Broncos camp glance for Thursday
ENGLEWOOD — Training camp wrapped up Thursday, but the Denver Broncos quarterbacks will be in camp mode for a while.
Kyle Orton and Chris Simms are learning a new and complicated system, and Broncos coach Josh McDaniels will continue to push them until they are fully comfortable.
“Neither one of them is where I want them to be, ultimately,” McDaniels said. “That is a process that doesn’t happen in two weeks. It is going to happen over time. They are no different than any other player on our team. They have got to get better.”
That isn’t to say the quarterbacks didn’t learn anything in camp. Simms said they made big strides in situational work.
“Offensively, I think everybody is very comfortable with the whole process of how we call plays, certain situations, red area (inside the 20-yard line) – I think that’s where was maybe the biggest learning curve,” Simms said.
HIGHLIGHTS AND LOWLIGHTS
Rookie punter Britton Colquitt, who handled kickoffs and field goals with Matt Prater out of practice, hit a field goal from more than 50 yards to end practice after missing a few. … Safety David Bruton had a painful pass breakup, when a throw bounced off his helmet as he followed his receiver in coverage. … Cornerback Jack Williams returned to practice after missing a couple days with an unspecified injury. Running back Knowshon Moreno and receiver Brandon Lloyd were out of practice with injuries.
QUOTABLE
“It’s constantly harped on and I think we got it in our thick heads.” – quarterback Chris Simms on the coaches’ emphasis on situational play.
WHAT’S NEXT
The Broncos wrapped up training camp practice Thursday, so there are no more public practices until next year.
FOCUSING ON
Alphonso Smith, cornerback. When Jack Williams returned from injury Thursday, Smith was still working as the nickel cornerback, a job Williams had before his injury. Smith and Williams should continue to compete, but it will be hard to unseat the second-round pick.
BLOG
“Broncos legend Rod Smith talked football with Eddie Royal, showing him different ways to set up defensive backs with his route running. About 40 yards away, disgruntled receiver Brandon Marshall had a long chat with assistant linebackers coach and longtime NFL player Roman Phifer.” For reports visit gazettebroncos.freedomblogging.com.
TWEETS
"Rod Smith out here talking receiving with Eddie Royal the past 15 mins. Smith would be a great coach if he wanted to” Get The Gazette's camp coverage as soon as something happens on Twitter. Join and follow us @fs3142.
