How the Broncos fared in Thursday’s training camp practice at Dove Valley:
Highlight
The fans on hand for Thursday afternoon’s workout got a small taste of what a game week looks like during the regular season as the Broncos prepared for Sunday’s preseason opener at Cincinnati. Fans got to see Broncos receivers in red scout team jerseys, sporting No. 81 and No. 85 — playing the parts of Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco — against Broncos cornerbacks Champ Bailey and Andre’ Goodman.
Lowlight
A weather front brought windy conditions to open practice, which made life difficult in the passing game for about half the workout. But even after things calmed down later in the workout, the Broncos were still a little balky throwing the ball, until Kyle Orton put together a drive for a field goal to close things out for the day. Matt Prater’s 50-yard kick to finish the final drive, kept the team from having to do its usual postpractice running.
Quote
“Yes, they’re playing like rookies.”
— Josh McDaniels on whether he would give rookies J.D. Walton and Zane Beadles more playing time in the preseason than some of the other current offensive starters.
Position battle
With the uncertainty on the Broncos’ offensive line, J.D. Walton and Zane Beadles figure to get plenty of action in the four preseason games. The two have been solidly in place at center and left guard respectively since the start of training camp. Now it’s about getting them ready for the season opener at Jacksonville. McDaniels figures to try to get the two rookies as much experience as possible.
Sunday night figures to be a big part of D’Anthony Batiste’s audition at the left tackle spot as well. Batiste has taken over for Tyler Polumbus, but both will see plenty of action Sunday night to make their case. The Bengals play a 4-3 on defense so Batiste will get a traditional look in the pass rush. Since right guard Chris Kuper figures to miss the game with a sprained right ankle, Ryan Harris could be the only starter in the offensive front against the Bengals who started a game for the Broncos last season.
Quarterback watch
Kyle Orton — Rebounded some from a difficult set of practices Wednesday. Finished things off with a field-goal drive.
Brady Quinn — Struggled some in the wind early, lost the handle on one pass before his arm came forward in the delivery. Threw a nice deep ball to Patrick Carter, but was picked off by Brian Dawkins.
Tim Tebow — Up and down in terms of accuracy as his release point drops at times. Had a nice rollout play, to his left, in team drills.
Camp facts
The Broncos will practice at Invesco Field at Mile High this morning, but it will be closed to the public. The next practice open to the public will be Tuesday at 2:30 p.m.
