ENGLEWOOD, Colo.—The Denver Broncos at least will get to see some familiar sights while in England: safety Brian Dawkins and cornerback Andre Goodman patrolling the defensive backfield.
The two veteran starters have been out of action as part of a litany of injuries hitting the team over the last month.
Dawkins missed two games with a knee problem. Goodman sat out all but one series over the last five games, re-aggravating a quadriceps injury in his brief on-field return at Baltimore on Oct. 10.
“They’re very important players on our defense,” coach Josh McDaniels said Thursday before departing for Sunday’s game against the 49ers in London. “And anytime you lose multiple players at the same spot and I know they don’t play the same position but they’re in the secondary together the No. 1 thing you always concern yourself with is the communication of the people you’re replacing them with.
“So, in terms of limiting what we’ve done or trying to cut back a little bit, that’s always the smart thing to do (and) something we tried to do. This week, we certainly feel better about having those guys back in there because of the comfort level with their ability to communicate and make sure everybody’s on the same page. And they’re both very good players. It’s a big boost for us.”
Perrish Cox had subbed in for Goodman with mixed results. Cox won’t make the trip with post-concussion symptoms. Nate Jones filled in for Dawkins, but now can slide back to his original nickel-back position. The only difference this week in the secondary from the season-opening setup would be Syd’Quan Thompson or Cassius Vaughn possibly playing cornerback in six defensive back looks.
“It’s been hard,” Goodman said of his time off, which represents his longest injury-related absence since the 2004 season. “Not being out there and not coming through in some of those games, you always feel like there was something you could have done to help out. So it’s definitely not easy watching. I’m excited to be back there.”
The Broncos not only need the physical talents but the mental lift that a player like Dawkins can provide. Denver is coming off consecutive games in his absence during which the Broncos allowed 457 yards and seven TDs via the rush. The safety’s previous role featured him aligned close to the line of scrimmage in run support. He’s also a physical presence against opposing tight ends and, at time, an intimidating force in the middle of the field.
“When you have a loss in general, especially a loss like we had, if you’re a competitor and someone who loves to win and can’t stand to lose then you can’t wait to get that taste out of your mouth. And there’s a bad taste in all our mouths right now,” Dawkins said, alluding to the 59-14 debacle vs. Oakland last Sunday.
“We’re champing at the bit to go out and do what we’re supposed to do. But it’s not about talking, it’s about actions and if our actions show up, we’ll hopefully do what we’re supposed to do.
SCOUTING REPORT: Niners quarterback Troy Smith hasn’t started a game since 2007, playing sparingly in four other games last season with Baltimore.
But Broncos defensive lineman Justin Bannan was behind the scenes with Smith for three years as his Ravens’ teammate.
He knows exactly what Denver can expect Sunday from the former Ohio State star and ’06 Heisman Trophy winner.
“He’s a helluva player,” Bannan said, talking up not only Smith’s mobility but “cannon arm ”
“He’s competitive and a damn good quarterback,” Bannan added. “People are going to start seeing what he’s all about pretty soon.”
Smith actually was poised to become Baltimore’s quarterback in 2008 before enduring a case of tonsillitis. Rookie Joe Flacco took over instead and Smith and never lost his grip on the job. San Francisco picked up Smith off waivers in early September.
“He’s hungry. He wants that job, so with the situation that’s going on over there, they’re going to get everything he’s got to take that job over.”
LONDON LOGISTICS: Denver completed its final local-area practice of around 90 minutes Thursday morning at Dove Valley before heading to the airport for its 4 p.m. flight overseas.
The Broncos are expected to land in London at about 7:45 GMT, before reaching the team hotel about 11/2 hours later.
Then it’s immediately time for work. The team will review video of Thursday’s practice, put in place final preparations, then embark on a walkthrough at either a covered tennis court or cricket field, depending on weather.
Coach Josh McDaniels also will be seeking a dynamic warmup to help shake off any ill effects from the 91/2-hour flight.
“We’re telling them to sleep on the plane as much as possible and we’re going to try to aid that in any way that we can,” McDaniels said. “Once we get there we’re treating it like a normal Friday. We’re not going to have them sleep until noon or 1 p.m. that would probably be the worst thing we can do to try to get acclimated for Sunday.”
Denver’s players will have a midnight curfew Friday.
ET CETERA: The two songs greeting the Broncos during their stretching period Thursday The Clash’s London Calling and Warren Zevon’s Werewolves of London RB Knowshon Moreno is “fine” despite grabbing his right hamstring early in Wednesday’s practice. Moreno went through a full workout Wednesday and was on the field Thursday, wearing kicker Matt Prater’s No. 5 jersey. WR Eddie Royal (groin) practiced for the first time this week and McDaniels said if players are traveling it’s with the intention of them being active. Five players won’t make the trip, including OLB Robert Ayers (foot); DE Kevin Vickerson (groin); ILB Wesley Woodyard (hamstring); S Darcel McBath (ankle) and CB Perrish Cox (concussion). A published report had put the timetable for OLB Robert Ayers (foot) when he was hurt at 2-3 months, which raised the question why he didn’t just land on injured reserve. But McDaniels said those reports are “likely incorrect,” adding: “We look forward to having him back in the near future.” Wembley Stadium notoriously has had a poor playing surface, which will prompt Matt Prater to bring several pairs of cleats to test pre-game. An especially windy week at Dove Valley this week could benefit Prater with potential blustery conditions in the U.K.
