Broncos Position Preview: Committee Approach Appears to Be Plan at Running Back by Ryan O’Halloran Denver Post July 11, 2019
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Broncos Position Preview: Committee approach appears to be plan at running back By Ryan O’Halloran Denver Post July 11, 2019 Phillip Lindsay emerged last year as the No. 1 back, but missed the off-season program after wrist surgery. Phillip Lindsay emerged last year as the No. 1 back, but missed the off-season program after wrist surgery. Third in a series previewing the Broncos. In seven of the last eight seasons, two Broncos running backs have had at least 100 rushing attempts. Look for that trend to continue this year. When the players report to training camp on Wednesday, the expectation is offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello will choose the run-it-via-small-committee approach. A third-round draft pick in 2018, Royce Freeman was overshadowed by undrafted running back Phillip Lindsay a year ago. Lindsay and Freeman had 192 and 130 attempts, respectively. The Broncos are hopeful the return of Lindsay from off-season wrist surgery and a step forward from Freeman will create a productive tandem. The Broncos’ Week 1 running back room could be unchanged from a season ago: Lindsay, Freeman, Devontae Booker, and fullback Andy Janovich. Point: After gaining 1,037 yards as a rookie, Lindsay should be expected to reach the 1,000-yard mark. Counterpoint: Circumstances may result in a dip in Lindsay’s numbers. Lindsay emerged early as a physical, durable player and by the time Freeman returned in November from an ankle injury, the run game was going through Lindsay. Lindsay’s wrist surgery kept him out of team work during the off-season program so the new staff has not seen him run a single play from their playbook. Hear us out on Lindsay’s production dipping but his impact increasing: If Freeman can improve, the rushing attempts should be close to 50-50. Fresher players should equal more explosive players. Lindsay showed big-play ability last year — his eight rushes of at least 20 yards were tied for ninth in the league. “He’s just one of the more dynamic players in this league,” Scangarello said of Lindsay. “He’s a guy that we know is capable of a lot.” Point: Freeman could be a candidate for additional third-down work. Counterpoint: As a rookie, Freeman had only 14 catches and eight came in the season finale. Booker was the primary third-down back last year, but the Broncos should explore using Freeman in those situations. A key will be pass protection. Per the Denver Post’s game charting, Booker was booked for 4 1/2 sacks last year in protection. Not good. If Freeman shows he can get in position and then block a blitzing linebacker/defensive back, he appears to have good enough hands to help as a receiver in the flat. “I always have high expectations for myself,” he said. “I definitely feel like I have so much to still offer.” Point: Janovich has hit the jack-pot, entering his contract year in an offense that is fullback-friendly. Counterpoint: Eight catches last year doesn’t suggest a whopping increase in production. Scangarello was previously the quarterbacks coach in San Francisco. Last year, 49ers fullback Kyle Juszcyzk had only eight carries, but 30 catches. Janovich is going to play a lot of snaps — a lead blocker is expected to be a staple for the Broncos’ running game. Training camp will be a showcase for Janovich. If he can be motioned out of the backfield and win match-ups downfield, he will be targeted. Friday: Tight ends. Broncos’ offensive line ranks 12th in NFL, according to Pro Football Focus By Joe Nguyen Denver Post July 11, 2019 Your morning dish of Denver sports news, cooked up daily. Despite the loss of star center Matt Paradis in free agency and two brand-new starters penciled in to start in 2019, the Broncos’ offensive line is just a hair outside the NFL’s top 10, according to one report. Entering the 2019 season, Denver’s O-line is ranked the 12th best in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus. PFF credits the addition of free agent right tackle Ja’Wuan James and rookie Dalton Risner to the improvement. “Brought in as a second-round pick in this year’s draft, Risner is expected to start at guard for Denver, a position change that should play out well for the former Wildcats road-grader,” according to PFF. It’s a vast improvement over the 24th place Denver garnered after Week 17. “Chock full of potential, Denver’s front-five needs to answer a lot of questions to stay within reach of a top-10 spot on this list,” according to PFF. The Philadelphia Eagles were No. 1, followed by the Dallas Cowboys. At the bottom of the list are the Miami Dolphins. Free training camp session at Broncos Stadium set for July 27 By Alexander Kirk KUSA July 11, 2019 Although the session is free, fans will be required to secure mobile tickets ahead of the event through Ticketmaster. The Denver Broncos will hold a free training camp stadium session at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on Saturday, July 27 from 2:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. Although the session is free, fans will be required to secure mobile tickets ahead of the event through Ticketmaster. Limited stadium parking will be available for $10. Parking lots for the stadium session will open at 10:15 a.m. with stadium gates opening at 12:15 p.m. The Broncos say the NFL’s clear bag policy will be in place. The Broncos will host several family-friendly activities at Broncos Stadium at Mile High including: Miles the Mascot’s Birthday Celebration – Free Miles visor to first 1,000 Kids (12 and under) Kids Zone featuring inflatables and Jr. Training Camp Football Drills Face painters Performances by Denver Broncos Cheerleaders and Stampede Drumline Thunderstorm in-stadium jump Post-practice player autographs The camp session at Broncos Stadium at Mile High is one of 19 free practices that are open to fans. The other practices will be held at the team’s UCHealth Training Center headquarters beginning Thursday, July 18. Free tickets for Broncos' training camp session at Mile High available later this week By Blair Miller KMGH July 11, 2019 Tickets for the Denver Broncos’ free July 27 training camp practice at Broncos Stadium at Mile High will become available Thursday for season ticket holders and Friday for the general public. Training camp at UCHealth Training Center kicks off Thursday, July 18 and the free practice at Mile High will take place Saturday, July 27 from 2:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. Season ticket holders will gain access to the tickets for the Mile High session at 10 a.m. Thursday through Ticketmaster. The public will then be able to download free tickets starting at 10 a.m. on Friday. Seating for the session will be general admission. Parking will be available in limited quantities for $10. Parking lots will open at 10:15 a.m. and stadium gates will open at 12:15 p.m. Standard security protocol will be in place, as well as the NFL’s clear bag policy. In addition to the practice, there will be a kids zone, face painting, performances by the Broncos cheerleaders and autograph sessions. The first 1,000 kids aged 12 and under will receive a free Miles visor for the mascot’s birthday celebration. Former Broncos CB Nate Jones among 6 new NFL officials for upcoming season By Staff Associated Press July 11, 2019 Two former NFL players are among the six new officials for the upcoming NFL season. Field judge Nate Jones joins the NFL officiating staff from the Pac-12, following an eight-year pro career as a defensive back, including a stint in 2010 with the Denver Broncos. Umpire Terry Killens was a linebacker during his seven NFL seasons before officiating in the American Athletic Conference. Jones played 16 games with Denver, recording 57 tackles. The other first-year officials are side judges Dave Hawkshaw and Jimmy Russell, down judge Patrick Holt and line judge Tripp Sutter. Referees Walt Coleman, John Parry and Pete Morelli retired after last season. Line judge Jeff Bergman, entering his 28th NFL season, is now the longest-serving official. The roster also includes two other former NFL players. Back judge Steve Freeman was a defensive back for 13 seasons and down judge Phil McKinnely was an offensive lineman for seven years. Freeman and his son, side judge Brad Freeman, are the only set of father-son officials active in the NFL. Referees Shawn Hochuli and Alex Kemp and line judge Walt Coleman IV also are the sons of former NFL referees. Additionally, three sets of brothers — Allen and Rusty Baynes, Jeff and Jerry Bergman, and Carl, Dino and Perry Paganelli — are on the 2019 roster. The Denver Post contributed to this story. Broncos training camp details include open (and free!) practice at Mile High By Paul Klee Colorado Springs Gazette July 11, 2019 The Broncos' practice at Mile High on July 27 is free and open to the public — but fans must secure their tickets in advance. Starting at 10 a.m. Friday, fans can get their mobile tickets for the training camp stadium practice session via Ticketmaster. Season-ticket holders get early access to tickets Thursday. All seating is general admission. The Broncos will practice July 27 at Mile High from 2:15 p.m.-4:15 p.m. Parking lots open at 10:15 a.m., while gates open at 12:15 p.m.