Training Camp days 13-14
After a light jog through practice Thursday, the Walton-Penner Ownership Group led their newly purchased franchise in a competitive practice against the Dallas Cowboys Friday.
A scrappy practice with the Cowboys showed what this Broncos offense and Defense are capable of this season. QB Russell Wilson impressively led the offense, scoring multiple touchdowns in the red zone against the Cowboy's first Defense.
With Wilson joining the squad in Denver, the Broncos now have a legitimate chance to make the playoffs this season. During his time in training camp, the ten-year NFL veteran has built connections with star receiver Courtland Sutton and 2nd-year wideout Jerry Jeudy.
Quarterback Russell Wilson on the joint practice against the Cowboys.
"It was a great day for us. All the work you put in since I got here and all the work we put in collectively as a group, all the early mornings, six o'clock in the morning walk-thru together as players or 7 a.m., all the late nights and days, all the communication and work, it showed up today. It showed up today, and we were locked in on offense. I know the Defense had a great day today, as well. We were all playing collectively together. We had a blast. We were having all the fans out here, too, on both sides. The Broncos fans, but even the Cowboys fans, were great. Everyone was so gracious and so loud. We had a blast. It was my first time doing [a joint practice]. For ten years, I had never done this before. I played in games in the preseason and all the games I played in, but we have never done this in practice. I loved it. It was a lot of fun, and I got a lot of great experiences. There are many great players on that side of the ball with the Cowboys, so it was a blast to play out there."
As for the running game, Javonte Williams had a stellar season last year, rushing for 903 yards on 203 attempts and scoring four touchdowns. In addition to catching 43 passes for 316 yards and three touchdowns. Williams has been a liability in protecting the QB, but veteran RB Melvin Gordon has grown into a solid pass blocker. However, he is currently out dealing with a foot contusion and the injury is not considered serious.
RB Damarea Crockett went down with a season-ending ACL injury so the duo will have their hands full in the future. However, the pair carried the Broncos on the ground as a dominant 1-2 punch with different running styles, but what sets them apart only makes their performance on the field more difficult to handle.
Williams is youthful, full of energy, and has the power to break tackles. While Gordon, on the other hand, uses his speed and versatility to catch defenders off guard.
Head Coach Nathaniel Hackett on the running game
"It's always critical to be able to run the ball. I think that's the number one thing to be able to help yourself, protect the quarterback, set up the shots down the field, and all the things that we want to accomplish. From where we're at right now, you're really never going to know until you have to tackle somebody. I thought we did some really good combination blocks, and that's what we're trying to hunt as we put that all together. Then get their backs up to the line of scrimmage or pass them before they have to bounce somebody off or make somebody move. It means that you're going to be successful in the run game."
Luckily the Broncos offensive line has shown improvement. Denver made numerous moves this offseason to improve their offensive line since they finished 19th in the league in 2021. Running the ball helps open up the passing game. The good news for the Broncos is the depth they added to the offensive line.
Here is a look at Denver's current offensive line.
Starters Second
Left Tackle G. Bolles C. Anderson
Left Guard D. Risner N. Netane Muti Knee
Center L. Cushenberry L. Wattenberg
Right Guard G. Glasgow Q. Meinerz
Right, Tackle Billy Turner Tom Compton
With Super Bowl Champion quarterback Russell Wilson behind center, it is critical that they protect him at all costs. Yes, Wilson is a dual-threat quarterback, who can run the ball, but his health will determine the team's success this season. Defensively the Broncos held their ground against a limited Cowboys offense, with only one primary wide receiver in CeeDee Lamb. The Defense accumulated multiple sacks, including pressures and a couple of INTs.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCE
Rookie edge rusher Nik Bonitto had himself a day, securing almost four sacks, two of them against Dallas starters while the other two came against the backups. Bonitto has been impressive during this training camp sting, drafted out of Oklahoma with the 64th-overall pick.
He is arguably one of the best players in this class. He has the speed and explosiveness to overpower lineman and get to the quarterback. Bonitto will get his first taste of real action in NFL Saturday. How he handles, the pressure will definitely predict how he is used going forward.
PRESEASON WHAT TO WATCH
The Denver Broncos kickoff Preseason Saturday vs the Dallas Cowboys at 9:00 p.m.
Josh Johnson vs. Brett Rypien
QB Russell Wilson isn't expected to play during the preseason.
Who will win the backup quarterback position?
Montrell Washington and Brandon Johnson
Both Rookie WR Montrell Washington and UDFA Brandon Johnson have shined in training camp. Who will .earn valuable playing time?
How will Rookie LB Nik Bonitto adjust?
2022 second-round pick