Conditions for Broncos-Packers: 87 degrees Partly cloudy 27 percent humidity N winds 7 mph
Andrew Mason
@masedenver.bsky.social
Year XXVII covering the NFL & year XXII chronicling the Broncos, now for DenverSports.com. “Enjoy every sandwich." -- Warren Zevon
A brisket carving station, nachos, spicy-chicken sandwiches and ice cream ... as ever, the media is well-fed in the Broncos press box:
The official final day of Broncos training camp saw Bo Nix hit Jaylen Waddle deep ... and it also saw Evan Engram -- who's known new offensive coordinator Davis Webb for 10 seasons -- offer some insight as to why Webb could be in attack mode as a play-caller. My report:
Nix Hits Waddle Deep, & Evan Engram Explains Why Davis Webb Will Be in ATTACK Mode! Three Big Things
YouTube video by Andrew Mason
youtube.com
Four years ago this week, one of the great moments in Broncos press-conference history:
Garett Bolles & Mike McGlinchey were flagged for false starts on Tuesday, & Broncos OC Davis Webb immediately pulled them from that series of reps. Why? "It's not our standard," Webb said. "...And if we're not up to that standard, you will be taken out. I don't care if you're a starter or a backup."
It was a fiery day at Broncos training camp, with tempers as high as the temperatures at one point on a day that saw the defense crank up the pressure ... but also witnessed the Nix-to-Waddle combination make a big play. My report:
Broncos See Tempers Boil Over in Camp's Most Intense Practice, and the Nix-to-Waddle Combo Delivers!
YouTube video by Andrew Mason
youtu.be
Asked Broncos OC Davis Webb about whether he's thought about finding ways to ensure he uses all of his top 3 RBs -- J.K. Dobbins, RJ Harvey and Jonah Coleman -- since Sean Payton has talked about the difficulty of making it work with a 3-RB rotation. "I've had a lot of those thoughts," Webb said.
It was a day of progress in terms of players returning from injuries, with further steps forward for starters like Jaylen Waddle and J.K. Dobbins ... but Drew Sanders was off on the side field after getting a sack last Friday. My report wrapping up Monday at Broncos Park Powered By CommonSpirit:
Waddle Returns, Coleman Impresses & the Broncos Get Healthier at Center! Three Big Broncos Things
YouTube video by Andrew Mason
youtu.be
Broncos practice is now closed to fans today because of damage to the bleacher area from storms over the weekend; the stands are unsafe due to that damage.
See, this is how you do an open concourse while minimizing obstructed-view seats. You don’t have the stairs go in front of the section; you have them tucked back and then people enter through a portal 2-3 rows up in the section. Buffalo made a poor design choice.
Pro Football Focus credited Broncos pass-catchers with three drops on Friday -- one each for Evan Engram, Kolbe Katsis and Jaleel McLaughlin. That's a drop rate of one every 7.33 catchable passes. Last season, the Broncos dropped one of every 11.49 catchable passes, per PFF data.
Broncos QB Sam Ehlinger, on the differences from last year to this year: "I feel a lot different. I think the challenge in the NFL -- especially for backup quarterbacks -- is, at some point for most guys, the light's going to come on. ..."
All this talk about obstructed-view seats …. but they’re nothing compared to this obstructed-view seat at Candlestick Park back in the day:
Also, this is for ice cream. And I figured out why. There is way too much abuse of the sampling privileges. You get two, maybe three, and that’s it. Make a choice. I’ve seen people going through seven flavors. Larry David would be out of his mind right now
The point of annoyance when you’re in a long queue that moves at a sloth’s pace is almost always concurrent with the moment you realize you’ve invested too much time to get out of the line now.
The point of annoyance when you’re in a long queue that moves at a sloth’s pace is almost always concurrent with the moment you realize you’ve invested too much time to get out of the line now.
The 27-7 score wasn't the story in the Broncos' preseason-opening win. But the performances of players such as Jarrett Stidham, 2025 first-rounder Jahdae Barron and rookies Jonah Coleman and Red Murdock was, as all made big impressions. My report from Atlanta:
Stidham Shines & Red Murdock, Jahdae Barron and Jonah Coleman Bust Out in Broncos Preseason Opener!
YouTube video by Andrew Mason
youtu.be
Sean Payton says he thought the Broncos won the line of scrimmage. Thought the pre-snap offensive process was “smooth.” Lamented “too many penalties” in the second half.
Broncos 27, Falcons 7 — FINAL Denver’s first-team defense was dominant; its No. 1 offense was crisp. Jonah Coleman flashed. Undrafted rookie receivers Ross, Katsis and Manjack all had moments. Moss and Barron INTs, including a pick-6. Special teams a bit rough.
Jaleel McLaughlin loses the fumble ... Falcons recover. Ball punched out as McLaughlin is diving for extra yardage.
Darren Rizzi won't be happy with that. Jeremy Crawshaw has trouble with the snap, and is forced to take off with it. Sam Ehlinger's first drive ends without points.
4.25 seconds of hang time for Jeremy Crawshaw as he punts to the right side and out of bounds. 47 yards net and gross
Jaleel McLaughlin walking slowly. Putting weight on his legs, but being guided by team medical personnel. Headed for the blue medical tent.
Jaleel McLaughlin injured on the kickoff. Being examined by team medical personnel.
And Jahdae Barron goes BOOM -- with Atlanta driving toward its first points, he grabs a pass deflected by Karene Reid and scoots 97 yards for the touchdown. 24-0. Everything's coming up Milhouse for the orange and blue.
Red Murdock with back-to-back tackles. Second one saw him get near the sideline and bring down Vinny Anthony. Showing the same kind of burst and quick diagnosis that's stood out on the practice fields.
4.26 seconds of hang time for Jeremy Crawshaw on his second punt of the night. Nice job by Drew Sanders sprinting downfield there in coverage. 62 gross, 56 net.
TD ... Jaleel McLaughlin turns with a quick pass from Jarrett Stidham, finds open territory and darts into the end zone for the 5-yard score. Highlight was Cam Ross's jet sweep, breaking one potential tackle in the backfield and keeping his balance on another downfield. 17-0