The Broncos have received the NFL’s message about illegal hits.
Coach Josh McDaniels has shown his team the official DVD and presented the memo sent Wednesday by the NFL about the crack down on helmet-to-helmet hits.
“I think everybody understands the message and the intent of what the league is trying to do,” McDaniels said this morning.
Still, McDaniels said there is some concern from his players — especially those on defense — about how to play the way they’ve always played, and still be within the rules. The league has said players could face increased discipline, including suspensions, after the first offense.
“The concern is that they can’t play fast and at the same time obey the rules, but I think that’s definitely doable,” McDaniels said. “Our guys will find a way to do that. We’re going to coach the way we’ve coached and try to make sure we’re coaching everything legally, and abide by what the league wants us to do.”
McDaniels said he didn’t know if officials would begin calling more personal fouls on hits on defenseless receivers. Pittsburgh linebacker James Harrison received a $75,000 fine for a hit on Cleveland receiver Mohamed Massaquoi during a game last Sunday, but was not penalized on the play.
“I can’t control that,” McDaniels said. “We’re just going to try to play hard and fair and clean. If they call more fouls, they call more fouls.”
Footnotes. McDaniels said wide receiver Brandon Lloyd and defensive lineman Kevin Vickerson would both return to practice today after sitting out Wednesday. Lloyd’s absence was non-injury related, while Vickerson was out because of a groin injury.
That leaves seven players still out of practice for the Broncos: slot receiver and top kick returner Eddie Royal (groin); starting cornerbacks Champ Bailey (ribs) and Andre Goodman (quadriceps); linebackers Robert Ayers (foot) and Wesley Woodyard (hamstring); and safeties Brian Dawkins (knee) and Darcel McBath (ankle).
