Broncos notes: Moreno not pleased with debut

Running back Knowshon Moreno admits his NFL debut last Sunday could have been much better.

Moreno, the Denver Broncos’ top draft pick in April, gained 19 yards on eight carries against the Cincinnati Bengals. He was a bit rusty after missing most of the preseason because of a knee injury in the first preseason game. He said he didn’t make good reads on his blocks and wasn’t ready for the speed of the game.

“I made a lot of mistakes,” said Moreno, who added that his knee felt good.

Coach Josh McDaniels said Moreno’s performance was typical for a player making his NFL debut.

“We had a bunch of rookies playing on opening day, and each one of them saw — whether they made one mistake in the game or five — when you make an error, the guys on the other side of the ball are too good,” McDaniels said. “They exploit it.”

Dawkins gets poked
Safety Brian Dawkins’ signature visor didn’t help him much Sunday. His right eye was red and a bit swollen during his press conference Wednesday, the result of getting poked in the eye.

“This is the first time this has happened,” he said. “It is football. It is a physical sport. You kind of expect everything and you play through it.”

Dawkins missed practice, but because of his hand injury. Cornerback Champ Bailey (ankle), defensive end Le Kevin Smith (knee) and linebacker Spencer Larsen (shoulder) also missed practice.