Fieldwork
In the 13-season Mike Shanahan era, has there ever been this much pad-popping on the second day of training camp?
Not in a couple years there hasn’t. This is what stiff competition at the defensive line and strongside linebacker positions can do.
Although the Broncos practiced in shorts, linebacker Nate Webster labeled receiver Brian Clark on a short crossing route. Safety John Lynch, a 15-year veteran whose job is secure, nevertheless stepped up to pop running back Travis Henry on one play and threw receiver David Kircus down on another.
In the morning session, the Broncos spent considerable time having their quarterbacks step up, or slide out of the pocket, before throwing a flurry of underneath crossing routes. Jay Cutler showed good progress in this area.
With the No. 2 offense working against the No. 1 defense, Patrick Ramsey hit new receiver Glenn Martinez for a nice completion across the middle. Two plays later, though, Ramsey had a short pass broken up by cornerback Dre’ Bly. The deflection fell to middle linebacker D.J. Williams, who sprinted roughly 50 yards the other way for a touchdown.
Position battle
With the injured Brandon Marshall and Rod Smith watching from the sidelines in sweats, Brandon Stokley and Domenik Hixon got plenty of reps at the No. 2 and 3 receiver spots. Brian Clark and Glenn Martinez also caught their share of balls.
Biography: Patrick Ramsey, quarterback
By now people know Ramsey, 28, is Jay Cutler’s new backup. He’s a strong-armed veteran who started 18 games combined for Washington in 2003-04.
What they might not know is one week before he was about to become the Redskins’ first-round draft pick in 2002, when most players coming out of college are concentrating completely on their careers, Ramsey decided to marry his hometown sweetheart Ginny.
“I knew I was going to go through a lot of life changes in the next year of my life and I wanted to go through them with her,” Ramsey said.
A 4-handicap golfer, the Reston, La. native also likes to hunt deer (with a bow) and ducks. Pat and Ginny Ramsey have a 1-year-old daughter, Virginia Ellen.
Quote of the day
“Hixon brings a lot of speed. He’s able to get in and out of breaks quickly. Not a lot of people will be able to catch him. He brings some added dimension.”
— Quarterback Jay Cutler on Domenik Hixon, a top candidate for the No. 4 receiver position, if not No. 3.
Tuesday camp facts
Two workouts, the first starts at 8:30 a.m., the second at 3:50 p.m.
Admission: Free for parking and to watch the workouts. Gates open an hour before each workout.
