornerbacks working on drills @Broncos Training Camp Day 4 @OrangeBlue760 pic.twitter.com/o3hCKbegmN
— Michael Coover (@MichaelCoover) July 31, 2018
Case Keenum and the #Broncos QBs getting work with the wide receivers on Day 4 of training camp.
— Orange & Blue 760 (@OrangeBlue760) July 31, 2018
: @AnthonyRod33 pic.twitter.com/0Iu9ItrmBQ
Just in case you ever wanted to know what a pet running back on a walk looked like.
— Orange & Blue 760 (@OrangeBlue760) July 31, 2018
: @AnthonyRod33 pic.twitter.com/XjtM8cNd2x
Devontae Booker looking very smooth in pass catching drills. We’ll give you the entire scoop on this afternoon’s podcast live from #BroncosCamp
— RosterWatch (@RosterWatch) July 31, 2018
Quarterbacks and Wide Receivers working together at @Broncos Training Camp 2018 @OrangeBlue760 pic.twitter.com/wOBYCWUpEa
— Michael Coover (@MichaelCoover) July 31, 2018
Okay. This looks like fun. Royce Freeman. #Broncos pic.twitter.com/fqsCkSexYO
— Nate Lundy (@natelundy) July 31, 2018
Wide receivers getting more reps in with Case, Paxton, and Chad on Day 4 of #Broncos training camp. Couple laser throws in there.
— Orange & Blue 760 (@OrangeBlue760) July 31, 2018
: @AnthonyRod33 pic.twitter.com/lvYQj8zE1j
Based on early practices, #Broncos Isaiah McKenzie will be firmly in mix on punt and kick return #Denver7
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) July 31, 2018
The #Broncos running backs are ready to run through a brick wall for you, #BroncosCountry!
— Orange & Blue 760 (@OrangeBlue760) July 31, 2018
: @AnthonyRod33 pic.twitter.com/HsxFQtQgBj
Second pass play of the day: Case Keenum to Jake Butt for a 25-yard TD in the middle of the field
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensBSN) July 31, 2018
Derek Wolfe tended to by trainers off to the side. Doesn't appear serious. #Broncos
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) July 31, 2018
DaeSean Hamilton had significant separation from Brendan Langley, Paxton Lynch found him for 25-yard TD in middle of the field
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensBSN) July 31, 2018
Derek Wolfe is taking his pads off on the sideline talking to trainers
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensBSN) July 31, 2018
Derek Wolfe is walking off to sidelines. Pads just came off. Working on his neck/shoulder area. #9aports
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) July 31, 2018
#Broncos Derek Wolfe has taken off his pads after spending time with trainers and is now heading inside. They were looking at his upper body near his neck. Remember Wolfe went on IR last year with a neck issue that required surgery.
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) July 31, 2018
Broncos pass rush clearly besting the OL here in first day in pads.
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) July 31, 2018
In a one on one drill Emmanuel Sanders just came down with an impressive catch on a deep ball with Chris Harris Jr covering him. He pointed and bowed to the crowd afterwards.
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) July 31, 2018
Keemun to Tim Patrick for goal to go TD pass. #9aports
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) July 31, 2018
Derek Wolfe is back on the field and has his pads and helmet on. Good sign I’d say. https://t.co/tZkhBgui6o
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) July 31, 2018
Rookie RB David Williams has had two strong TD runs from red zone today. #9aports
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) July 31, 2018
Not sure if it’s by design on the plays when he does, but Paxton continues to tuck it and run relatively often. #Broncos #TrainingCamp @OrangeBlue760
— Anthony Rodriguez (@AnthonyRod33) July 31, 2018
#Broncos tight end Troy Fumagalia remains early surprise in camp. Caught nice TD pass from Lynch. Been impressive and Heuerman is not practicing #Denver7
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) July 31, 2018
S Trey Marshall picked off Chad Kelly after his intended target never looked his way and ball floated in the air during 7 on 7s.
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensBSN) July 31, 2018
I, for one, am stunned. https://t.co/hQ6m5DIiAj
— Kyle Crabbs (@GrindingTheTape) July 31, 2018
Ugly pass from Chad Kelly. Throws behind receiver for a pick. #Denver7
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) July 31, 2018
#Broncos Devontae Booker getting first-team reps. Nice burst on first run as drills start over #Denver7
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) July 31, 2018
First scuffle involves Ron Leary pushing DLineman around. #Denver7
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) July 31, 2018
Devontae Booker with big run. Not to be outdone, Royce Freeman bounces off contact and breaks another... #broncos
— Patrick Graham (@pgraham34) July 31, 2018
Keenum really has a knack for placing the ball where only his target can make a play on it.
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) July 31, 2018
The Broncos are in serious trouble if Keenum ever has to miss time.
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) July 31, 2018
First sign of pressure Paxton drops eye level, looks to run.
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) July 31, 2018
WR Tim Patrick having a good day at #broncos camp ...
— Patrick Graham (@pgraham34) July 31, 2018
John Diarse has hands. #9sports
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) July 31, 2018
One of the things that sticks out about drafted RB Royce Freeman and Dave Williams is how they keep their legs churning through contact, allowing them to accumulate extra yardage.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) July 31, 2018
Isaac Yiadom, Bradley Chubb, Will Parks out with first team dime D. #9sports
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) July 31, 2018
Sanders just made a fantastic snag on a ball from Case that went over Sanders’ head a bit before he got an eye on it & hauled it in. Any ball in the area code of Sanders is caught. If he can stay healthy, Sanders is poised for a big year. #Broncos #TrainingCamp @OrangeBlue760
— Anthony Rodriguez (@AnthonyRod33) July 31, 2018
Game winner in practice!
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensBSN) July 31, 2018
Four seconds left in the “game”, team down 5 from the 18. Case drops back, steps up and throws a jump ball in back right corner of the end zone. Courtland Sutton high points the ball,l and gets both feet in for the game winner as time expires.
Courtland Sutton is unreal
— Ryan Koenigsberg (@RyanKoenigsberg) July 31, 2018
Third and long and Case Keenum, under pressure, just chucks it up to the back of the end zone for Sutton who claims another victim by skying over Issac Yiadom for the TD.
Don’t call it a 50-50 ball when Sutton is involved.
Emmanuel Sanders stayed in Denver during a large part of the break to work with Case Keenum. Watched him today for the first time this camp. Maybe had the best day of anyone out here. All over the place. pic.twitter.com/fgnoQvcssa
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) July 31, 2018
It's been a while since the @Broncos knew exactly who their QB is going to be heading into a season...
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) July 31, 2018
They have that luxury this year with @casekeenum7 under center.
(via @JamesPalmerTV)#NFLTrainingCamp pic.twitter.com/CKSbyDYEzA
Derek Wolfe had a “small stinger,” Vance Joseph said, but is “OK” … he did return. Brandon Marshall was limited to 7-on-7 and individual work but should be back to full work tomorrow. Joe Jones filled in for Marshall in team and 9-on-7 periods.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) July 31, 2018
#Broncos Joseph said pleased with RB group right now. #Denver7 pic.twitter.com/BnFYeyJTFx
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) July 31, 2018
“He’s better in my opinion than what I saw on tape.” Vance Joseph on Case Keemun. Pretty good compliment from the head coach.
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) July 31, 2018
#Broncos Joseph said comfortable with backup situation right now. Needs to see if Lynch can stay on the field. I do wonder if #Broncos stick with that plan
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) July 31, 2018
Vance Joseph said Tramaine Brock would be out about a week with “not a mild ... a medium hamstring.” #9sports
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) July 31, 2018
De’Angelo Henderson tells us on @OrangeBlue760 that on offense, the @Broncos are “looking 10 times better than we were last year."
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) July 31, 2018
More from @astronaut after practice today. The first year player comments on rookie hazing @Broncos #BroncosCountry
— Orange & Blue 760 (@OrangeBlue760) July 31, 2018
: @JGoRadio pic.twitter.com/H78MRGrrPT
Vance Joseph: “Offensively, we’re clicking. That’s a good sign.”
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensBSN) July 31, 2018
Bradley Roby thinks Courtland Sutton and DaeSean Hamilton are “great picks.”
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensBSN) July 31, 2018
“I really like those guys. I’ve got to give it to John [Elway] and everybody up top because those are great, great picks. At first it was like, ‘Who are these guys.’… On that field they are beasts."
"Thank you, @VonMiller. Have a wonderful season, sir. Thanks for everything you do for our city."#BroncosCountry pic.twitter.com/s2rsaCrJ7g
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) July 31, 2018
Remember in Mario Kart how if you pressed the accelerator at the perfect time at the start of the race you would get a turbo boost?
— Ryan Koenigsberg (@RyanKoenigsberg) July 31, 2018
That's kind of how Bradley Chubb looks when he times his get-off right. Shot out of a cannon.
Every day, no exceptions. He's going to be so good. https://t.co/78AeCNrAi1
— Paul Klee (@bypaulklee) July 31, 2018
Great video of @VonMiller leading #Broncos fans in the Iceland cheer this morning . Players pumped for the first day of pads . #BroncosCamp @DenverChannel Video: @sportsdenver pic.twitter.com/84jhfdskL8
— Alison Mastrangelo (@AlisonM_TV) July 31, 2018
More glowing praise for QB Case Keenum from Broncos HC Vance Joseph: "He's better now than he was last year." pic.twitter.com/mTUFNqpwqF
— Kyle Fredrickson (@kylefredrickson) July 31, 2018
Quotables:
Head Coach Vance Joseph on if quarterback Case Keenum is as good as they expected:
“He’s better, in my opinion, than what I saw on tape. Even talking to [Senior Personnel Advisor Gary] Kubiak this morning about Case—we had him in Houston—and how much he’s grown as a quarterback. His accuracy, his command, his smarts, his feel, he’s better now than he was last year, in opinion.”
Head Coach Vance Joseph on what he stressed to cornerback Bradley Roby this offseason:
“Just being disciplined and playing team football. I told Bradley, ‘I don’t want to judge you on how many plays you make, you’re judged on how many you give up.’ That’s what I want from our corners. If you’re in a good position, you’ll make enough plays, but don’t cheat. Don’t gamble to make plays, because that’s not what winning is about, that’s about you. He’s doing a good job playing within the scheme, playing good technique and not worrying about making every play, but just doing his job. That’s cornerback play in this league.”
Rookie linebacker Bradley Chubb on having so many talented pass rushers on the team:
“If you have a lot of rushers and a lot of good players that can get to the quarterback on the same field at the same time, I feel like it’s going to be chaos. I feel like that’s what they try and do, just cause chaos for the offenses and try to find a way to block different things.”
Guard Ronald Leary on helping tackle Garett Bolles:
“One of the things that was really lacking last year with Bolles was just communication. I think that’s something I can really help with a lot just because I’ve played the game so many long and there aren’t too many looks that I haven’t seen yet. So just being able to communicate with him, I’m glad that I’m finally out here so we can get more and more on the same page and get ready for Week 1. But he’s making improvement, he listens. He’s listening a lot more this year than he was last year and that’s a big improvement for him.”
Cornerback Bradley Roby on how Vance Joseph has evolved in year two:
“I think he has gotten better at everything, all around. That first year is always hard. I’ve had a lot of coaches in my career, so that first year is always trying to get to know the players, how to talk to certain players, how to run the team meetings, how to just do everything little thing. I think that it’s not one thing that I’ve seen so far. It’s just a total command. Everything is better.”
Wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders on why he is having more fun this Training Camp:
“Last year, the past two years and I’m standing in front of guys like, ‘Who’s going to be the new quarterback? Oh my God guys this is crazy.’ Now it’s, ‘Hey how’s [QB] Case [Keenum] doing? Yeah what offense are we…?’ It’s more positive coming from you guys and coming from the locker room. Just knowing the direction we’re going to go. Staying after practice, getting the extra reps with the guy because I know he’s ‘the guy’ and I think that right there just translates positive energy and we feed off of that. We understand that. I’m out here having fun and he’s dropping some dimes. [Offensive Coordinator Bill] Musgrave is calling all the plays and he’s trying to spread the ball around. It smells like football. It doesn’t seem like it’s so hard. It’s easy and it’s fun.”