Good morning, Broncos Country!
The Broncos are one day away from their third preseason game, arguably the most important for the starters who will likely see their last chance to get “game ready” before Week 1 when they next see the field.
But for the rookies and the players on the bubble, Saturday’s game with the Packers will be a second-to-last opportunity to prove they deserve a spot somewhere on the 53-man roster.
And a very tight roster at that.
Vance Joseph joked with reporters Thursday not to ask about the roster because “I’ll tell you in a week and a half. Why would you guess?” he said, laughing. “Isn’t it easier for me to just tell you?”
But the coach actually did give away a few hints about who will make the final cut – leaving it open for great speculation on who will not.
Breathe easy, Andy Janovich fans.
VJ on Andy Janovich: "Some teams have fullbacks and some teams don’t. We have one, and he’s a pretty good one, so we’re going to use him."
— Jon Heath (@JonHeathNFL) August 24, 2017
“Hammerhead” has made an impression on the new coaching staff, allaying any fears that in a passing league with a pass-heavy offensive coordinator, a good fullback would have no place on this team.
Not true.
“Some teams have fullbacks and some teams don’t. We have one, and he’s a pretty good one, so we’re going to use him,” Joseph said. “Outside of that, he’s good for Brock [Olivo]. That’s huge for him to be a core-team’s player. …He’s a really good fullback. He’s important to our football team.”
A few weeks ago, special teams coach Brock Olivo noted his extreme appreciation for Jano.
“Jano - love Jano. Jano to me, if we had 22 Janos we would be alright,” Olivo said. “He's tough, he never says a word and never complains. He just does his job. He's the first one in the meeting every day. He's on it Xs and Os-wise. He knows what to do, he's tough and he finishes. I love the guy if you could tell. He's going to be a four-phaser for us. He's a really good football player.”
In an interview with denverbroncos.com’s Aric DiLalla, Janovich also said all the right things for this crowd.
The second-year pro and fan-favorite - who ended his 2016 season early due to injury after a promising start - said nothing is that different for him the second time around.
“[It’s the] same mentality - just go downhill, hit linebackers and win games,” Janovich said. “It’s pretty simple.”
Though the former Husker did note that he has a more varied role under Mike McCoy’s system.
“There’s a lot more formations that I’m put in, a little bit more in the pass game. But the run is fairly the same,” he said, adding that he’s not usually a guy asked to run a whole bunch of routes. “So working on that’s a little different for me.”
@TrevorSiemian completed a pass to @AndyJanovich after Janovich single handedly blocked all 7 players on defense to create space for himself
— ThatsGoodSports (@BrandonPerna) August 2, 2017
Nearby in the tailback room, things are a lot more crowded as several backs may be vying for only one or two positions, including NFL’s leading yards-per-carry running back Jamaal Charles, rookie standout De’Angelo Henderson, solid veteran Stevan Ridley and consistent playmaker Juwan Thompson.
This weekend will be a big test for Charles’ durability, to see if his explosiveness can be put on display throughout the season. If so, the other three could be fighting for a very contested fourth spot. And at this point, the coaches expect Charles “to be the same old Jamaal.”
“You see flashes of it, you do,” said special teams coach Brock Olivo, who coached with the Chiefs while Charles was there. “He’s the definition of juice, and I see it out here, I do. So I’m excited to see Jamaal play again. It’s going to be fun.”
One back whose roster spot is apparently safe is second-year back Devontae Booker. Joseph noted that despite a wrist injury that will keep Booker out for the first two or three games of the regular season, the former Utah Ute will not go on the PUP list as many speculated.
“Book should be on the [53-man] roster. That should not be an issue,” the coach said. “Book is on the roster. Does that help you? I’ll give you a sheet in a week and a half.”
Rookie wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie had been named over a week ago as the starting punt returner for Week 1 – despite three more games to play – but kick returner is still somewhat open.
Kick returner position is up for grabs during the #Broncos third preseason game. Cody Latimer is the front runner, according to Brock Olivo
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensBSN) August 24, 2017
Special teams coach Brock Olivo expects that player to be fourth-year wide receiver Cody Latimer, but he’s hoping to see Latimer get a kickoff in an upcoming preseason game.
“[Cody] has been the guy since we got here, but he hasn’t had a return yet in the offseason or in the preseason. We have to give him some returns, some touches and let’s see what he does with it,” Olivo noted.
On the defensive side of the ball, Joseph gave little roster info away other than to note that the fourth cornerback spot is not going to be easy to decide.
“It’s been a good battle. Obviously, Chris [Lewis-Harris] has made some plays. I think [Brendan] Langley is a young promising player. [Lorenzo] Doss had a hell of a camp,” he said. “It’s going to be tight. That’s the way that it should be.”
But that doesn’t mean it’s any easier as a coach making those decisions.
“It’s tough. It’s a tough league. There is pressure every day and every week on these guys so I respect that,” he said. “To watch these guys compete every day and don’t get what they want, it’s heartbreaking sometimes.”
Horse Tracks - Pro HOF nonsense
Jerry Kramer, Robert Brazile senior finalists for Pro Football Hall of Fame
So guess what that means? Yep, Randy Gradishar - and the Broncos - snubbed again.
You suck, @ProFootballHOF.#RandyGradishar https://t.co/MjzugECXqc
— L.Lattimore-Volkmann (@docllv) August 24, 2017
Horse Tracks - Pat Bowlen deserves to be in the HOF
A week ago, we did a series on why Pat Bowlen absolutely must be chosen as a Contributor for the Hall of Fame. Help us convince voters TODAY that our beloved owner deserves to be in by sharing these stories on social media, particularly to @SI_PeterKing, @RickGosselin9, @JarrettBell, @JimTrotter_NFL & @clarkjudgeTOF.
Pat Bowlen wanted to be ‘No. 1 in everything’ - and he is. - Mile High Report
There is no greater competitor in the Denver Broncos franchise than Mr. B.
Because of Pat Bowlen, the Broncos are first-class NFL family - Mile High Report
The Denver Broncos aren’t just one of the most successful NFL franchises. Because of Pat Bowlen — they are one of the greatest families in all of sports, with a first-class culture.
Pat Bowlen Hall of Fame: Credit Bowlen for Sunday Night Football - Mile High Report
Don’t worry, he didn’t help create Thursday Night Football. Just the one we all like, Sunday Night Football.
Pat Bowlen’s huge influence on the NFL should earn him a spot in the Hall of Fame - Mile High Report
Bowlen left his fingerprints all over the NFL while working in the shadows.
John Elway: Pat Bowlen’s greatest decision - Mile High Report
Among the many great achievements that Pat Bowlen has accomplished for the Broncos, bringing in John Elway is potentially his greatest move.
Broncos fans, do your part to get Pat Bowlen inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame - Mile High Report
Share the series Mile High Report recently finished with the members who will make the selection.
More Super Bowls (7) than losing seasons (5). Nine @NFL Committees.
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) August 23, 2017
Media talk Pat Bowlen’s @profootballHOF case:https://t.co/HDyTnfBCVJ
Horse Tracks
Quick hits from the Broncos' Thursday practice
Head Coach Vance Joseph updated the health status of Devontae Booker and his place on the roster and talked about some of the roster moves that loom over the next 10 days.
3 things to watch when Broncos host Packers Saturday night | Broncos Wire
How will Jamaal Charles play in his Denver Broncos debut? And how will the "No Fly Zone" fare against Aaron Rodgers in NFL preseason?
Injuries: Packers' Bulaga (ankle) to sit vs. Broncos - NFL.com
Green Bay Packers offensive lineman Bryan Bulaga won't play Saturday night against the Denver Broncos because of an ankle injury, Mike McCarthy told reporters Thursday.
Mike McCoy looking for 'phenomenal year' from Demaryius Thomas
McCoy said both he and Thomas understand the type of offense the Broncos need.
Nose tackle Domata Peko just what Denver Broncos defense needed - AFC W - ESPN
After a tough time stopping their opponents' ground attack in key spots last season, the Broncos now have veteran Domata Peko to clog up the middle.
Fullback Andy Janovich ready to 'hit linebackers and win games'
Janovich heads into his second season with the Broncos, and he's still a valuable piece, even in a new offense.
Unconventional receiving practice helps Chiefs TE Demetrius Harris
Demetrius Harris has been working to improve his catching skills and hopes to be a more reliable target this season for the Chiefs.
Dwayne Allen: 'Extremely hard' to learn Pats' offense - NFL.com
Dwayne Allen joined the New England Patriots this offseason after five seasons with the Indianapolis Colts. The tight end said the transition to the new offense hasn't gone smoothly.
Peyton Manning attends Bears practice (but he’s not signing with Chicago) | Broncos Wire
Former Indianapolis Colt and Denver Broncos quarterback visited Chicago Bears practice on Wednesday, but he's not signing with the NFL team.
Poll
Which player do you expect to have a BIG game on Saturday?
This poll is closed
-
14%
Trevor Siemian
-
41%
Jamaal Charles
-
9%
Von Miller (he’s PLAYING!!!)
-
0%
Chris Lewis-Harris
-
19%
De’Angelo Henderson
-
3%
Cody Latimer
-
1%
Adam Gotsis
-
3%
Garett Bolles
-
4%
"Shasta"