Fieldwork
There were plenty of big plays on the first day of training camp, which was attended by 1,904 fans, a first day record for Dove Valley. Among the highlights were big pass plays from quarterback Jay Cutler to wide receivers Javon Walker and David Kircus. For Walker, it was another display of concentration by the team’s No. 1 receiver. For Kircus, it was the beginning of a camp in which he is trying to stay on the roster.
Walker wowed the crowd when he zoomed underneath a deflected ball and made a catch over backup cornerback Karl Paymah. Earlier, Kircus made a diving, twisting catch on Cutler’s long pass.
The cornerbacks did have their moments as Champ Bailey intercepted a Preston Parsons pass. Later, new right cornerback Dré Bly knocked a pass out of Kircus’ hands.
There was a scary moment in the first practice when Walker and backup linebacker Nate Webster collided. Both players were hunched over on the field for a few minutes. Walker returned a play later and coach Mike Shanahan said Webster was fine as well.
First-round pick Jarvis Moss said that he made mid-day adjustments and corrected poor pass-rushing techniques in the afternoon. One of the highlights of the afternoon practice was an 80-yard punt by Todd Sauerbrun. He then preened for the appreciative crowd.
Coaching barometor
The team and fans got a taste of the Jim Bates era. It will be loud and boisterous. Known for his energy while in Miami and Green Bay. Denver’s new assistant head coach in charge of defense was in rare form Sunday. He was making noise, letting his players know where they stood all practice.
“I love it. He’s loud and rowdy and he just wants perfection on every play and I love that,” Bailey said of Bates.
Point after
Training camp got off to a raucous start this morning. Even though Al Wilson is no longer with the team, the pre-practice breakdown tradition continues. Wilson’s replacement at middle linebacker, D.J. Williams, has taken over the breakdown responsibilities as well. Williams called up rookies Marcus Thomas and Steven Harris. Both players are from Florida and both are defensive tackles. Williams called them the “Double Mint Twins.”
Harris did a quick dance while Thomas, all 300 pounds of him, took off his jersey. Harris then pointed at Thomas and he startled his teammates and the nearby fans by performing a hack flip. It brought down the house. Several teammates jumped on Thomas like he recovered a fumble in the end zone.
“He’s a Florida boy. I knew he was an athlete,” said running back Travis Henry, who hails from Frostproof, Florida, of Thomas.
Quote of the day
“He is always on our mind since everything has happened. Everything we do, we break it down and honor him in every way. We continue to think of him as being a part of this team, always. He is a big part of us and always will be,” Bailey on remembering slain cornerback Darrent Williams, who was shot and killed hours after the 2006 season ended in downtown Denver.
Monday Camp Facts
Practice begins at 8:30 a.m. and will run approximately two hours. The afternoon practice begins at 3:40 p.m. and will run about an hour. It is a special teams practice. Gates open an hour before each 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-served basis. Non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase at training camp.
