FIELDWORK
Job well done
The idea was to have a quick, efficient morning practice. Coach Mike Shanahan gave the team Saturday afternoon off, and the team has only meetings tonight before resuming two-a-day workouts Monday. Everything went as planned, other than the scary left big toe injury suffered by defensive tackle Gerard Warren.
Despite Warren’s injury, which likely will keep him out two to four weeks, there were big moments in the workout. What stood out most were several hard hits. Safety John Lynch was at his bone-crushing best when he smoked wide receiver Darius Watts near the goal line, popping the ball loose. In another collision, running back Cedric Cobbs had his camp highlight when he ran through safety Hamza Abdullah on his way to the end zone. The defense went on to get its revenge, however, when linebacker Nate Webster, who is showing great speed and versatility, hammered tailback Tatum Bell to the turf.
THE POINT AFTER
Record attendance
The joint was jumping Saturday. Broncos officials said 2,630 fans attended the session, a record at the team’s training facility. It beat a crowd of nearly 2,500 fans who watched practice Aug. 6, 2005. Both sides of the practice field were lined with fans Saturday.
BIOGRAPHY
LSU product shines
Linebacker Cameron Vaughn was considered a steal when he unexpectedly fell out of the draft and into the Broncos’ hands as an undrafted rookie in April. And he still is considered a steal.
Vaughn has had a strong camp. Saturday, the coaching staff rewarded him with some nickel linebacker playing time. The former three-year starter at Louisiana State has a chance to make the roster.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
Rest for the weary
“Thirty-six hours seems like a month right now. It seems like a month. … I’ll take it.”
– Veteran middle linebacker Al Wilson, talking about the short break from camp he and his teammates are enjoying
CUTLER WATCH
Progress report
The game is slowing down for rookie quarterback Jay Cutler, and it shows. Completing his first full week of camp, Cutler said Saturday he sees things clicking. The former Vanderbilt star isn’t lying. Cutler is making strong progress every day and is eating into No. 2 quarterback Bradlee Van Pelt’s repetitions.
CAMP FACTS
If you go …
The Broncos don’t practice today. Monday’s morning practice begins at 8:30 a.m. and will run approximately two hours. The afternoon practice Monday begins at 3:50 p.m. and will run to 5:30 p.m.
Gates open an hour before practice. Admission is free. Parking at the Broncos’ headquarters is located on the west side of the practice fields and is open on a first-come, first-serve basis.
