Refresh this page for the latest news and notes before, during and after Broncos practice Wednesday, Sept. 26, from Denver Post beat reporters Ryan O’Halloran and Kyle Fredrickson.
1:45 p.m. — Injury report
practice (no pads). Only LB Brandon Marshall without a helmet. Pacman, Brock working.
— Ryan O'Halloran (@ryanohalloran)
9:45 a.m. — Peko accepts penalty blame, reflects on flag increases
Domata Peko’s slight shove cost the Broncos a touchdown on a returned blocked field goal in Baltimore on Sunday, and for that illegal block flag, the 13-year NFL defensive tackle accepts total responsibility.
“I’ve got to be smarter,” Peko said. “I’m a grown man and a veteran. I should know those things and shouldn’t put our team in that situation. I’m a man and I’m owning up to it.”
But like most long-time quarterback chasers and run-stuffers in the league this season, Peko also acknowledged a sort-of rule softening that’s resulted in unprecedented flags. Through three weeks, a total of 34 roughing the passer calls have been assessed. This time last season? Only 16.
Peko’s hit wasn’t on a quarterback, just a back-side push to Baltimore offensive lineman Bradley Bozeman running well behind a streaking cornerback Chris Harris into the end zone. But it still reflects a changing of attitudes about player safety and rule enforcement that must be addressed.
“Next time that happens, just don’t even run. Just stop and let them go. But I was just hustling, doing what I’m taught to do, finishing the play and running down. Just trying to get a block,” Peko said. “It seems like the way the league is going now, you can’t really hit people the way you want to anymore.”
