Notes from this morning’s practice:
– Brian Dawkins, Champ Bailey, and Brandon Stokley did not participate.
– The entire defensive squad was forced to take a lap around the field after showing a lack of concentration.
As the players were finishing their lap, Josh McDaniels yelled, “Be last, Robert, that’s it, be last” singling out Robert Ayers’ lack of effort. The rookie constantly gets positive and negative feedback from the coaching staff during practices.
After the defense took their lap, they came back to the field with a spring in their step. On the next play, Josh Bell deflected a pass into the hands of Vernon Fox for the INT. Another notable defensive play came when Mario Haggan picked off Tom Brandstater to take it into the endzone. Here’s the play:
Josh Bell nearly picked off Chris Simms as well:
The Broncos offense has obviously worked more plays into their system since last week. I noticed LaMont Jordan throwing to other backs again today, and the Wildcat is the reason why:
Another play to make the defense sidestep:
The team used its sound system to simulate a game-like atmosphere during play calling. When the guy working the system lowered the volume so McD could talk to the guys in the huddle, McD looked over and raised his hands to signal the guy to raise the volume. Even coach knows that he needs the practice.
Speaking of music, at the beginning of practice when the guys are stretching, McD can be found walking around and talking to players with a giant grin on his face. He usually talks to them about what music is playing. Today, he walked over to LaMont Jordan and Chad Jackson only to be quizzed on who sings “Hot in Here.” After a minute, McD correctly guessed “Nelly”, and said, “See, I’m getting it.”
Now on to the Brandon Marshall saga. He’s still learning the playbook which is why he hasn’t been practicing with the first string offense. Instead, he has either been sitting out, or wearing the red “scout” jersey, playing the role of an opposing receiver so that the defense can get better.
At the end of practice today, he took off his jersey and stood on the sideline as the other receivers caught deep balls and stretched. He’s obviously not a great teammate to be around right now. You can see him standing on the sideline with his pads off already:
My prediction is that Marshall will step up once the season starts. He wants a bigger contract afterall (preferably with another team), and with his legal issues over, he’s got more leverage to bargain. What do you make of Brandon Marshall’s behavior right now? Leave a comment below.