Denver Broncos Training Camp: Day 17, Dallas Cowboys

Is there worry in Denver that Champ Bailey and Dre Bly could go down this season? Was the competition at the lower end of the corner back depth chart not stiff enough? Is Denver worried that their wide receivers aren't being covered well enough?

Exit: Christian Morton and Lamont Reid. Enter: Wale Dada and Tyrone Poole.

Tyrone Poole visited Denver very early in camp and I suggested that "[Mike] Shanahan likes to bring on older players in camp to guide younger players along. For example, Jerry Rice retired as a Bronco." So that's that.

The Dallas Cowboys are in Dove Valley and so is HBO's Hard Knocks, so it should be exciting to get to see the clips next week on Wednesday, as Bronco fans are not allowed to attend these practices.

This is the first opportunity that Dallas players have had to hit, former Denver Broncos coach Wade Phillips does not allow hitting in his training camp. That being said, out of practice today were: Tom Nalen, Boss Bailey, Champ Bailey, Louis Green and Ryan Torain.

Here's some notes:

Wesley Woodyard, taking advantage of injuries to linebackers and strong performance in Saturday's game in Houston, cracked into the second team defense. As did Jordan Beck for what it's worth.

How was Denver's offensive line against Dallas' defensive line? Very good, Andre Hall performed exceptionally well. As Gray Caldwell on Denver's official site noted, "It seems every time he touched the ball, he would always get at least five or six yards before ever being touched." As far as I know, I'm the only Bronco fan willing to take Andre Hall seriously. I've been declaring him the starter for at least two months. Then again, I was wrong about Brandon Marshall's suspension. During eleven-on-elevens Dallas' 3-4 defense was only able to penetrate Denver's line on one play. They looked very impressive.

Speaking of Brandon Marshall, he owned Pacman Jones. Jones later commented that Marshall was, "Nowhere near Terrell Owens."

"That's fine, we go against Champ [Bailey] every day," Jay Cutler responded. Let's watch and see where the two former Tennessee boys take it (maybe even a Shots Fired: column).

I may have called the fullback position battle a little too early yesterday, Peyton Hillis could win it. He looked good blocking and catching going up against Dallas' starters. It's good to have him healthy and participating in practice.

Backup quarterback Patrick Ramsey also seems to have gotten himself together a little bit. He threw no interceptions this practice and connected with Keary Colbert and Clifford Russell on impressive passes.

Defensively Denver looked good going against the Dallas offense, despite Denver not having their number one corner and strong side linebacker. Jamie Winborn filled in well and DeWayne Robertson was a juggernaut during one-on-ones, I'm not going to jinx anything by getting too excited about Robertson's play.