Green Bay Packers vs. Denver Broncos: Third Quarter

Opening kickoff and Marquand Manuel is helped off the field, he is the starting free safety for Denver.

Patrick Ramsey comes in and Michael Pittman is handling handoffs.

Dibs on Ramsey's interceptions this half? I'd say two, I've got two...

Green Bay still has their first team defense on the field.

Ramsey has his pass knocked down as the Packers appeared to rush no one then, rushed nine at the last moment.

Brett Kern's punt is impressive, but is negated by the piss poor second-team punt defense and the Packers make the Broncos look like, well... The Broncos.

Green Bay Packers keep their first-team offense and the Broncos get their fifteen yards on the first play.

Wesley Woodyard stops the next play for no gain what-so-ever. 2nd and 13.

Karl Paymah's coverage on Greg Jones could have been pass interference, but Aaron Rodgers pass to Jones is out of bounds.

Next play, same play, Paymah gets called in teh end-zone for pass interference. First and goal on the one yard line.

Brandon Jackson is stopped on the one-yard line! Niko Koutouvides and Wesley Woodyard on the stop.

Jackson is stopped again by thee Denver second-team defensive line. Give Larry Birdine and Wesley Woodyard the credit.

Third time's a charm and Aaron Rodgers gets the touchdown on the QB sneak. 20-17 Green Bay, but remember that's the first-team Packers offense against the second-team Broncos defense.

UPDATE: Marquand Manuel has hurt his thumb and went to the locker room.

Broncos second-team offense stalled in their first drive, let's see where they go. Michael Pittman is wrapped up by Desmond Bishop, Pittman cut back way too early.

Patrick Ramsey's dump off to Michael Pittman goes barely for a first down, this is Pittman's specialty.

Pitch to Pittman goes nowhere, the safety Aaron Rouse stops it in the backfield.

Ramsey scrambling on the next play hits Keary Colbert for nine yards.

Ramsey's handoff to Pittman goees for negative yards and the punt team heads out.

The second-team offensive line just can't handle the pressure right now.

Packers punt returner catches the punt from Brett Kern and is knocked to the ground by his own player.

Noah Herron, Packers third-stringer, who beat a lampshade against a robber in the off-season, he nearly beat him to death. Regardless, he's now beating the Broncos to death, running for 4-10 yards at will. Brian Brohm is in at quarterback for the Packers.

Thank science the Packers brought in their second-team, because now the Broncos can compete again. Some pressure and dropped pass make it 2nd and 13 for Green Bay.

Defensive end Paul Carrington may be hurt on the Broncos side, the Broncos trainers rush out to help him.

Wesley Woodyard again in on a tackle, this #59 is an animal. However, the Broncos look like the Broncos of last year. Not able to make a tackle on a rush...

Alvin McKinley, doing his best to make a point pushes Packers quarterback Brohm to the ground as Tim Crowder bats the ball down. Domonique Foxworth breaks the 3rd down pass up and Mason Crosby is back in for 53 yards, but it's wide right.

Broncos second team offense may be clicking against this second-team defense... Pittman catches a dump from Ramsey for about eight. 3rd and 1. Ramsey bootlegs to Clifford Russell for the first down. A late hit on Patrick Ramsey gives Denver an extra 15 yards.

Clifford Russel's my guy by the way, the dark horse, Michael Pittman rushes on the next play for 15, Andre Hall comes in, first and goal from the 6.

Patrick Ramsey nearly passes for his first interception! Not quite as Ramsey's interception attempt to Clifford Russell is incomplete. Ramsey will be back though.

Ramsey hits Brett Pierce at the two yard line. That's two bootlegs in a row. Hall is still in the back field.

Cecil Sapp isn't enough to get into the backfield.

Paul Carrington- strained calf muscle done for the night as the third quarter is done.

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Denver Broncos Training Camp Day 10 (Morning) Report

The Denver Broncos came back to camp, much appreciative of their day off. The extra day of rest proved to be most beneficial to strong side linebacker Boss Bailey, who was able to return to practice today. Strong safety Hamza Abdullah (groin), center Tom Nalen (knee), tight end Chad Mustard (hamstring) and Montrae Holland continued to work with strength and conditioning Rich Tuten.

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.

Denver Broncos Training Camp: Day 4 (Morning Practice)

Thought that we took the day off didn't you?

We didn't, sucker...

Here's some notes from Day 4-

• Selvin Young was out for the first part of camp, no word on why just yet, but he did take the field later on. Peyton Hillis was out this morning, Michael Pittman was playing mostly as a fullback. Montrae Holland was still absent from first-team workouts. DeWayne Robertson returned, as expected to practice. DJ Williams and Boss Bailey were absent from most of the morning practice. Williams later explained that he Bailey and Young were being drug tested as per NFL policy.
  
  
• Jay Cutler hasn't looked bad, but until today, he hadn't really ever looked anybody off. Meaning in coverage, the receiver he's throwing it to is the one that he's staring at. After watching the first three days of camp, he's working specifically on that- looking off his receivers.
  
  
• There's two other quarterbacks on the Broncos and it's Darrell Hackney who is looking like he's aiming for that number two spot. Backup Patrick Ramsey has not looked impressive at all at camp, today the Broncos secondary teed off on Ramsey picking him off several times.
  
  
• Anthony Aldridge is looking very competitive as is Ryan Torain, not to say that Torain is bad, but Aldridge just looks better at this point. Torain did have a great day, but not enough to push either Selvin Young or Andre Hall from their spot on the depth chart. It is not too early to declare that Denver is in very good hands this season in the backfield. Guaranteed fresh legs, whenever called upon. Pittman did take a few snaps at running back, he also looked better at fullback than Cecil Sapp.
  
  
• Brandon Marshall, read my column and ate his Wheaties this morning- burning his defender in the eleven-on-eleven drills, resulting in an eighty-yard touchdown. Rookie Eddie Royal, Keary Colbert and Samie Parker could use some time after practice to work on their timing with Cutler. Royal's close though on the verge of pushing Colbert into the fifth spot on the Broncos receiving depth chart. In the possible event that Marshall is suspended or someone in the top three is injured, it almost makes sense to have Royal as the number two at wide-out and keep Brandon Stokley in the slot. Speaking of number two, Darrel Jackson has definitely solidified his position as the Broncos number two receiver.
  
  
• As for the tight ends, it's Nate Jackson, not Tony Scheffler taking the first team reps as the "receiving" tight end. Scheffler has been incredible at camp, so Fantasy Fans don't be too worried. Daniel Graham may have another season as a blocking tight end, however. The offensive line at this point, just doesn't seem to be strong enough to allow Graham to become the type of tight end that he came to Denver to be.
  
  
• Ryan Harris is getting better, working in tandem with Chris Kuper the pair was able to open up several decent holes in the defensive line. Though, it is still unclear who will be the right tackle as Harris has yet to out right earn it. Rookie Ryan Clady is dominating just about everyone, except Jarvis Moss, who has only got the best of him once or twice over the last couple of days. Where the offensive line is struggling most is in pass protection, expect to see a move on the depth chart, possibly Erik Pears, PJ Alexander or Tyler Polumbus moving in with the first-team offense.
  
  
• On the defensive side, Ebenezer Ekuban and DeWayne Robertson may be the starting defensive tackles this season. Ekuban is playing very well at tackle and with Robertson forcing opposite teams to double him, he could be in for a great year. Depth at tackle also looks very decent, Denver employs a seven-man rotation on the defensive line. With Josh Mallard playing the way he's been playing, you'll remember Mallard came in at the very end of the season (playing in only four games) and managed three and a half sacks and fifteen tackles. In camp he has carried on that domination, packaged with Marcus Thomas, Alvin McKinley, Kenny Peterson and the previously mentioned defensive tackles Denver appears to be much better off than last season. Speaking of Marcus Thomas, he shined during eleven-on-eleven scrimmage, bursting through and wrecking havoc on Denver's offensive line.
  
  
• Jamie Winborn and Louis Green filled in on the first-team during the absence of DJ Williams and Boss Bailey. Niko Koutouvides played once again with the second-team defense, with Nate Webster playing middle linebacker with the first-team once again. Koutouvides had a strong day, playing heady to Webster's all out kamikaze style. The Koutouvides vs. Webster battle is the most interesting battle in training camp.
  
  
• In the background on defense, John Lynch put on a hitting clinic during one-on-ones then continued the clinic during team camp, thumping on two different Denver running backs. Domonique Foxworth went yard on a Patrick Ramsey interception, Karl Paymah was the man who got beat on the Brandon Marshall eighty-yard touchdown reception. Dre Bly and Champ Bailey stayed true to form and looked like two of the best cover corners in the NFL.
  
  
  
• Could this be the year that Bly returns to the Pro Bowl? Rookie safety Josh Barrett lined up a couple times at corner, Marlon McCree continued to sub in on running plays and was beat by both rookies Ryan Torain and Anthony Aldridge during eleven-on-eleven drills. Rookie corner Jack Williams exhibited his speed after being beat by Brandon Stokley, only to catch him and break up a pass from Jay Cutler.

Other notes:

• The Broncos began a new drill, six-on-four: Three linemen, a quarter back and two running backs on two defensive linemen and two linebackers. They also implemented the three-on-three a quarterback and two receivers vs. two defensive backs and a safety. Rookie Josh Barrett played safety during every snap of the three-on-threes.
  
  
• The kick returners depth seems to have been shortened with only Eddie Royal, Andre Hall, Michael Pittman and Anthony Aldridge returning kicks.
  
  
• Kicker Matt Prater continued to shine connecting on seven of eight of his field goals from 40-45 yards out.
  

All photos © DenverBroncos.com and credited to Kyle Sonneman

Links! 7/16/2008

I've just put up a new article over at Bronco Madness, though it's not posted yet, so I can't link to it. However, by the time you read this, it'll probably be up, so go on over there and check it out. It's about Jay Cutler and the ever persistent third-year in a Mike Shanahan system.

[EDIT: it's up: How Good is Jay Cutler? (A History of Mike Shanahan in one part)]

Seriously, these links aren't much at all, but I will do my best to help you laugh in between:

• Kevin Jones said two days ago that he was looking forward to his trip to Denver, but he signed with Chicago. (Guess Bronco fans can rest assured knowing that Selvin Young's status as the starter is anything but solid.)
  
  
• Brandon Marshall's not the only one in the NFL with a weak story, Luke (McCown) hits his brother Josh (McCown) with an ax, while, "Chopping wood," in 105 degree weather.
  
  
• Scouts Inc. says Denver's Defensive Line is #32, but I'm not going to make you pay for Insider, so here's what they say about Denver:

32. Denver Broncos
The Broncos were a major disappointment on defense last season, ranking 30th against the run (142.6 ypg). They've done little to address the situation during the offseason. Defensive tackles Marcus Thomas and Alvin McKinley are decent players but have not shown the ability to dominate or become players who command special attention. Neither is a physical presence who can overpower blockers or force double-teams. Defensive ends John Engelberger and Elvis Dumervil are both undersized. Engelberger is a bit of a tweener who is not explosive off the edge and lacks the size, strength and bulk to be a top run defender, while Dumervil has excellent burst and acceleration off the edge but struggles when teams run right at him. Thomas and DEs Jarvis Moss and Tim Crowder, all of whom were drafted in 2007, must become more productive if the Broncos hope to play better than last year.

[Guess people have to pay extra to find no mention of one of the biggest defensive acquisitions of the off-season for Denver (DeWayne Robertson). Thanks for the insight ESPN way to not mention Robertson or our newest draft pick to sign a contract, or the fact that Dumervil's a pass rushing specialist. Come to think of it **** ESPN Insider, we promise to have better information than them on the Broncos and it's here for free.]

• This guy just made a commercial with Jay Cutler, a McDonald's Commercial. They didn't want Brandon Marshall or what? Cutler's taking this stuff way too far, I'm sure Marshall got the point the second time you came out to publicly criticize him.

That's it guys (told you that I didn't have much), check back, I'll add more if there is more, because as you can tell, I really went slumming. Just kidding, I would never date a chick from San Diego [zing!?].