Denver Broncos start training camp with a BANG
With week one of the Denver Broncos training camp in the books, we dive into the highlights of training camp so far. We assess key players, the recently introduced snowcapped alternative helmet, injuries and more. According to the early indications, veteran quarterback Russell Wilson has looked sharp and the team has shown promise on both sides of the ball. Running back Javonte Williams is ahead of schedule in training camp, after returning from injury. Head Coach Sean Payton rips Nathaniel Hackett and defends Russ. While Denver suffers major blows to the wide receiver lineup and newcomer Frank Clark ruins Broncos vs. Chiefs rivalry rumors.
Broncos look ahead to change with fresh faces and redesigned uniforms
The Denver Broncos have released their updated alternative snow capped helmet that will be featured on Denver's all-orange alternate uniforms. The helmet has an all-white shell for the first time in franchise history. Including an all-white face mask that pays tribute to Colorado's snow capped mountains.
The helmet also features the Denver Broncos logo in orange on the sides, with an orange stripe in the middle. That pays tribute to the classic look of the 1960's Era. The updated design pays homage to the team's rich history and Colorado's beauty.
Owners did not accomplish this on their own. Team captains and players were included on the decison-making process.
The experience was even more meaningful because of that. President Damani Leech echoed that the team is also working on upgraded uniforms. There is no exact timeline but brand-new uniforms are on the way.
Payton vs Hackett
Last season, it was one of the Denver Broncos' most disappointing seasons in the team's history. Nathaniel Hackett's first season as head coach and unfortunately his last. From the start, Hackett's coaching style did not fit with the Broncos' roster. He was unable to get the team to perform at the level necessary to succeed in the NFL. Ultimately, Hackett's tenure as head coach was short-lived and his legacy will be one of the most disappointing stints in Broncos coaching history.
Payton on Hackett's Broncos coaching tenure
“It might have been one of the worst coaching jobs in the history of the NFL.” per Zac Stevens
Hackett's vision to revamp and restore the Broncos to their glory days came at a price that included Russell Wilson's performance. The former Super Bowl Champion's performance during his tenure fell below subpar and ultimately led To a 5-12 record in his first season with the franchise. Averaging an 84.4% passer rating, 60.5% completion rating and scoring 16 touchdowns.
Jets Newly appointed offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett says Payton broke a coaches code with his harsh comments last week.
Payton on Russell Wilson's performance last season
Since the beginning of training camp Russell Wilson has flipped the script and looked like a totally different quarterback. He has been in sync with his receivers, and has been able to move the chains with his arm and his feet. With his new improved offensive line he has been able to put the offense in position to score points. His leadership and work ethic have been an inspiration to his teammates.
Russell Wilson: “I feel great. I feel better than ever” per Zac Stevens
Although Wilson is being praised in Denver, others around the league believe he has slowed down. He won't be able to keep up with Sean Payton's style of offense. Payton's offense relies heavily on the quarterback's mobility and ability to make plays on the run. Critics argue that Wilson's age and lack of mobility will be a detriment to the Broncos and limit their offensive potential.
If that reveals to be true, backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham is more than prepared to take over the reigns. Stidham has shown significant promise and mobility after his limited playing time with the New England Patriots and Las Vegas Raiders. He also has a deep understanding of the offense and knows the playbook. If given the opportunity, Stidham could be the perfect fit for the Broncos' offensive system.
Broncos HC Sean Payton on Russell Wilson’s start to training camp.
“I’ve been pleased with his progress and where he’s at.” per Aric DiLalla
RB Javonte Williams is ahead of schedule
After being sidelined by a season-ending torn ACL, LCL and PCL injury, Williams has made a remarkable recovery over the offseason and has been kept off the PUP list, participating in all practices including full contact drills. Williams is looking forward to playing in the upcoming season and is confident he can make an impact for his team.
“It was a surprise to me, just hearing the doctors, seeing what everybody was saying about me, things like that,” Williams explained. “The doctor told me if I would have had a little bit more damage it could have been even longer timeline. Just being back out here, like I said, is a huge confidence boost. I was down on myself a little. But I’m seeing the brighter side now.”
Javonte Williams has shown flashes of a dominating running games in the past but injuries derailed his career early. His injuries have been a major setback, as they have caused him to play in only 21 games in two seasons with the Broncos. Missing opportunities have affected his confidence. However, he is now seeing the bright side as he is back on the field and feeling more confident in himself and his abilities.
Taking on the role of a running back is one of the most challenging positions in the NFL. Underpaid but it is counted on to do the dirty work in the trenches. Running backs need to be versatile and dependable in everything from moving the chains to blocking and catching outlet passes.
Earlier this week star running backs from around the league met on Zoom to discuss the financial state of the position. Nothing concrete has come out of the meeting yet, but the running backs are committed to ensuring their value is recognized around the league.
Throughout the years running backs have become more expendable. The average life expectancy of a running back in the NFL is 4-5 years with some as low as 2.5 years.
So what does this mean for Javonte Williams? It means that he needs to maximize his time in the NFL and capitalize on his opportunities.
Williams' future will be shaped by this upcoming season. Will he be able to play a full season or will he be forced to miss games due to injury? His performance this season will determine the trajectory of his NFL career going forward. Williams must take advantage of the opportunity and show that he can be a reliable asset to any team.
Speaking of Injuries
When playing a contact sport injuries are common and can be serious. Unfortunately for the Denver Broncos this trend has become a reality this year with multiple big-name players suffering injuries. Wide receivers Tim Patrick and KJ Halmer have suffered possible season-ending injuries.
Tim Patrick was diagnosed with torn achilles. He recently missed the entire year with a torn ACL. Now it's back to rehab for next season. This is a major setback for the Broncos as Patrick was expected to be a key player in their offense. KJ Hamler was waived due to a non-football illness designation. Which means he may not be eligible to play for the rest of the season.
Head Coach Sean Payton on Tim Patrick, following today's injury: "It’s always difficult. You guys see it. Especially a guy like that who’s a leader, who’s coming off pretty much an entire year of rehabilitation. So it’s difficult for his teammates [and] for all of us." per Aric DiLalla
However, the Broncos released him with that designation. They can bring him back later within the year if he is healthy enough to play. Following the injuries to Patrick and Hamler the Broncos have resigned Nick Williams for the third time.
The Denver Colorado native knows the team's offensive system and is expected to provide depth to an injury riddled wide receiver group. This is while the pair recover from their respective injuries.
On the defensive side of the football, Broncos rookie CB Riley Moss is expected to miss up to four weeks following core muscle repair.
Moss was a third-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft and was expected to contribute immediately to the Broncos defense.
As a result the Denver Broncos worked out veteran CB Fabian Moreau and signed him to a one-year deal. Moreau is expected to step in to fill the void during Moss' absence. The veteran brings experience and leadership to the Denver secondary. These injuries will have a huge impact on the team's success going forward. However, it is still early and the team is adamant that they can use their depth to make up for it and still have a successful season.
Frank Clark Chiefs Rivalry
Since 2008, the Denver Broncos have fallen to the Kansas City Chiefs in 11-19 matches. The last time the Broncos defeated the Chiefs was in the 2015 season when they advanced to Super Bowl 50 and defeated the Carolina Panthers 24-10. Since then a lot has changed. The Chiefs have won two Super Bowls in four years of their own and Star LB Frank Clark is now playing for the Mile High Club.
When asked about this so called rivalry, Clark had this to say.
Harsh but true words from the 2X Super Bowl champion. The Chiefs are coming off another championship season and looking to stay at the top of the AFC West. If the Broncos have any chance of making the Superbowl, they have to go through Kansas City. The Broncos have their work cut out for them if they are going to dethrone the reigning champions. They need to make significant improvements on both sides of the ball. It will be a tall task, but if anyone can do it, it's Sean Payton and having Frank Clark on your side is also a huge plus.
With Clark's knowledge of the Chiefs players and the motivation to prove them wrong after being valued more by the Broncos, Denver has a fighting chance. With the right strategy and execution, the Broncos can surprise the league and pull off the upset and make a run for the Superbowl.