If you read the post I had earlier this morning regarding the 2008 Broncos Depth chart, then there really isn't much news as far as starters go. The only real difference is that Niko Koutouvides was starting at middle linebacker, but being the loyal readers that you are, you know that there is a two day rotation at middle linebacker. That doesn't look like it will change until the team gets a look at who steps up when it becomes game time. Either way, the Broncos will be able to add one very strong competitor to the special teams squad. Marquand Manuel started in place of Hamza Abdullah, which is a bit interesting, because Manuel is listed as free safety Marlon McCree's backup. That's a whole lot of hitting power that the Broncos are packing at safety with those two in there together. Casey Wiegmann continued to substitute for Tom Nalen who is resting his knee. I say if Tom Nalen is in shape, let's rest him the whole preseason. There's no point in losing the anchor to our offensive line, in what may be his final season, to a second-team defensive lineman who is employed by the Broncos.
Second year defensive tackle Marcus Thomas cracked into the first-team defensive tackle lineup, replacing Alvin McKinley, who spent time with the second-team.
The practice was heavy on the eleven-on-eleven drills as Denver prepares for their trip to Houston on Friday.
Michael Pittman made his return to the good graces of the Denver coaching staff, catching a touchdown out of the backfield in red zone work. Joining him with touchdown catches were: Andre Hall, Brandon Marshall and Daniel Graham.
Rookie receiver Eddie Royal caught a 35 yard touchdown pass along the sideline. Royal may replace the possibly suspended Brandon Marshall for week one at Oakland and week two vs. San Diego. If the depth chart is correct that is, my belief is that Denver would start Darrell Jackson and Brandon Stokley, running Royal out of the slot. Though that may not make sense, if Royal's learning routes as a number one receiver, the slot routes might be a little too much to remember for the rookie. Can you imagine the possible controversy in Denver week three should Royal be a more than apt replacement for Marshall?
Back to the red zone drill for a second, running backs: Selvin Young, Andre Hall and rookie Ryan Torain all had two touchdowns. Torain nearly had three, but fell just short while diving over a pile at the goal line.
Ryan Torain was not the only rookie back that looked impressive as Anthony "Quick" Aldridge broke a fifty-yard touch down run during eleven-on-eleven drills.
The end of practice featured the two-minute offenses, one led by each starting quarter back. Jay Cutler and Patrick Ramsey were both unsuccessful in scoring. While third-string quarter back Darrell Hackney led the likes of: Clifford Russell, Ryan Torain, Taylor Jacobs and Anthony Aldridge to a touch down.
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