Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
And welcome back to some more host Colorado Rockies Broncos
Country tonight once again, yes, yet again, this week I
am filling in for Benjamin Albright and Nick Ferguson. They
will be back tomorrow for our KOA one hundred year spectacular.
Make sure you're tuning into that. Should be a very
(00:23):
fun day of celebration where we will still be getting
into the Broncos and the Rockies and you know, all
the other NFL happenings, nuggets abs, all the good stuff,
buffs if they break some news, but we'll also have
the extra celebration element of you know, marking Koa's one
hundred years on air. So that should be a lot
(00:43):
of fun. Make sure you tune in for that. Had
another day of padded practice today and I want to
echo the sentiment that Ryan Edwards and Dave Logan had
on KOA Sports earlier today. This was probably the most
intense Broncos practice of this training camp. Definitely of this
training camp, and probably the most intense I've seen in
(01:05):
quite some time. You know, there weren't any fights, but
there were some moments where I was like, oh, are
we about to have our first fight of training camp?
Speaker 2 (01:11):
Here, you know, nothing bad, but just it was a
physical day.
Speaker 1 (01:15):
It was third day in a row of pads, a
day where they were emphasizing the run game a lot,
and we had, you know, not fully real hitting. It's
different from a full contact game or anything, but the
contact was definitely dialed up, even from where it had
been the previous two days in pads. So I think
that was tremendously exciting. But first, let's talk about that
(01:37):
Rockies game. I think that was a bit of a disappointment,
especially after they started the series with that really thrilling
eight six victory.
Speaker 2 (01:45):
Over the Guardians.
Speaker 1 (01:47):
I think there was a lot of reason to feel
optimistic they could finish with you know, winning three or
four of their last four series after you know, losing
the series to the Orioles on this road stint. But
you know, closed out the series against the Guardians pretty
(02:07):
rough outscored fifteen to four over the final two games.
Speaker 2 (02:11):
They only had three hits tonight.
Speaker 1 (02:13):
The offense, the bats really struggled to start clicking for
the Rockies. Worming Bernabelle continues to be a bright spot.
Relative bright spot, that is, he was one of three
on the night. Tyler Friedman, he continues to be a
bright spot as well.
Speaker 2 (02:31):
He got a hit.
Speaker 1 (02:33):
Rockies now will head to Pittsburgh next part of their
road trip, where they'll be looking to maybe get a
series win, and that's definitely on the table. The Pirates
are last in their division and pretty rough team. Outside
of how great Paul Skeens has been, they've been pretty
lacklusster otherwise, So Rockies a chance to win another series.
(02:54):
And this was a great point the guys mentioned today
that you know, after the Rockies won just nine games
over the first two months of the season, they've won
twenty in the two months since, and you know, shows
they're starting to click. They started the season four and
twenty four and now are all the way up to
twenty eight and eighty, so obviously not where you want
(03:16):
to be, but again, they're maybe climbing their way out
of the gutter and that will be enough for them
to avoid history, which I think is what all Rockies
fans have to be rooting for at this point, considering
the long odds that the playoffs or any serious September
meaningful baseball back to training camp though the other big
(03:41):
car actually sorry, I wanted to touch on this trade
also for the Rockies. Today, just while we're on the topic,
they traded reliever Tyler Kinley to the Atlanta Braves, where
you should immediately immediately help them on a playoff push
and join their rotation. In return, they received Austin Smith.
(04:04):
Couldn't find the first name there for a second reliever,
Austin Smith.
Speaker 2 (04:07):
From the Braves.
Speaker 1 (04:08):
He's been in the Braves single A and double A
program so far this season, has a four point one
to three er striking out in impressive almost ten batters
every nine innings, allowing a point two to one to
nine batting average against which obviously these are lower levels,
but any of these numbers would be improvements on what
(04:30):
the Rockies have currently been getting.
Speaker 2 (04:32):
From their pitching staff.
Speaker 1 (04:33):
And now, obviously this is a developmental option, but Kinley
was kind of a veteran leader in this locker room
further or in this bullpen for the Rockies. At age
thirty four, you know, he he was on his last legs.
It makes sense to get him with a more competitive team. Now,
get a younger arm who maybe can help you more
(04:54):
in the future, as opposed to I don't know, kind
of having this win now pitcher in the rotation with
Tyler Kinley. You know, trade deadline right around the corner here.
We'll see if the Rockies get anything else done. I
think if you're a Rockies fan, the more trades the better.
Even if it's it's a lesser value if they're flipping
a kind of short term asset like Tyler Kinley for
(05:15):
something with a longer play, I think it's positive. Even
if Austin Smith only as a fifteen to twenty percent
chance of making it to the majors, you know, that's
a fifteen twenty percent chance he'll be on the next
meaningful Colorado Rockies team, and that that wasn't happening with
Tyler Kinley this season.
Speaker 2 (05:32):
So think that's a good bit of business.
Speaker 1 (05:34):
Now let's get into some of training Today's training camp action.
The only real breaking news we had today was that
the Von Valley and Q Robinson were out. That's in
addition to Alex Singleton and Drew Sanders out. Alex Singleton's
still dealing with that broken thumb and Drew Sanders the
(05:56):
injured foot ligament. That opened up some big opportunities for
other players on the roster, though, namely Troy Franklin, who
We've already been gushing about plenty on here over this
past week. I think he's been maybe the star of
training camp for these first few days at Broncos Park.
(06:21):
Just looks like an entirely different player, the physicality. I
got a question on Twitter today, you know what is
so different about Troy Franklin, And it's one he's just
further along in his development. Something actually Riley Moss played
today or talked about today.
Speaker 2 (06:40):
I'll play that clip here. Riley Moss talked about how.
Speaker 1 (06:45):
At the podium today just how much more refined Troy
Franklin's game is and how it's giving the corners a
much greater test than what they were having to deal
with and pass. I guess last training camp against the
same player in Troy Franklin.
Speaker 3 (07:02):
Yeah, you know his releases from last year this year
are have improved a lot and you could see it
in one on ones and it's been good work for
us because there's a lot of guys like that in
the league who are twitching off the line and then
can get out and run. So it's helped us a
lot as a defense being able to see that.
Speaker 1 (07:18):
And the release point is a big one because I
think that's part of it, right. The route running from
him is so much better. And some people have talked
about the confidence element with John Morton really getting on
him last training camp. Now he's obviously in Detroit is
their offensive coordinator, and you've seen not only Troy Franklin
but Marvin Mims have I think their best camps is
(07:38):
Broncos and look a lot more confident. Troy Franklin has
caught every catchupul.
Speaker 2 (07:44):
Ball thrown his way darn near.
Speaker 1 (07:47):
You know, he had won in completion today where Riley
Moss just beat him to the catch point, knocked the
thing incomplete. And he had another where it was a
really great coverage play from JQN, but they were both
kind of wrestling over the ball, you know, tipped up
in the air, it's bobbling around. Troy Franklin came down
with it. It was right on the far sideline. I
think he came down out of bounds. I can't say
(08:09):
with certainty, But again, the problem with Troy Franklin last
year wasn't yeah, and he did the exact same thing yesterday.
He had an almost identical rep where it was another
kind of bobble drill comes down with it right on
the sideline. And the problem last year wasn't can this
guy learn to keep his feet and down? Oh my god,
this guy has no sideline awareness like xavier' worthy had
(08:30):
that problem for the Chiefs and his rookie year. That
wasn't Troy Franklin's hurdle. It was catching the ball and
the fact that even if it is out of bounds,
I don't really care the fact you're making an acrobatic,
acrobatic catch. You're not letting the ball hit the ground
unless Riley Moss is making just a better coverage play.
I think is an excellent sign for Broncos country. And
(08:53):
with Valet out of lineup today, Franklin only got more opportunities,
more opportunities working with oo Nix in particular, and that
chemistry is just so natural.
Speaker 2 (09:04):
I think everyone was kind of.
Speaker 1 (09:05):
Surprised last season when you know, immediately after the draft
it was well, bo Nix has this built in comfort
blanket with their safety blanket with Troy Franklin, who you know,
the guy built in chemistry and he can just hit
the ground running with that go to guy. And even
in training camp last year, it was kind of surprising
(09:27):
how unproductive it was. It just never really clicked all season.
Now it's really clicking, and it's exciting for so many
reasons because Troy Franklin already does the most important thing
at a pretty high level, and I think the most
important thing, oddly, it's not catching the ball, it's getting open.
(09:50):
You know, some guys don't have the most reliable hands,
but if you're always open, that's more valuable than a
guy with very sure hands that's always covered. And Troy Franklin,
you know, again you need to see better hands, but
he fits that bill of you know, a guy who
can always get open. The hands were the issue last year.
(10:11):
He could have been an incredibly not incredibly productive, but
a much more productive rookie had he just completed some
wide open plays that were there for him. Now it
seems like he's checking that ladder box, and with him
being a more nuanced route runner as well, he's able
to get open more. He's running a more varied set
of routes in the Broncos offense, which I think is
(10:34):
nice to see and another element of the size that
I think got overlooked a lot last year but was
important for as good as he was at separating. Oftentimes,
the timing of his routes would get totally thrown off
by any contact the corners would put on him. And
you know, that was kind of the textbook game plan
on how to disrupt Troy Franklin and defend Troy Franklin
(10:56):
was make contact on him early and you know, just
off the timing of the route, and you know it'll
be a one wret and you're you're seeing you know,
I mean, the Broncos corners are plenty physical, Cirtan Moss, Baron,
Ja Kwan, They're they're all plenty physical, and he's not
(11:17):
being held up by that nearly the same way this offseason. Again,
he said it was only five or seven pounds in
his interview with Parker Gabriel.
Speaker 2 (11:25):
We talked about that last night.
Speaker 1 (11:26):
I'm very surprised he didn't add even more weight than
that because he certainly looks like it. Speaking of Jade Baron,
he is standing out more and more over these past
few days of training camp. Riley Moss also talked about
Jade Baron during his time at the podium today.
Speaker 3 (11:46):
I mean, he's smart, He's came in, you know, in
the training room in terms of like recovery stuff.
Speaker 2 (11:51):
He knows what to do.
Speaker 3 (11:52):
He's gotten a routine, which is kind of the biggest
learning curve. Obviously, when you come into the NFL's you
have so much time. How are you going to.
Speaker 2 (11:58):
Spend that time?
Speaker 3 (11:59):
And he spent that time well, I think rehabbing and
stuff like that, and also just picking up the defense.
I think, you know, he's smart and he understands, you
know where his help is at, and you know that's
that's nice to having him out there. You know you
can trust him and you know it helps all of us.
Speaker 1 (12:14):
And I think Jade Baron now he's going to have
to earn that role. He's going to have to beat
out Jay Kuan for the spot. The coaching staff isn't
ascribing anything to Ja Day. Anything he gets on this team,
he's going to have to earn. And you're seeing him
actually approach camp with that attitude too, which should be
a given. But not every first round pick, especially a
(12:35):
guy who many expected to go in the top fifteen,
maybe top ten. Not all of them come into the
league humble and ready to work. I think, you know, unfortunately,
the Broncos maybe experienced some of that with Jerry Judy
and Jade Baron, you know, has just immediately plugged in,
(12:57):
gone to work, whether it's special teams whatever, he is
ready to contribute today. They did, honestly one of the
most reps, the most memorable reps of any part of practice.
You know, the exciting one on one stuff, the contact,
heavy run game stuff where you've got Malcolm Roach yelling
and talking trash, all that stuff. One of the most
(13:19):
memorable reps, if not the most memorable rep of practice,
was probably when you had Kedron Smith and Zade Baron
just stonewalling Pat Bryant during special teams rep. They were
doing punting drill punt coverage drill. Pat Bryant was the
(13:42):
gunner on the punt team running down trying to get
to the returner. You had Zada and Kedron Smith as
the protectors kind of blocking Pat Bryant on the play
and they stone walled him. I mean he could not
get off the line of scrimmage. And Pat Bryant was
a great special teams player at the University of Illinois,
in a very physical receiver that loves blocking. He talked
(14:06):
about that on our air too, just how he loves
imposing his will on guys. Well is Zada, who's probably
I think definitely weighs good at less than Pat Bryant. Now,
granted he had a two on one advantage with Kedron
Smith next to him, but man Pat Bryant could not
gain an inch of ground. It was very impressive to
see a Zada and you've seen that, oh Camplong. He's
in a lot of these gunner drills and he's getting
(14:27):
his nose dirty, he's getting into contact, he's making the
plays on special teams where even if and I don't
expect this, but even if J Kwon McMillan fends him
off and he's not starting out of the gate in
week one, I think you can live with that because
whatever he does get on the field in dime or
whatever packages, he'll be very impactful and he'll immediately be
(14:51):
like a star special teams coverage player. That's not what
you want at pick twenty, but he's ready to come
in and pick up that role if that's what the
team from him right away. What you're really seeing from
him though, and Riley Moss kind of highlighted it in
that clip there, his intelligence just jumps off the field.
(15:15):
He's a great athlete, you know, a nine to three
RASK guy, which translates to him being a ninety third
percent of athlete for the cornerback position. And as Nick
Ferguson would would, I'm sure tell you on here defensive
backs but probably the best athletes on the field. So
you know, nothing against his athletic abilities, but man, what
really stands out with Jade is his intelligence and just
(15:37):
natural feel for the game. Whenever he's he's never lost.
He never looks lost. He's never you know, even in
one on ones. These guys are losing matchups. You know,
if you're a cornerback in a one on one, good
luck you kind of don't stand a chance during that
part of practice. But he's never lost. He never gets whooped.
(15:58):
You know, it's never man, Trent Surefield is open way downfield?
Speaker 2 (16:03):
Who was on him?
Speaker 4 (16:04):
Oh it?
Speaker 2 (16:04):
Washa da.
Speaker 1 (16:05):
You know, there's never those moments with him, at least
so far in camp. And he's always flowing to the ball.
You know his feel when it's you know, he'll have
outside leverage, man coverage.
Speaker 2 (16:18):
He'll be on the outside.
Speaker 1 (16:19):
It'll be a crossing, like a shallow crossing route, something
that's pretty impossible for him to cover and he'll immediately
diagnose it, chase it down, and he's not causing an
incompletion because that's kind of an impossible ask on that play,
but he's right there for the tackle. It's a minimal
one two yard gain because he was able to react
so quickly and diagnose it.
Speaker 2 (16:40):
That's just constant from him in practice.
Speaker 1 (16:43):
The other thing that stands out as a constant from
him in practice, and it's probably even more impressive what
he does in the run game. It echoes that kind
of ethos. I was just highlighting with his special teams williness,
his willingness to do whatever is asked of him on
special teams. And you're seeing that defense a lot of
cornerbacks that want to play the run. He's doing whatever
(17:03):
is asked of him on defense too. And I mean
I've seen him set some edges in the run game,
particularly yesterday, which wasn't as heavy of contact in the
offensive lines defense, but you know he's immediately dropping down,
getting his nose dirty, laying a hit on you know, whatever,
pulling guard or tackle, trying to bottle things up.
Speaker 2 (17:28):
JK.
Speaker 1 (17:28):
Dobbins today had a really nice cutback run. I'll get
into how the running backs looked probably in one of
these upcoming segments with JK.
Speaker 2 (17:38):
Dobbins.
Speaker 1 (17:38):
I think what really stands out with him is his vision.
He's great at finding those cutback lanes when the designed
lane is bottled up. One of the times he did
that today for a nice, you know, seven ish yard
gain was Jade Baron blowing up that run lane, and
so I with all that in mind, I really think
(17:59):
he's going to take that job from ja Quon sooner
rather than later. I bet by the end of before
that last preseason game, it's solidified that he's the number
three in that room, and maybe they're even shopping Jaquon
for a draft pick.
Speaker 2 (18:13):
I expect them to keep Jae Kwon.
Speaker 1 (18:14):
I think they like the depth, but I'm also sure
they'll listen to call see if they can shop some
sort of draft pick for them. That's something I'm definitely
gonna have to get into here in a little bit
with Broncos Country's Number Broncos Countries number one, Patrick Sirtan
fan brimstis she'll be enjoying the show at the bottom
(18:37):
of the hour. She was at Broncos' training camp practice today.
Bennett Broncos training camp practice all throughout the week.
Speaker 2 (18:43):
She's joining us to share some of her thoughts on
the practice.
Speaker 1 (18:47):
Part of the reason I wanted her actually is she's
up above in the bleachers and kind of has that
bird's eye view, a different angle on all of the
practice proceedings than us media have. We're all kind of
working from the same angle. So I'm curious to hear
if she and Mario Vitanzi, who will be my guest
at the top of the eight o'clock hour, have any
(19:09):
interesting observations for me. There another standout player, little surprise
standout player.
Speaker 2 (19:25):
Lavelle Bailey today.
Speaker 1 (19:27):
I think he was one of the other stories of
Broncos camp today. With Druce Anders out of the lineup
until probably around the start of the season, maybe a
little bit past the start of the season, and Singleton
out this week, you're seeing Lavelle Bailey, Kareine Reed, JB. Brown,
(19:48):
all these guys Hudson, Tommy Hudson I think is his name,
all get a ton of opportunities. Lavell Bailey chief chief
among the justin Sirnad of course too, he's probably getting
the line share of him. Vell Bailey has had a
stellar camp. Looks like a much better player than he
was last year, and he made the roster as a
UDFA last year. You know, Nick Kendall, a great voice
(20:11):
in Broncos country, put out a tweet today talking about
how you know, I wouldn't be surprised if he manages
to steal Alex Singleton's job when all is said and done,
and I do think that's on the table. You know,
you could look to get a lot cheaper. There's no
guarantees left on that Singleton contract. The Broncos could free
(20:32):
up a lot of cap space, so they can really
load up in that twenty twenty six offseason to try
and chase the Super Bowl. And if you feel good
about the depth options, you know Drew Sanders injury isn't
too serious. Kareeine Reid's had a really nice camp. Lavelle
Bailey has had again one of the best camps of anybody.
Maybe you feel confident enough to let a Singleton walk
(20:55):
and try and develop Lavell Bailey some I don't expect that.
I think this team is trying to win games right away,
and they're going to keep Alex Singleton around to keep
to help them do that, help them achieve that goal
try and advance them in the playoffs. But if you
want to talk about surprise camp cuts as good as
Alex Singleton looked at the start of camp, maybe it's
(21:15):
a trader whatever, but I would keep my eyes on
that one. We might have started late tonight because of
the Rockies, but we're making.
Speaker 2 (21:29):
Up for lost time.
Speaker 1 (21:30):
We got some guests, We've got extra long segments for you.
We're getting all into training camp. We'll talk about some
of the AFC West training camp happenings outside of Denver,
what's going on in the rest of the division, and
a whole lot more. Coming up and joining me right
now is believe in Broncos and let's talk Broncos.
Speaker 2 (21:50):
Very own Bremsis.
Speaker 1 (21:52):
You can find her on Twitter at Brie masdis three
to zero three.
Speaker 2 (21:56):
Make sure you're doing that.
Speaker 1 (21:57):
She's one of the very best in the business. Today
she was at Broncos training camp and so, Brie, I'm
just curious, what did you see out.
Speaker 4 (22:05):
There today, Gni Zac, thanks so much for having me on.
You know, it was a parent today, how badly these
guys wanted to get their hands on each other. Obviously,
a third day of padded practices, but the air. It's building.
You can feel the pressure kind of mounting for everyone involved,
and it's in a good way. There's not a whole
(22:26):
lot of chippiness. That would be worrisome to say that
possibly there was some sort of I don't know, locker room.
I want to say, maybe disband admit, but it seems great.
The rapport was amazing. There was, you know, some flashes
all over the place on social media, and it's all
good stuff. Like I particularly and if you haven't seen it,
(22:46):
Broncos Country, you have to go check out Malcolm Roach
and Marvin Min's interaction because I love it. It shows
that there's a lot of connection there between these guys.
They're hyped up, and I think it showed a lot
just through the defense and how excited they were and
just how much they were dominating during team periods.
Speaker 1 (23:04):
Today, Man, Malcolm Roach has been cracking me up all
drinking camp long. I thought the back and forth between
Marvin Dins and him today was absolutely hilarious. If, by
the way, if you haven't heard that, everybody, make sure
you go check that out. That was one of I
thought the funniest moments of today. Roach has been talking
(23:28):
just a lot of trash this entire training camp, and
it definitely started getting hundred JK. Dobbins and Marvin Nnn's
skin today during that kind of more physical run period.
What's it out from you or to you from the
run game? What running backs and probably what's the biggest
can't battle for the Broncos right now? Which running backs
(23:48):
are standing out to you are maybe not so much?
Speaker 4 (23:52):
Yeah, I mean you've got the rookies moving around and
the really picking up speed, so specifically when you want
to talk about R. J. Harvey right, it's it's a
matter of time before the run game really starts to
pick up and these guys get their sea legs back
that we're going to see the real top. It's incredibly
difficult to tell how quickly guys are going to be
(24:13):
even moving through this game, simply because it's padded practice.
They're not running full speed, the defenders aren't able to
light them up. But I want to say the run
game is catching on. The defense is doing everything in
their power to shut it down, which is why you
get this friendly drawing back and forth. But it's like
a hurricane meeting a volcano. Like they should make a
sci fi movie out of it, simply because these two
(24:36):
immovable forces are coming at each other really aggressively. And
I think the reason why it feels so good to
say that is because the Broncos have struggled so greatly
with what the run game is supposed to look like.
The anticipation of it. You get this, Okay, this is
the running back that's going to make the difference, and
then they don't. But that brings me to an RJ.
Harvey right. His explosiveness is already showing out early. There's
(24:58):
been multiple big breaks where you need to kind of
turn to your partner and be like, hey, did you
just see what I saw? And that's mean, you know,
evident throughout how everyone's talking about him in camp. I
think it'll be really interesting to see how he evolves,
just especially in past protection. I think it's part of
the learning curve heading into his first season. But it's
hard not to anticipate him making pushes for reps early on,
(25:22):
right because Denver is needy for this dynamic backfield element.
And I want to caution you know, there's a lot
of optimism right now in about Broncos country. It's thick,
it's like cloying it's overly positive, but it's also addictive
because the addition of R. J. Harvey alongside JK. Dobbins.
It's like the secret sauce. And when it comes to
reinvigorating this Broncos run game, it was already sorely missed
(25:45):
and it seems like it was just out of reach
all of these years. And I think this is the
spark that needed to really light this fire and get
it roaring again. And I love what I've seen out
of JK. Dobbins too, So there's just this there's a
different sense of it. It's not just it's not just
an expectation. You're actually seeing some of these tangible elements.
But I want to preface with saying a lot of
(26:06):
those stuff during the team periods today was because the
defense was playing out of their minds, and that's just
a testament to how scary they are, not only on paper,
but now I'm seeing it actualize itself in person.
Speaker 1 (26:18):
Yeah, I can't wait to see what this defense does
to a different offense. I think it's going to be
very fun and I really want to see this offense
go against a different defense. I think it's going to
be like taking the donuts off your bat. You'll just
get a much better version of them. You talked about
the front end of that running back battle Dobbins and Harvey.
(26:39):
I think that's an interesting dynamic and they do look
like they provide something to the offense that was lacking
last year. Again, by the way, this is bre Masis
with believing Broncos and let's talk Broncos finder on Twitter
at Brie Mesis three h three. That said, behind those
top two guys, it seems like a mess. There's four
(26:59):
really talented running backs all fighting for those last roster spots.
Of course, you've got the fullback Michael Burton in the
next to the fullback aside, how do you think the
rest of that running back room after Dobbins and r J.
Speaker 2 (27:12):
Harvey shakes out? Based on what you're seeing it, camp.
Speaker 4 (27:16):
I really hate the speculation point that we're at right,
because you're going to have to start talking about who's
on the bubble, who is those loose pieces that are
going to have to prove themselves in a very short
window of time. Right, roster cuts are going to be
around the corner, and you still don't know exactly what
odrict estimate is. You still don't know if Julil McLaughlin
is the tell that it's been narrated through the through,
(27:37):
you know, the last season, Blake Watson's out there running
just as hard as he possibly can because he knows
that there is a bit of a meter, like there's
a ticking bomb waiting to sort of hash out a
role on this on this team. And so when you
look at it, it is a mess. And I just
(27:58):
want to kind of hesitate us a little bit before
I say I was looking at a running back by
committee approach. I was looking at it being kind of
this fair share using a hot hand establishment. But if
we don't see a third clear running back for that
depth chart, I think it's going to spell really what
the run game is going to have to elicit from.
(28:19):
And yeah, if you take the fullback out of the situation,
then you're even more limited. But where I think, and
maybe Chantaigne is just that much of a mad man
where he's thinking about all of those situational roles that
he can bring in, you know, throwing Mormann's into the
backfield again. Is Pat Bryant going to allow that? Do
you keep Michael Bandy for those reasons like where's the
(28:39):
versatility pieces where you don't have to rely solely on
additional running back depth in order to create that sort
of backfield chaos that you're looking for. And I'm hoping
that that will start to really tell itself during the
preseason and the early season. But what the Broncos can't
afford and what seems to happen season after season a
(29:00):
little bit of a slow start the run game is
one that cannot fall victim to that. And so I
want to say, you get another look at what f
MA has to bring to the table, and then guys
like Tyler Baday will just have to be one of
those guys you stashed on the practice squad. Now I
want to just hesitate because I know Bronco's country is
(29:20):
screaming at me right now, like just choose. I can't
because JK. Dobbins and R. J. Harvey is so there's
so specifically skill set on aike, Like I don't think
you can really compare the two and say one of
them is going to have the hot hander, one of
them is going to be about how back, because it's
just too early to really place those labels on it,
so that it is a mess but I think it's
(29:41):
an exciting mess. It's fun to have this speculation, and
it's exciting to be on Broncos Country tonight and talk
about the idea that there's multiple choices here because last
last year felt so bleak.
Speaker 2 (29:53):
It is a good mess right now.
Speaker 1 (29:55):
And I gotta say I thought Blake Watson was probably
the longest shot of the b He's been very impressive
to me at camp so far. I'm leading the Blake
Watson fan club. I hope you can find his way
onto the roster. I hope he has a really great
run or preseason. Also, I wanted to ask you here
(30:15):
about the other weapons wide receiver joining me again this
is premasis of believing Broncos. What do you make of
the big Courtland Sutton extension and him, you know, potentially
cementing his legacy in Broncos Country as one of the
franchises all time great receivers over you know, these next
four or five years.
Speaker 4 (30:37):
You know, I think Broncos Country really wanted to see
that deal happen. Specifically for the terms that were outlined.
There was a lot of speculation and expectation that that
contract was going to be much higher than what it
ended up being I think all parties around the Broncos,
the organization, the fans, and specifically and most importantly, Courtland's
Sutton has to be ecstatic about the contract Daddy's signed
(30:58):
because not only because does he get to stay in Denver,
but it sounds like both parties were quite thrilled to
get the deal done for what they did get it
done for man, that is a mouthful, but it's exciting
to note that bo Nix now gets his most comfortable weapon,
one of the most able bodied receivers that you're going
to find out there, and it just gives the ability
(31:20):
for Courtland Sutton to have that comfortability factor. So now
you have a second year with the same head coach,
the same quarterback, and you get to build a lot
of those reliability factors that you were missing simply from
having to change everything up from what it had been
year over years. So honestly, I'm really excited about what
(31:43):
it means for Courtland Sutton his long term goals as
he continues and possibly finishes his career out here in Denver.
And then also it just pushes it relays a message
to your team into individuals who are seeking development, to
the guys that you are drafting a Pat Bryant who's
going to be so important to this team's versatility and
(32:04):
wide receiver room. You let them know that, yes, we
are going to work with you, we are going to
find your market value. Aside, we are going to make
sure you're paid, taken care of, and you're a Denver
Bronco moving forward. And honestly, that's what that deal has
communicated to me, hopefully the fans, and most importantly the
locker room, as there are a ton of contracts that
(32:26):
are still on the horizon there for some big names
that are going to need to get shored up here shortly.
So I think it's it's great. I think it leads
a great environment for the team heading into the season.
And it really feels I don't know, Zach, I'm knocking
on wood right now, because it really feels like this
is the year where it's not just optimism. It feels
(32:49):
really good for the Denver Broncos in twenty twenty.
Speaker 1 (32:52):
Five for it to be more than just optimism, though,
you're going to need Bonnicks to come through obviously a
strong key season from Bow, but for them to compete
with I mean the the goliath quarterback that are in
the AFC, He's going to have to take probably another
step forward. What have you seen from him in this
(33:12):
trading camp so far? How have you felt about his performance?
Speaker 2 (33:16):
Yeah?
Speaker 4 (33:17):
Absolutely. I think the the stark delineation that you see
with bo Nicks is that he's not a rookie anymore.
But it's not just Sean Paytn seeing his praises. It's
not just the national media, it's not just his teammates.
It's like the entire precedent that his preparedness, preparedness is
being emerging and he's headed into a sophomore season spending it,
(33:42):
you know, in rehabilitation working with Drew Brees, mastering Shontayne's offense.
But he looks good, right, He looks good physically. He
was able to focus on recovery this offseason. He was
able to build back some strength, and you focus on
the field stuff because he's standing out there as well
during training camp. Everyone's excited to see him. But for
(34:03):
the last week it's it looks like he's being more
consistently confident, and I think the speed at which the
ball is getting out it's not marked with any uncomfortableness.
Today I mentioned that his throwing motion looks even more
smooth and effortless than it did before, like fluidity, but
to the exponential lengths of it, and so on day
(34:24):
like today, when the defense is primed and ready to
really leave a mark, I think Nix has been under
steafy pressure. But he's demonstrating a good rhythm and pocket
pocket presence. So already turns of praise from his teammates
regarding his confidence and his leadership. And he's sharp, he's communicative,
he seems more at ease this season. I'd really like
(34:46):
to see how that translates when the season kicks off,
because again we're in patted practices, it's training camp, but
there is an air of Bonix, that confidence is not
to be taken lightly. And I love that it is
just this shared conversation with it Broncos Country. It's hard
not to think that he takes that next step this season.
Speaker 1 (35:06):
The other two and once again this is bre Mestis.
I believe in Broncos and let's talk Broncos. Make sure
you're follow You're following her over at bre Mestis three
h three on Twitter. The two other most recent first
round picks by the Denver Broncos Pat Certan Ja de
barn both play defensive back. I know you're a huge
(35:27):
Cirtan fan and just a fan of defensive backs in general. Bree,
what are you seeing from that loaded Broncos defensive backfield
so far?
Speaker 4 (35:35):
Oh, it's a ton of fun. And because you mentioned Baron,
I'm going to say he's that chess piece right, you're
getting a glimpse of what Vance Joseph wants to do
as far as using him across formations because he is
the type of rookie and defensive back that the defensive
coordinators love right position flexibility, he's physical, he doesn't need
(35:55):
to come off the field. I don't know if that's
ringing true about any other players here on the Broncos,
but you'll know where I'm headed here in a bit
because Zada is getting tested against the depth of the
wide receiver room, like that's just the testament of the
room and how much talent is currently out there, and
he seems to be holding his own. You know, you
see his footwork in his short area of quickness really
(36:16):
taking center stage. And I feel like there's no shortage
of teammates that are really remarking on his adaptability and
the way he's coming along day to day. So it's
hard not to say that you've probably hit there on
your rookie cross for defensive backs. But also the secondary
really didn't have a whole lot to do, at least today,
simply because the defense and upfront they were just really
(36:39):
stealing the limelight and they were stuffing everything before it
had a chance to break the coverage. But there's a
lot to be excited about because there's hard hitting, there's adaptability,
there's depth. And Zach knows this because I talked to
talk about it all the time with always needing more dbs,
but you have them. You have them right now on
(36:59):
the team, and you're getting to see Brandon Jones and
Riley Moss's return and Chris Abram's drain, you know, kind
of returning to peak and just seeing where the depth
is going to line out, Like guys like Reece Taylor
and Joshua Pickett or even Jakwan McMillan, where's their place
within this system and how are they going to carve
(37:20):
out a role for themselves. And I've said it for
multiple positions, and I think that you'll see the trend
here is you're looking for position versatility. Are you able
to plug and play these players into all these different
circumstances and are they going to show appreciable difference from
if you were to I don't know. We saw what
happened when when we lost Riley Moss last season. The
(37:41):
next guy up maybe didn't fill that void exactly. So
where has the development hit where you don't have to
worry about that necessarily right Like is it going to
be is it going to be someone who's on the
roster right now, or is it going to be someone
that's going to have to really make it name for themselves.
So I'm excited because there's so much of an unknown,
(38:04):
But also on the other vainus things, it's it's who
is making the impact and where is the impact making
the difference Because it's not just about splash plays, it's
not just about turnovers. It's about when the plays happened
and were they able to make enough of an impact
to steal the momentum, to change time of possession to
you know, actuate that second phase of football and really
(38:26):
make a difference in what the end circumstance of the
game was. So I love slash plays because who doesn't
love a good interception or pick six or a pass
that's batted down. What I'm really looking for is the
disruption and that key factor in there. And like with
guys like Telenosa Huvanga, like, I cannot wait to see
what kind of disruptor he is in that Denver Broncos secondary.
(38:50):
So yes, you may have heard my voice peek up
a little bit because I'm super passionate about it and
I'm very excited to see how it all works itself out.
But it's an open it's an open field. Outside of
that second tier of the depth chart, you have a
lot of guys who can make a name for themselves
heading into the season.
Speaker 1 (39:07):
Premasis of believe in Broncos. Last one for you here, Brie,
what has been your biggest surprise of training camp so far?
Speaker 4 (39:19):
Oh, my biggest surprise. I was not anticipating having to
be shocked, right, I guess it just has to be. Well, shoot,
I'll point to the fact that there is all of
these trenchman defensive linemen who are really physical but also
(39:39):
really amped, and I think it's really selling itself out
in the idea that you're looking at Rookie Sadie Jones, Right,
Skuy's the limit here and he's a standout on defense
because they're just continuing to dominate during padded practices. This
is a guy that's going to get his start, you know,
really really tating behind the vents and you're seeing his
(40:03):
presence already because the physicality is there, the presence is there,
and you're looking at these guys to really make a benchmark.
The development doesn't happen overnight. And what I think is
really shocking is I have a lot of worries about
depths on the O line, depths on the defensive line,
but it looks like there's a lot of young guys
(40:25):
who are in a position to have that time to
develop it. So as the Broncos continue to sort of
work their way out of these cap constraints that they
face because of the quarterback who mustn't be named, I
think there's just the idea that versatility and upside comes
from many different pieces of this puzzle for the Denver Broncos,
and I'm actually surprised how deep a lot of these
(40:46):
positions are. You could point simply just a wide receiver
and say there's three or four guys who unfortunately, are
not going to make the cut if they end up
keeping seven, but there's three or four guys who definitely
could play on this roster and make an impact. So
a lot of these guys aren't flashy yet, but they're
exactly what the Broncos were looking for when they acquired them,
(41:06):
whether it was through the draft or off season acquisitions
through free agency. You've got a lot of physicality coming
into camp, and you've got guys who have the ability
to play multiple spots, which just allows rotations to be fresh.
So although the Denver Broncos struggled or didn't struggle with
injuries as much as they have in the past in
twenty twenty four, it just looks like if that were
(41:29):
to happen, like at the worst case scenario, there's more
polishing to be done through reps, and all of this
stuff looks very coachable. I think the Broncos did a
fantastic job setting up their pieces for a lot of
the presence to grow on and off the field, and
so I was kind of shocked. I'm always very pessimistic
when it comes to these things, but you're really starting
(41:50):
to see that work itself out, whether it's the eleven
or eleven periods or nine on seven. There's a lot
of hungry players out there, and I think the Broncos
did a really great job casting a wide net to
ensure that their positional values continue to increase.
Speaker 1 (42:05):
That's Breen Masis with Believe in Broncos podcast and the
Let's Talk Broncos podcast. Make sure you're listening to her
there and following her over on Twitter at Brie Masis
three or three. Brie, thank you so much for the time,
and I hope to see you at camp here soon.
Speaker 4 (42:20):
You're amazing. Fact. Thank you so much. Have a great
rest of your evening.
Speaker 1 (42:23):
You too, Bree By great talking with Brie always left
picking her mind about the Broncos. Early on in that conversation,
we cited Marvin Mins talking about Malcolm Roach and some
of the defensive trash talk that was happening out there
today during a pretty physical practice. Here's more of or
(42:44):
that comment we were referencing earlier today.
Speaker 5 (42:49):
Yeah, I mean it's just Malcolm Roach. I mean, sitting
next to in the locker room. Guy doesn't shut up,
He's talking craft and receivers. It's like dude, like you're fat, guy,
like go worry about that me alone, but we're always
going back and forth.
Speaker 2 (43:02):
But with him, it's just a whole nother deal.
Speaker 1 (43:05):
And you can hear the media laughing there. Mems was
definitely saying that with a weink and a nod. You
know we're gonna smile. I think it's fun, you know.
I have to say, I think some of that locker
room culture and atmosphere is really positive for.
Speaker 2 (43:23):
The team just winning games.
Speaker 4 (43:24):
I had.
Speaker 1 (43:24):
The last time I remember a defense with this type
of personality was twenty twenty two when they came out
of the gates firing, and we're a really elite unit
for the first month or two of the season before
the Nathaniel Hackett and Russell Wilson of it all wore
everyone down. You know you aren't going to have those
factors this year. I mean in this defense is just
I mean, they're feeling themselves. They've got a lot of confidence,
(43:47):
a lot of swagger, and a lot of aggression too,
and I think like those are the the personality characteristics
you need to be a really, really great defense. And again,
this unit just has all the makings of being precisely
that one big news story I wanted to talk on
(44:12):
today while we're talking about some funny locker room dynamics.
This kind of went under the radar this offseason, and
understandably it's just one little quirk, but I think it's
becoming more important. His training camp starts to get rolling. Here,
DeVante Adams has joined the Los Angeles Rams.
Speaker 4 (44:32):
Right.
Speaker 1 (44:34):
The rams backup quarterback is Jimmy Garoppolo, who, if you
watched Netflix's Wide Receiver series you'll remember was driving Davonte
Adams absolutely insane during the overlap in their respective Raiders
ten years. Davante Adams couldn't have been less happy about
Jimmy GE's presence on that team, not like he was
(44:56):
a bad guy or anything, but consistently throwing him hospital
balls and a lot of the sideline quotes and audio
bites that Netflix Scott from Devonte Adams.
Speaker 2 (45:06):
And that show we're pretty damning.
Speaker 1 (45:09):
Davante was, of course asked by this, or asked about
this rather. Matthew Stafford is currently missing RAMS practices with
back soreness. So Davante's working a lot with Jimmy G.
He said, working with Jimmy G is amazing. We're getting
to work with him again. Is amazing and that you know,
their troubles with the Raiders were just a dark.
Speaker 2 (45:30):
Season for him, and I'm sure there's some truth of that.
Speaker 1 (45:34):
You know, he signed or wanted to join the Raiders
initially so he could be with Derek Carr again, and
then you know, Derek car gets shipped out, Jimmy G
comes in.
Speaker 2 (45:43):
I'm sure that was an element of.
Speaker 1 (45:44):
It, but also the root of the problem was ultimately
the Jimmy G was throwing him some hospital balls, and
that's been a friend of Jimmy G's entire career. I
don't think it's suddenly fixed without him seeing much playing time.
So I wonder, you know, how long does the honeymoon
period last. Is it even a concern? You know, if
(46:06):
Matt Stafford stays healthy all year, it's a non issue.
Speaker 2 (46:09):
But we're talking about.
Speaker 1 (46:10):
A Rams offensive line that already having health problems and
serious ones. Starting tackle Alaric Jackson is missing time with
blood clots. That's very concerning, hoping he can come back
healthy this season. Right tackle Rob haven't Seen has missed
multiple games in several of the most recent seasons. The
(46:32):
interior offensive line is solid, but you've also got some
moving parts up there, and you got to think, you know,
Alert Jackson being that blindside protector, he's the one who's out.
They don't have great depth at tackle. Their option right
now is DJ Humphries, who couldn't get on the field
for a Chiefs team last year that desperately needed tackle help.
It's what happens if he gets in there, you know,
(46:52):
Matt Stafford takes a shot to the back. Hopefully this
doesn't happen, of course, but what if that happens all
of a sudden, You've got Jimmy g in the lineup
for a month or so. This is a Rams team
looking to win a Super Bowl right now. They're pushing
all their chips in and beyond that element of it,
what happens for Devonte Adams.
Speaker 2 (47:10):
He's probably looking.
Speaker 1 (47:11):
To enjoy the tail end of his maybe not even
his prime, but the tail end of his high end years,
and all of a sudden, he might see himself saddled
with probably the last quarterback in the world he wants
to be saddled with for an extended period of time.
I think that's a very interesting dynamic to keep monitoring
throughout the season, and which should be a pretty interesting
(47:33):
division there with the NFC West got the Rams looking
like a legit Super Bowl contender. The Niners, if they
get right, you know, they could always be a legit
Super Bowl contender. Robert Salah coming back should really help
that defense. The Cardinals have been slowly building and building
and building, and you know.
Speaker 2 (47:50):
If you listen to Albright on this show, this is
the year.
Speaker 1 (47:53):
A lot of people think they're finally going to turn
the corner and maybe become a real threat in that division.
But then the Seahawks, they're kind of the forgotten team.
And I think Sam Donald's a pretty meanful downgrade on
Gino Smith, but you can't deny Sam Donald was the
more productive of the two quarterbacks last year. If he
can be anywhere near that same quarterback again, a Seahawks
(48:16):
team that ultimately tied with the Rams at ten and
seven last year might be enough for them to make
them a real playoff team, especially when you consider their
defense struggled early on and got really hot down the
stretch once Mike McDonald was able to fully implement his
new scheme. They're a fun dark horse to watch in
the NFC, so really fun to watch. I think that
(48:38):
entire division and the rams and all their personality dynamics,
And welcome back to some more host Colorado Rockies Broncos
Country tonight once again, yes, yet again, this week I
am filling in for Benjamin Albright and Nick Ferguson. They
will be back tomorrow for our KOA one hundred year spectacular.
Make sure you're tuning into that. Should be a very
(00:23):
fun day of celebration where we will still be getting
into the Broncos and the Rockies and you know, all
the other NFL happenings, nuggets abs, all the good stuff,
buffs if they break some news, but we'll also have
the extra celebration element of you know, marking Koa's one
hundred years on air. So that should be a lot
(00:43):
of fun. Make sure you tune in for that. Had
another day of padded practice today and I want to
echo the sentiment that Ryan Edwards and Dave Logan had
on KOA Sports earlier today. This was probably the most
intense Broncos practice of this training camp. Definitely of this
training camp, and probably the most intense I've seen in
(01:05):
quite some time. You know, there weren't any fights, but
there were some moments where I was like, oh, are
we about to have our first fight of training camp?
Speaker 2 (01:11):
Here, you know, nothing bad, but just it was a
physical day.
Speaker 1 (01:15):
It was third day in a row of pads, a
day where they were emphasizing the run game a lot,
and we had, you know, not fully real hitting. It's
different from a full contact game or anything, but the
contact was definitely dialed up, even from where it had
been the previous two days in pads. So I think
that was tremendously exciting. But first, let's talk about that
(01:37):
Rockies game. I think that was a bit of a disappointment,
especially after they started the series with that really thrilling
eight six victory.
Speaker 2 (01:45):
Over the Guardians.
Speaker 1 (01:47):
I think there was a lot of reason to feel
optimistic they could finish with you know, winning three or
four of their last four series after you know, losing
the series to the Orioles on this road stint. But
you know, closed out the series against the Guardians pretty
(02:07):
rough outscored fifteen to four over the final two games.
Speaker 2 (02:11):
They only had three hits tonight.
Speaker 1 (02:13):
The offense, the bats really struggled to start clicking for
the Rockies. Worming Bernabelle continues to be a bright spot.
Relative bright spot, that is, he was one of three
on the night. Tyler Friedman, he continues to be a
bright spot as well.
Speaker 2 (02:31):
He got a hit.
Speaker 1 (02:33):
Rockies now will head to Pittsburgh next part of their
road trip, where they'll be looking to maybe get a
series win, and that's definitely on the table. The Pirates
are last in their division and pretty rough team. Outside
of how great Paul Skeens has been, they've been pretty
lacklusster otherwise, So Rockies a chance to win another series.
(02:54):
And this was a great point the guys mentioned today
that you know, after the Rockies won just nine games
over the first two months of the season, they've won
twenty in the two months since, and you know, shows
they're starting to click. They started the season four and
twenty four and now are all the way up to
twenty eight and eighty, so obviously not where you want
(03:16):
to be, but again, they're maybe climbing their way out
of the gutter and that will be enough for them
to avoid history, which I think is what all Rockies
fans have to be rooting for at this point, considering
the long odds that the playoffs or any serious September
meaningful baseball back to training camp though the other big
(03:41):
car actually sorry, I wanted to touch on this trade
also for the Rockies. Today, just while we're on the topic,
they traded reliever Tyler Kinley to the Atlanta Braves, where
you should immediately immediately help them on a playoff push
and join their rotation. In return, they received Austin Smith.
(04:04):
Couldn't find the first name there for a second reliever,
Austin Smith.
Speaker 2 (04:07):
From the Braves.
Speaker 1 (04:08):
He's been in the Braves single A and double A
program so far this season, has a four point one
to three er striking out in impressive almost ten batters
every nine innings, allowing a point two to one to
nine batting average against which obviously these are lower levels,
but any of these numbers would be improvements on what
(04:30):
the Rockies have currently been getting.
Speaker 2 (04:32):
From their pitching staff.
Speaker 1 (04:33):
And now, obviously this is a developmental option, but Kinley
was kind of a veteran leader in this locker room
further or in this bullpen for the Rockies. At age
thirty four, you know, he he was on his last legs.
It makes sense to get him with a more competitive team. Now,
get a younger arm who maybe can help you more
(04:54):
in the future, as opposed to I don't know, kind
of having this win now pitcher in the rotation with
Tyler Kinley. You know, trade deadline right around the corner here.
We'll see if the Rockies get anything else done. I
think if you're a Rockies fan, the more trades the better.
Even if it's it's a lesser value if they're flipping
a kind of short term asset like Tyler Kinley for
(05:15):
something with a longer play, I think it's positive. Even
if Austin Smith only as a fifteen to twenty percent
chance of making it to the majors, you know, that's
a fifteen twenty percent chance he'll be on the next
meaningful Colorado Rockies team, and that that wasn't happening with
Tyler Kinley this season.
Speaker 2 (05:32):
So think that's a good bit of business.
Speaker 1 (05:34):
Now let's get into some of training Today's training camp action.
The only real breaking news we had today was that
the Von Valley and Q Robinson were out. That's in
addition to Alex Singleton and Drew Sanders out. Alex Singleton's
still dealing with that broken thumb and Drew Sanders the
(05:56):
injured foot ligament. That opened up some big opportunities for
other players on the roster, though, namely Troy Franklin, who
We've already been gushing about plenty on here over this
past week. I think he's been maybe the star of
training camp for these first few days at Broncos Park.
(06:21):
Just looks like an entirely different player, the physicality. I
got a question on Twitter today, you know what is
so different about Troy Franklin, And it's one he's just
further along in his development. Something actually Riley Moss played
today or talked about today.
Speaker 2 (06:40):
I'll play that clip here. Riley Moss talked about how.
Speaker 1 (06:45):
At the podium today just how much more refined Troy
Franklin's game is and how it's giving the corners a
much greater test than what they were having to deal
with and pass. I guess last training camp against the
same player in Troy Franklin.
Speaker 3 (07:02):
Yeah, you know his releases from last year this year
are have improved a lot and you could see it
in one on ones and it's been good work for
us because there's a lot of guys like that in
the league who are twitching off the line and then
can get out and run. So it's helped us a
lot as a defense being able to see that.
Speaker 1 (07:18):
And the release point is a big one because I
think that's part of it, right. The route running from
him is so much better. And some people have talked
about the confidence element with John Morton really getting on
him last training camp. Now he's obviously in Detroit is
their offensive coordinator, and you've seen not only Troy Franklin
but Marvin Mims have I think their best camps is
(07:38):
Broncos and look a lot more confident. Troy Franklin has
caught every catchupul.
Speaker 2 (07:44):
Ball thrown his way darn near.
Speaker 1 (07:47):
You know, he had won in completion today where Riley
Moss just beat him to the catch point, knocked the
thing incomplete. And he had another where it was a
really great coverage play from JQN, but they were both
kind of wrestling over the ball, you know, tipped up
in the air, it's bobbling around. Troy Franklin came down
with it. It was right on the far sideline. I
think he came down out of bounds. I can't say
(08:09):
with certainty, But again, the problem with Troy Franklin last
year wasn't yeah, and he did the exact same thing yesterday.
He had an almost identical rep where it was another
kind of bobble drill comes down with it right on
the sideline. And the problem last year wasn't can this
guy learn to keep his feet and down? Oh my god,
this guy has no sideline awareness like xavier' worthy had
(08:30):
that problem for the Chiefs and his rookie year. That
wasn't Troy Franklin's hurdle. It was catching the ball and
the fact that even if it is out of bounds,
I don't really care the fact you're making an acrobatic,
acrobatic catch. You're not letting the ball hit the ground
unless Riley Moss is making just a better coverage play.
I think is an excellent sign for Broncos country. And
(08:53):
with Valet out of lineup today, Franklin only got more opportunities,
more opportunities working with oo Nix in particular, and that
chemistry is just so natural.
Speaker 2 (09:04):
I think everyone was kind of.
Speaker 1 (09:05):
Surprised last season when you know, immediately after the draft
it was well, bo Nix has this built in comfort
blanket with their safety blanket with Troy Franklin, who you know,
the guy built in chemistry and he can just hit
the ground running with that go to guy. And even
in training camp last year, it was kind of surprising
(09:27):
how unproductive it was. It just never really clicked all season.
Now it's really clicking, and it's exciting for so many
reasons because Troy Franklin already does the most important thing
at a pretty high level, and I think the most
important thing, oddly, it's not catching the ball, it's getting open.
(09:50):
You know, some guys don't have the most reliable hands,
but if you're always open, that's more valuable than a
guy with very sure hands that's always covered. And Troy Franklin,
you know, again you need to see better hands, but
he fits that bill of you know, a guy who
can always get open. The hands were the issue last year.
(10:11):
He could have been an incredibly not incredibly productive, but
a much more productive rookie had he just completed some
wide open plays that were there for him. Now it
seems like he's checking that ladder box, and with him
being a more nuanced route runner as well, he's able
to get open more. He's running a more varied set
of routes in the Broncos offense, which I think is
(10:34):
nice to see and another element of the size that
I think got overlooked a lot last year but was
important for as good as he was at separating. Oftentimes,
the timing of his routes would get totally thrown off
by any contact the corners would put on him. And
you know, that was kind of the textbook game plan
on how to disrupt Troy Franklin and defend Troy Franklin
(10:56):
was make contact on him early and you know, just
off the timing of the route, and you know it'll
be a one wret and you're you're seeing you know,
I mean, the Broncos corners are plenty physical, Cirtan Moss, Baron,
Ja Kwan, They're they're all plenty physical, and he's not
(11:17):
being held up by that nearly the same way this offseason. Again,
he said it was only five or seven pounds in
his interview with Parker Gabriel.
Speaker 2 (11:25):
We talked about that last night.
Speaker 1 (11:26):
I'm very surprised he didn't add even more weight than
that because he certainly looks like it. Speaking of Jade Baron,
he is standing out more and more over these past
few days of training camp. Riley Moss also talked about
Jade Baron during his time at the podium today.
Speaker 3 (11:46):
I mean, he's smart, He's came in, you know, in
the training room in terms of like recovery stuff.
Speaker 2 (11:51):
He knows what to do.
Speaker 3 (11:52):
He's gotten a routine, which is kind of the biggest
learning curve. Obviously, when you come into the NFL's you
have so much time. How are you going to.
Speaker 2 (11:58):
Spend that time?
Speaker 3 (11:59):
And he spent that time well, I think rehabbing and
stuff like that, and also just picking up the defense.
I think, you know, he's smart and he understands, you
know where his help is at, and you know that's
that's nice to having him out there. You know you
can trust him and you know it helps all of us.
Speaker 1 (12:14):
And I think Jade Baron now he's going to have
to earn that role. He's going to have to beat
out Jay Kuan for the spot. The coaching staff isn't
ascribing anything to Ja Day. Anything he gets on this team,
he's going to have to earn. And you're seeing him
actually approach camp with that attitude too, which should be
a given. But not every first round pick, especially a
(12:35):
guy who many expected to go in the top fifteen,
maybe top ten. Not all of them come into the
league humble and ready to work. I think, you know, unfortunately,
the Broncos maybe experienced some of that with Jerry Judy
and Jade Baron, you know, has just immediately plugged in,
(12:57):
gone to work, whether it's special teams whatever, he is
ready to contribute today. They did, honestly one of the
most reps, the most memorable reps of any part of practice.
You know, the exciting one on one stuff, the contact,
heavy run game stuff where you've got Malcolm Roach yelling
and talking trash, all that stuff. One of the most
(13:19):
memorable reps, if not the most memorable rep of practice,
was probably when you had Kedron Smith and Zade Baron
just stonewalling Pat Bryant during special teams rep. They were
doing punting drill punt coverage drill. Pat Bryant was the
(13:42):
gunner on the punt team running down trying to get
to the returner. You had Zada and Kedron Smith as
the protectors kind of blocking Pat Bryant on the play
and they stone walled him. I mean he could not
get off the line of scrimmage. And Pat Bryant was
a great special teams player at the University of Illinois,
in a very physical receiver that loves blocking. He talked
(14:06):
about that on our air too, just how he loves
imposing his will on guys. Well is Zada, who's probably
I think definitely weighs good at less than Pat Bryant. Now,
granted he had a two on one advantage with Kedron
Smith next to him, but man Pat Bryant could not
gain an inch of ground. It was very impressive to
see a Zada and you've seen that, oh Camplong. He's
in a lot of these gunner drills and he's getting
(14:27):
his nose dirty, he's getting into contact, he's making the
plays on special teams where even if and I don't
expect this, but even if J Kwon McMillan fends him
off and he's not starting out of the gate in
week one, I think you can live with that because
whatever he does get on the field in dime or
whatever packages, he'll be very impactful and he'll immediately be
(14:51):
like a star special teams coverage player. That's not what
you want at pick twenty, but he's ready to come
in and pick up that role if that's what the
team from him right away. What you're really seeing from
him though, and Riley Moss kind of highlighted it in
that clip there, his intelligence just jumps off the field.
(15:15):
He's a great athlete, you know, a nine to three
RASK guy, which translates to him being a ninety third
percent of athlete for the cornerback position. And as Nick
Ferguson would would, I'm sure tell you on here defensive
backs but probably the best athletes on the field. So
you know, nothing against his athletic abilities, but man, what
really stands out with Jade is his intelligence and just
(15:37):
natural feel for the game. Whenever he's he's never lost.
He never looks lost. He's never you know, even in
one on ones. These guys are losing matchups. You know,
if you're a cornerback in a one on one, good
luck you kind of don't stand a chance during that
part of practice. But he's never lost. He never gets whooped.
(15:58):
You know, it's never man, Trent Surefield is open way downfield?
Speaker 2 (16:03):
Who was on him?
Speaker 4 (16:04):
Oh it?
Speaker 2 (16:04):
Washa da.
Speaker 1 (16:05):
You know, there's never those moments with him, at least
so far in camp. And he's always flowing to the ball.
You know his feel when it's you know, he'll have
outside leverage, man coverage.
Speaker 2 (16:18):
He'll be on the outside.
Speaker 1 (16:19):
It'll be a crossing, like a shallow crossing route, something
that's pretty impossible for him to cover and he'll immediately
diagnose it, chase it down, and he's not causing an
incompletion because that's kind of an impossible ask on that play,
but he's right there for the tackle. It's a minimal
one two yard gain because he was able to react
so quickly and diagnose it.
Speaker 2 (16:40):
That's just constant from him in practice.
Speaker 1 (16:43):
The other thing that stands out as a constant from
him in practice, and it's probably even more impressive what
he does in the run game. It echoes that kind
of ethos. I was just highlighting with his special teams williness,
his willingness to do whatever is asked of him on
special teams. And you're seeing that defense a lot of
cornerbacks that want to play the run. He's doing whatever
(17:03):
is asked of him on defense too. And I mean
I've seen him set some edges in the run game,
particularly yesterday, which wasn't as heavy of contact in the
offensive lines defense, but you know he's immediately dropping down,
getting his nose dirty, laying a hit on you know, whatever,
pulling guard or tackle, trying to bottle things up.
Speaker 2 (17:28):
JK.
Speaker 1 (17:28):
Dobbins today had a really nice cutback run. I'll get
into how the running backs looked probably in one of
these upcoming segments with JK.
Speaker 2 (17:38):
Dobbins.
Speaker 1 (17:38):
I think what really stands out with him is his vision.
He's great at finding those cutback lanes when the designed
lane is bottled up. One of the times he did
that today for a nice, you know, seven ish yard
gain was Jade Baron blowing up that run lane, and
so I with all that in mind, I really think
(17:59):
he's going to take that job from ja Quon sooner
rather than later. I bet by the end of before
that last preseason game, it's solidified that he's the number
three in that room, and maybe they're even shopping Jaquon
for a draft pick.
Speaker 2 (18:13):
I expect them to keep Jae Kwon.
Speaker 1 (18:14):
I think they like the depth, but I'm also sure
they'll listen to call see if they can shop some
sort of draft pick for them. That's something I'm definitely
gonna have to get into here in a little bit
with Broncos Country's Number Broncos Countries number one, Patrick Sirtan
fan brimstis she'll be enjoying the show at the bottom
(18:37):
of the hour. She was at Broncos' training camp practice today.
Bennett Broncos training camp practice all throughout the week.
Speaker 2 (18:43):
She's joining us to share some of her thoughts on
the practice.
Speaker 1 (18:47):
Part of the reason I wanted her actually is she's
up above in the bleachers and kind of has that
bird's eye view, a different angle on all of the
practice proceedings than us media have. We're all kind of
working from the same angle. So I'm curious to hear
if she and Mario Vitanzi, who will be my guest
at the top of the eight o'clock hour, have any
(19:09):
interesting observations for me. There another standout player, little surprise
standout player.
Speaker 2 (19:25):
Lavelle Bailey today.
Speaker 1 (19:27):
I think he was one of the other stories of
Broncos camp today. With Druce Anders out of the lineup
until probably around the start of the season, maybe a
little bit past the start of the season, and Singleton
out this week, you're seeing Lavelle Bailey, Kareine Reed, JB. Brown,
(19:48):
all these guys Hudson, Tommy Hudson I think is his name,
all get a ton of opportunities. Lavell Bailey chief chief
among the justin Sirnad of course too, he's probably getting
the line share of him. Vell Bailey has had a
stellar camp. Looks like a much better player than he
was last year, and he made the roster as a
UDFA last year. You know, Nick Kendall, a great voice
(20:11):
in Broncos country, put out a tweet today talking about
how you know, I wouldn't be surprised if he manages
to steal Alex Singleton's job when all is said and done,
and I do think that's on the table. You know,
you could look to get a lot cheaper. There's no
guarantees left on that Singleton contract. The Broncos could free
(20:32):
up a lot of cap space, so they can really
load up in that twenty twenty six offseason to try
and chase the Super Bowl. And if you feel good
about the depth options, you know Drew Sanders injury isn't
too serious. Kareeine Reid's had a really nice camp. Lavelle
Bailey has had again one of the best camps of anybody.
Maybe you feel confident enough to let a Singleton walk
(20:55):
and try and develop Lavell Bailey some I don't expect that.
I think this team is trying to win games right away,
and they're going to keep Alex Singleton around to keep
to help them do that, help them achieve that goal
try and advance them in the playoffs. But if you
want to talk about surprise camp cuts as good as
Alex Singleton looked at the start of camp, maybe it's
(21:15):
a trader whatever, but I would keep my eyes on
that one. We might have started late tonight because of
the Rockies, but we're making.
Speaker 2 (21:29):
Up for lost time.
Speaker 1 (21:30):
We got some guests, We've got extra long segments for you.
We're getting all into training camp. We'll talk about some
of the AFC West training camp happenings outside of Denver,
what's going on in the rest of the division, and
a whole lot more. Coming up and joining me right
now is believe in Broncos and let's talk Broncos.
Speaker 2 (21:50):
Very own Bremsis.
Speaker 1 (21:52):
You can find her on Twitter at Brie masdis three
to zero three.
Speaker 2 (21:56):
Make sure you're doing that.
Speaker 1 (21:57):
She's one of the very best in the business. Today
she was at Broncos training camp and so, Brie, I'm
just curious, what did you see out.
Speaker 4 (22:05):
There today, Gni Zac, thanks so much for having me on.
You know, it was a parent today, how badly these
guys wanted to get their hands on each other. Obviously,
a third day of padded practices, but the air. It's building.
You can feel the pressure kind of mounting for everyone involved,
and it's in a good way. There's not a whole
(22:26):
lot of chippiness. That would be worrisome to say that
possibly there was some sort of I don't know, locker room.
I want to say, maybe disband admit, but it seems great.
The rapport was amazing. There was, you know, some flashes
all over the place on social media, and it's all
good stuff. Like I particularly and if you haven't seen it,
(22:46):
Broncos Country, you have to go check out Malcolm Roach
and Marvin Min's interaction because I love it. It shows
that there's a lot of connection there between these guys.
They're hyped up, and I think it showed a lot
just through the defense and how excited they were and
just how much they were dominating during team periods.
Speaker 1 (23:04):
Today, Man, Malcolm Roach has been cracking me up all
drinking camp long. I thought the back and forth between
Marvin Dins and him today was absolutely hilarious. If, by
the way, if you haven't heard that, everybody, make sure
you go check that out. That was one of I
thought the funniest moments of today. Roach has been talking
(23:28):
just a lot of trash this entire training camp, and
it definitely started getting hundred JK. Dobbins and Marvin Nnn's
skin today during that kind of more physical run period.
What's it out from you or to you from the
run game? What running backs and probably what's the biggest
can't battle for the Broncos right now? Which running backs
(23:48):
are standing out to you are maybe not so much?
Speaker 4 (23:52):
Yeah, I mean you've got the rookies moving around and
the really picking up speed, so specifically when you want
to talk about R. J. Harvey right, it's it's a
matter of time before the run game really starts to
pick up and these guys get their sea legs back
that we're going to see the real top. It's incredibly
difficult to tell how quickly guys are going to be
(24:13):
even moving through this game, simply because it's padded practice.
They're not running full speed, the defenders aren't able to
light them up. But I want to say the run
game is catching on. The defense is doing everything in
their power to shut it down, which is why you
get this friendly drawing back and forth. But it's like
a hurricane meeting a volcano. Like they should make a
sci fi movie out of it, simply because these two
(24:36):
immovable forces are coming at each other really aggressively. And
I think the reason why it feels so good to
say that is because the Broncos have struggled so greatly
with what the run game is supposed to look like.
The anticipation of it. You get this, Okay, this is
the running back that's going to make the difference, and
then they don't. But that brings me to an RJ.
Harvey right. His explosiveness is already showing out early. There's
(24:58):
been multiple big breaks where you need to kind of
turn to your partner and be like, hey, did you
just see what I saw? And that's mean, you know,
evident throughout how everyone's talking about him in camp. I
think it'll be really interesting to see how he evolves,
just especially in past protection. I think it's part of
the learning curve heading into his first season. But it's
hard not to anticipate him making pushes for reps early on,
(25:22):
right because Denver is needy for this dynamic backfield element.
And I want to caution you know, there's a lot
of optimism right now in about Broncos country. It's thick,
it's like cloying it's overly positive, but it's also addictive
because the addition of R. J. Harvey alongside JK. Dobbins.
It's like the secret sauce. And when it comes to
reinvigorating this Broncos run game, it was already sorely missed
(25:45):
and it seems like it was just out of reach
all of these years. And I think this is the
spark that needed to really light this fire and get
it roaring again. And I love what I've seen out
of JK. Dobbins too, So there's just this there's a
different sense of it. It's not just it's not just
an expectation. You're actually seeing some of these tangible elements.
But I want to preface with saying a lot of
(26:06):
those stuff during the team periods today was because the
defense was playing out of their minds, and that's just
a testament to how scary they are, not only on paper,
but now I'm seeing it actualize itself in person.
Speaker 1 (26:18):
Yeah, I can't wait to see what this defense does
to a different offense. I think it's going to be
very fun and I really want to see this offense
go against a different defense. I think it's going to
be like taking the donuts off your bat. You'll just
get a much better version of them. You talked about
the front end of that running back battle Dobbins and Harvey.
(26:39):
I think that's an interesting dynamic and they do look
like they provide something to the offense that was lacking
last year. Again, by the way, this is bre Masis
with believing Broncos and let's talk Broncos finder on Twitter
at Brie Mesis three h three. That said, behind those
top two guys, it seems like a mess. There's four
(26:59):
really talented running backs all fighting for those last roster spots.
Of course, you've got the fullback Michael Burton in the
next to the fullback aside, how do you think the
rest of that running back room after Dobbins and r J.
Speaker 2 (27:12):
Harvey shakes out? Based on what you're seeing it, camp.
Speaker 4 (27:16):
I really hate the speculation point that we're at right,
because you're going to have to start talking about who's
on the bubble, who is those loose pieces that are
going to have to prove themselves in a very short
window of time. Right, roster cuts are going to be
around the corner, and you still don't know exactly what
odrict estimate is. You still don't know if Julil McLaughlin
is the tell that it's been narrated through the through,
(27:37):
you know, the last season, Blake Watson's out there running
just as hard as he possibly can because he knows
that there is a bit of a meter, like there's
a ticking bomb waiting to sort of hash out a
role on this on this team. And so when you
look at it, it is a mess. And I just
(27:58):
want to kind of hesitate us a little bit before
I say I was looking at a running back by
committee approach. I was looking at it being kind of
this fair share using a hot hand establishment. But if
we don't see a third clear running back for that
depth chart, I think it's going to spell really what
the run game is going to have to elicit from.
(28:19):
And yeah, if you take the fullback out of the situation,
then you're even more limited. But where I think, and
maybe Chantaigne is just that much of a mad man
where he's thinking about all of those situational roles that
he can bring in, you know, throwing Mormann's into the
backfield again. Is Pat Bryant going to allow that? Do
you keep Michael Bandy for those reasons like where's the
(28:39):
versatility pieces where you don't have to rely solely on
additional running back depth in order to create that sort
of backfield chaos that you're looking for. And I'm hoping
that that will start to really tell itself during the
preseason and the early season. But what the Broncos can't
afford and what seems to happen season after season a
(29:00):
little bit of a slow start the run game is
one that cannot fall victim to that. And so I
want to say, you get another look at what f
MA has to bring to the table, and then guys
like Tyler Baday will just have to be one of
those guys you stashed on the practice squad. Now I
want to just hesitate because I know Bronco's country is
(29:20):
screaming at me right now, like just choose. I can't
because JK. Dobbins and R. J. Harvey is so there's
so specifically skill set on aike, Like I don't think
you can really compare the two and say one of
them is going to have the hot hander, one of
them is going to be about how back, because it's
just too early to really place those labels on it,
so that it is a mess but I think it's
(29:41):
an exciting mess. It's fun to have this speculation, and
it's exciting to be on Broncos Country tonight and talk
about the idea that there's multiple choices here because last
last year felt so bleak.
Speaker 2 (29:53):
It is a good mess right now.
Speaker 1 (29:55):
And I gotta say I thought Blake Watson was probably
the longest shot of the b He's been very impressive
to me at camp so far. I'm leading the Blake
Watson fan club. I hope you can find his way
onto the roster. I hope he has a really great
run or preseason. Also, I wanted to ask you here
(30:15):
about the other weapons wide receiver joining me again this
is premasis of believing Broncos. What do you make of
the big Courtland Sutton extension and him, you know, potentially
cementing his legacy in Broncos Country as one of the
franchises all time great receivers over you know, these next
four or five years.
Speaker 4 (30:37):
You know, I think Broncos Country really wanted to see
that deal happen. Specifically for the terms that were outlined.
There was a lot of speculation and expectation that that
contract was going to be much higher than what it
ended up being I think all parties around the Broncos,
the organization, the fans, and specifically and most importantly, Courtland's
Sutton has to be ecstatic about the contract Daddy's signed
(30:58):
because not only because does he get to stay in Denver,
but it sounds like both parties were quite thrilled to
get the deal done for what they did get it
done for man, that is a mouthful, but it's exciting
to note that bo Nix now gets his most comfortable weapon,
one of the most able bodied receivers that you're going
to find out there, and it just gives the ability
(31:20):
for Courtland Sutton to have that comfortability factor. So now
you have a second year with the same head coach,
the same quarterback, and you get to build a lot
of those reliability factors that you were missing simply from
having to change everything up from what it had been
year over years. So honestly, I'm really excited about what
(31:43):
it means for Courtland Sutton his long term goals as
he continues and possibly finishes his career out here in Denver.
And then also it just pushes it relays a message
to your team into individuals who are seeking development, to
the guys that you are drafting a Pat Bryant who's
going to be so important to this team's versatility and
(32:04):
wide receiver room. You let them know that, yes, we
are going to work with you, we are going to
find your market value. Aside, we are going to make
sure you're paid, taken care of, and you're a Denver
Bronco moving forward. And honestly, that's what that deal has
communicated to me, hopefully the fans, and most importantly the
locker room, as there are a ton of contracts that
(32:26):
are still on the horizon there for some big names
that are going to need to get shored up here shortly.
So I think it's it's great. I think it leads
a great environment for the team heading into the season.
And it really feels I don't know, Zach, I'm knocking
on wood right now, because it really feels like this
is the year where it's not just optimism. It feels
(32:49):
really good for the Denver Broncos in twenty twenty.
Speaker 1 (32:52):
Five for it to be more than just optimism, though,
you're going to need Bonnicks to come through obviously a
strong key season from Bow, but for them to compete
with I mean the the goliath quarterback that are in
the AFC, He's going to have to take probably another
step forward. What have you seen from him in this
(33:12):
trading camp so far? How have you felt about his performance?
Speaker 2 (33:16):
Yeah?
Speaker 4 (33:17):
Absolutely. I think the the stark delineation that you see
with bo Nicks is that he's not a rookie anymore.
But it's not just Sean Paytn seeing his praises. It's
not just the national media, it's not just his teammates.
It's like the entire precedent that his preparedness, preparedness is
being emerging and he's headed into a sophomore season spending it,
(33:42):
you know, in rehabilitation working with Drew Brees, mastering Shontayne's offense.
But he looks good, right, He looks good physically. He
was able to focus on recovery this offseason. He was
able to build back some strength, and you focus on
the field stuff because he's standing out there as well
during training camp. Everyone's excited to see him. But for
(34:03):
the last week it's it looks like he's being more
consistently confident, and I think the speed at which the
ball is getting out it's not marked with any uncomfortableness.
Today I mentioned that his throwing motion looks even more
smooth and effortless than it did before, like fluidity, but
to the exponential lengths of it, and so on day
(34:24):
like today, when the defense is primed and ready to
really leave a mark, I think Nix has been under
steafy pressure. But he's demonstrating a good rhythm and pocket
pocket presence. So already turns of praise from his teammates
regarding his confidence and his leadership. And he's sharp, he's communicative,
he seems more at ease this season. I'd really like
(34:46):
to see how that translates when the season kicks off,
because again we're in patted practices, it's training camp, but
there is an air of Bonix, that confidence is not
to be taken lightly. And I love that it is
just this shared conversation with it Broncos Country. It's hard
not to think that he takes that next step this season.
Speaker 1 (35:06):
The other two and once again this is bre Mestis.
I believe in Broncos and let's talk Broncos. Make sure
you're follow You're following her over at bre Mestis three
h three on Twitter. The two other most recent first
round picks by the Denver Broncos Pat Certan Ja de
barn both play defensive back. I know you're a huge
(35:27):
Cirtan fan and just a fan of defensive backs in general. Bree,
what are you seeing from that loaded Broncos defensive backfield
so far?
Speaker 4 (35:35):
Oh, it's a ton of fun. And because you mentioned Baron,
I'm going to say he's that chess piece right, you're
getting a glimpse of what Vance Joseph wants to do
as far as using him across formations because he is
the type of rookie and defensive back that the defensive
coordinators love right position flexibility, he's physical, he doesn't need
(35:55):
to come off the field. I don't know if that's
ringing true about any other players here on the Broncos,
but you'll know where I'm headed here in a bit
because Zada is getting tested against the depth of the
wide receiver room, like that's just the testament of the
room and how much talent is currently out there, and
he seems to be holding his own. You know, you
see his footwork in his short area of quickness really
(36:16):
taking center stage. And I feel like there's no shortage
of teammates that are really remarking on his adaptability and
the way he's coming along day to day. So it's
hard not to say that you've probably hit there on
your rookie cross for defensive backs. But also the secondary
really didn't have a whole lot to do, at least today,
simply because the defense and upfront they were just really
(36:39):
stealing the limelight and they were stuffing everything before it
had a chance to break the coverage. But there's a
lot to be excited about because there's hard hitting, there's adaptability,
there's depth. And Zach knows this because I talked to
talk about it all the time with always needing more dbs,
but you have them. You have them right now on
(36:59):
the team, and you're getting to see Brandon Jones and
Riley Moss's return and Chris Abram's drain, you know, kind
of returning to peak and just seeing where the depth
is going to line out, Like guys like Reece Taylor
and Joshua Pickett or even Jakwan McMillan, where's their place
within this system and how are they going to carve
(37:20):
out a role for themselves. And I've said it for
multiple positions, and I think that you'll see the trend
here is you're looking for position versatility. Are you able
to plug and play these players into all these different
circumstances and are they going to show appreciable difference from
if you were to I don't know. We saw what
happened when when we lost Riley Moss last season. The
(37:41):
next guy up maybe didn't fill that void exactly. So
where has the development hit where you don't have to
worry about that necessarily right Like is it going to
be is it going to be someone who's on the
roster right now, or is it going to be someone
that's going to have to really make it name for themselves.
So I'm excited because there's so much of an unknown,
(38:04):
But also on the other vainus things, it's it's who
is making the impact and where is the impact making
the difference Because it's not just about splash plays, it's
not just about turnovers. It's about when the plays happened
and were they able to make enough of an impact
to steal the momentum, to change time of possession to
you know, actuate that second phase of football and really
(38:26):
make a difference in what the end circumstance of the
game was. So I love slash plays because who doesn't
love a good interception or pick six or a pass
that's batted down. What I'm really looking for is the
disruption and that key factor in there. And like with
guys like Telenosa Huvanga, like, I cannot wait to see
what kind of disruptor he is in that Denver Broncos secondary.
(38:50):
So yes, you may have heard my voice peek up
a little bit because I'm super passionate about it and
I'm very excited to see how it all works itself out.
But it's an open it's an open field. Outside of
that second tier of the depth chart, you have a
lot of guys who can make a name for themselves
heading into the season.
Speaker 1 (39:07):
Premasis of believe in Broncos. Last one for you here, Brie,
what has been your biggest surprise of training camp so far?
Speaker 4 (39:19):
Oh, my biggest surprise. I was not anticipating having to
be shocked, right, I guess it just has to be. Well, shoot,
I'll point to the fact that there is all of
these trenchman defensive linemen who are really physical but also
(39:39):
really amped, and I think it's really selling itself out
in the idea that you're looking at Rookie Sadie Jones, Right,
Skuy's the limit here and he's a standout on defense
because they're just continuing to dominate during padded practices. This
is a guy that's going to get his start, you know,
really really tating behind the vents and you're seeing his
(40:03):
presence already because the physicality is there, the presence is there,
and you're looking at these guys to really make a benchmark.
The development doesn't happen overnight. And what I think is
really shocking is I have a lot of worries about
depths on the O line, depths on the defensive line,
but it looks like there's a lot of young guys
(40:25):
who are in a position to have that time to
develop it. So as the Broncos continue to sort of
work their way out of these cap constraints that they
face because of the quarterback who mustn't be named, I
think there's just the idea that versatility and upside comes
from many different pieces of this puzzle for the Denver Broncos,
and I'm actually surprised how deep a lot of these
(40:46):
positions are. You could point simply just a wide receiver
and say there's three or four guys who unfortunately, are
not going to make the cut if they end up
keeping seven, but there's three or four guys who definitely
could play on this roster and make an impact. So
a lot of these guys aren't flashy yet, but they're
exactly what the Broncos were looking for when they acquired them,
(41:06):
whether it was through the draft or off season acquisitions
through free agency. You've got a lot of physicality coming
into camp, and you've got guys who have the ability
to play multiple spots, which just allows rotations to be fresh.
So although the Denver Broncos struggled or didn't struggle with
injuries as much as they have in the past in
twenty twenty four, it just looks like if that were
(41:29):
to happen, like at the worst case scenario, there's more
polishing to be done through reps, and all of this
stuff looks very coachable. I think the Broncos did a
fantastic job setting up their pieces for a lot of
the presence to grow on and off the field, and
so I was kind of shocked. I'm always very pessimistic
when it comes to these things, but you're really starting
(41:50):
to see that work itself out, whether it's the eleven
or eleven periods or nine on seven. There's a lot
of hungry players out there, and I think the Broncos
did a really great job casting a wide net to
ensure that their positional values continue to increase.
Speaker 1 (42:05):
That's Breen Masis with Believe in Broncos podcast and the
Let's Talk Broncos podcast. Make sure you're listening to her
there and following her over on Twitter at Brie Masis
three or three. Brie, thank you so much for the time,
and I hope to see you at camp here soon.
Speaker 4 (42:20):
You're amazing. Fact. Thank you so much. Have a great
rest of your evening.
Speaker 1 (42:23):
You too, Bree By great talking with Brie always left
picking her mind about the Broncos. Early on in that conversation,
we cited Marvin Mins talking about Malcolm Roach and some
of the defensive trash talk that was happening out there
today during a pretty physical practice. Here's more of or
(42:44):
that comment we were referencing earlier today.
Speaker 5 (42:49):
Yeah, I mean it's just Malcolm Roach. I mean, sitting
next to in the locker room. Guy doesn't shut up,
He's talking craft and receivers. It's like dude, like you're fat, guy,
like go worry about that me alone, but we're always
going back and forth.
Speaker 2 (43:02):
But with him, it's just a whole nother deal.
Speaker 1 (43:05):
And you can hear the media laughing there. Mems was
definitely saying that with a weink and a nod. You
know we're gonna smile. I think it's fun, you know.
I have to say, I think some of that locker
room culture and atmosphere is really positive for.
Speaker 2 (43:23):
The team just winning games.
Speaker 4 (43:24):
I had.
Speaker 1 (43:24):
The last time I remember a defense with this type
of personality was twenty twenty two when they came out
of the gates firing, and we're a really elite unit
for the first month or two of the season before
the Nathaniel Hackett and Russell Wilson of it all wore
everyone down. You know you aren't going to have those
factors this year. I mean in this defense is just
I mean, they're feeling themselves. They've got a lot of confidence,
(43:47):
a lot of swagger, and a lot of aggression too,
and I think like those are the the personality characteristics
you need to be a really, really great defense. And again,
this unit just has all the makings of being precisely
that one big news story I wanted to talk on
(44:12):
today while we're talking about some funny locker room dynamics.
This kind of went under the radar this offseason, and
understandably it's just one little quirk, but I think it's
becoming more important. His training camp starts to get rolling. Here,
DeVante Adams has joined the Los Angeles Rams.
Speaker 4 (44:32):
Right.
Speaker 1 (44:34):
The rams backup quarterback is Jimmy Garoppolo, who, if you
watched Netflix's Wide Receiver series you'll remember was driving Davonte
Adams absolutely insane during the overlap in their respective Raiders
ten years. Davante Adams couldn't have been less happy about
Jimmy GE's presence on that team, not like he was
(44:56):
a bad guy or anything, but consistently throwing him hospital
balls and a lot of the sideline quotes and audio
bites that Netflix Scott from Devonte Adams.
Speaker 2 (45:06):
And that show we're pretty damning.
Speaker 1 (45:09):
Davante was, of course asked by this, or asked about
this rather. Matthew Stafford is currently missing RAMS practices with
back soreness. So Davante's working a lot with Jimmy G.
He said, working with Jimmy G is amazing. We're getting
to work with him again. Is amazing and that you know,
their troubles with the Raiders were just a dark.
Speaker 2 (45:30):
Season for him, and I'm sure there's some truth of that.
Speaker 1 (45:34):
You know, he signed or wanted to join the Raiders
initially so he could be with Derek Carr again, and
then you know, Derek car gets shipped out, Jimmy G
comes in.
Speaker 2 (45:43):
I'm sure that was an element of.
Speaker 1 (45:44):
It, but also the root of the problem was ultimately
the Jimmy G was throwing him some hospital balls, and
that's been a friend of Jimmy G's entire career. I
don't think it's suddenly fixed without him seeing much playing time.
So I wonder, you know, how long does the honeymoon
period last. Is it even a concern? You know, if
(46:06):
Matt Stafford stays healthy all year, it's a non issue.
Speaker 2 (46:09):
But we're talking about.
Speaker 1 (46:10):
A Rams offensive line that already having health problems and
serious ones. Starting tackle Alaric Jackson is missing time with
blood clots. That's very concerning, hoping he can come back
healthy this season. Right tackle Rob haven't Seen has missed
multiple games in several of the most recent seasons. The
(46:32):
interior offensive line is solid, but you've also got some
moving parts up there, and you got to think, you know,
Alert Jackson being that blindside protector, he's the one who's out.
They don't have great depth at tackle. Their option right
now is DJ Humphries, who couldn't get on the field
for a Chiefs team last year that desperately needed tackle help.
It's what happens if he gets in there, you know,
(46:52):
Matt Stafford takes a shot to the back. Hopefully this
doesn't happen, of course, but what if that happens all
of a sudden, You've got Jimmy g in the lineup
for a month or so. This is a Rams team
looking to win a Super Bowl right now. They're pushing
all their chips in and beyond that element of it,
what happens for Devonte Adams.
Speaker 2 (47:10):
He's probably looking.
Speaker 1 (47:11):
To enjoy the tail end of his maybe not even
his prime, but the tail end of his high end years,
and all of a sudden, he might see himself saddled
with probably the last quarterback in the world he wants
to be saddled with for an extended period of time.
I think that's a very interesting dynamic to keep monitoring
throughout the season, and which should be a pretty interesting
(47:33):
division there with the NFC West got the Rams looking
like a legit Super Bowl contender. The Niners, if they
get right, you know, they could always be a legit
Super Bowl contender. Robert Salah coming back should really help
that defense. The Cardinals have been slowly building and building
and building, and you know.
Speaker 2 (47:50):
If you listen to Albright on this show, this is
the year.
Speaker 1 (47:53):
A lot of people think they're finally going to turn
the corner and maybe become a real threat in that division.
But then the Seahawks, they're kind of the forgotten team.
And I think Sam Donald's a pretty meanful downgrade on
Gino Smith, but you can't deny Sam Donald was the
more productive of the two quarterbacks last year. If he
can be anywhere near that same quarterback again, a Seahawks
(48:16):
team that ultimately tied with the Rams at ten and
seven last year might be enough for them to make
them a real playoff team, especially when you consider their
defense struggled early on and got really hot down the
stretch once Mike McDonald was able to fully implement his
new scheme. They're a fun dark horse to watch in
the NFC, so really fun to watch. I think that
(48:38):
entire division and the rams and all their personality dynamics,
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