Imagine the pressure on Isaiah McKenzie.
The Broncos second-year wide receiver/punt return man’s rookie season gone wrong (six total fumbles) made plenty of fans wonder about his future in Denver. Of course, handing a critical task to a 22-year-old newcomer is a risk coach Vance Joseph brought on himself. A difficult balance. Makes you wonder whatap gone through McKenzie’s head through five training camp practices — again featured prominently in the rotation at punt return.
“I’ll be up front with you,” first-year special teams coordinator Tom McMahon told reporters in the shade outside UCHealth Training Center. “Since I’ve met Isaiah, he’s been in a great place. Since the day he and I ever met he has been in a great place. He’s been a great pro. I love what he’s doing working his tail off. He’s quiet and he just goes out and tries to produce.”
That mirrors what McKenzie told The Denver Post in June — “I feel like I came in this year with a good mindset” — and bodes well for a second chance to win over apountry. Now, he’s gotta prove it on Sundays.
McMahon’s message to McKenzie: “Be a pro. All you need to do is come out here and just talk with your reps and production.”
— , The Denver Post
Want to receive this daily newsletter in your inbox? Sign up for free.
What’s on Tap?
- MLB: Rockies at Cardinals, 11:15 a.m. | Pitching matchup |
TV/RADIO: Here’s what sports are airing today
Scoreboard
MLB: Cardinals 6, Rockies 3
Full story |
Must-Read
Kiszla: Want to get rid of Paxton Lynch? Tell me, would Broncos be better off with Colin Kaepernick or Matt Moore as back-up QB?
Put down those shovels, folks. Paxton Lynch ain’t dead yet.. Read more…
Following a scrappy baseball path, undrafted Rockies prospect Josh Fuentes is turning in a breakout season in Triple-A
Whereas some professional baseball careers appear to be predestined, most are not. Most players have to scrap and claw their way up the ladder. Read more…
Taylor Phinney headlines Colorado Classic’s men’s rosters
With a black eye and broken nose that he suffered two days earlier, Boulder’s Taylor Phinney was one of five Americans to finish the Tour de France on Sunday. He’s the only one of the five who will compete in the second Colorado Classic, Aug. 16-19 in Vail and Denver. Read more…
Quick Hits
+ The offense started slow, but Courtland Sutton showed off some moves at Day 5 of Broncos training camp.
+ The keys to the Rockies’ red-hot July? Simple: pitching, hitting, confidence and defense.
+ Colorado Buffs quarterback Steven Montez is flying under the radar heading into his junior year.
+ The clock is ticking as Broncos rookie Troy Fumagalli battles for one of three likely roster spots that will go to tight ends.
+ The non-waiver trade deadline came and went, but Adrian Beltre could still be sent to a contender.
+ Recent Rapids addition Kellyn Acosta is enjoying his move to Colorado.
+ Football coach Urban Meyer was put on paid leave by Ohio State as new info emerges about fired assistant Zach Smith.
+ Know when to pick the top rookies in your fantasy football draft.
+ A forgettable 52 minutes for Serena Williams on Wednesday in San Jose.
+ Tim Dahlberg on how bookies went from pariahs to partners with the NBA.
+ There’s a new redshirt rule in place for college football coaches.
+ Broncos Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Ryan O’Halloran here.
+ Rockies Mailbag: Have a question about the team? .
By The Numbers
$1 million
The estimated value of one of five Mickey Mantle cards two men found in an old collection. Read more…
Parting Shot
Ex-NFL LB Shawne Merriman to fight in bare-knuckle boxing match
The former NFL linebacker known as “Lights Out” will try to punch out an opponentap lights in a bare-knuckle boxing match. Read more…
Get in Touch
If you see something thatap cause for question or have a comment, thought or suggestion, email me at dboniface@denverpost.com or tweet me .
