Here are some notes from today’s afternoon practice:

- The team took the field in shoulder pads and helmets. With the temperature well into the 90s, I don’t know how some guys were out there in sweatpants when they were given the option to wear shorts.

- Ryan Torain was a no show because he was placed on the waived injured reserve which basically ends his time here in Denver. That’s such a huge disappointment, but if a guy can’t stay healthy, he’s got to go.

- Kenny McKinley has been getting in on the kick return action aside Eddie Royal and Alphonso Smith. Despite his speed and solid hands, he’s still got a lot to learn. After Kenny Peterson set up a nice block, he told McKinley, “you gotta read that better,” referring to the line he chose.

- Speaking of returns, Alphonso Smith dropped a few punts today. The rookie just needs to focus a bit more and he should be fine in that area. He did redeem himself by intercepting Chris Simms and Tom Brandstater.

- Penalties on special teams are something that every team works to avoid. They’ll come back and bite you in the ass late in the game and late in the season. After Ryan Harris held a guy on the kickoff, an assistant coach yelled, “that’s the easy way out, Ryan Harris! Get it together.”  

- There’s nothing like a guitar riff from Prince’s “Let’s Go Crazy” to make your ears ring. And that’s one of the songs that was blasted from the sound system at practice today as the offense was running plays against the defense. The coaching staff decided to do that to simulate playing in front of 75,000 people. It becomes too easy when you’re calling and executing plays with birds chirping in the background. After all, those Chiefs fans at Arrowhead are a crazy bunch!

Here are a few clips of our offense executing with some distraction:

With all three QBs throwing picks today, I thought these were good videos to include as well. Kyle Orton (8), Chris Simms (2), and Tom Brandstater (3) dropping back and throwing:

For anyone that can’t make it to training camp this year, drop me a line if you want me to keep an eye out for anything in particular to report on.

Some other notable observations from Day 1 at camp:

- Peyton Hillis has some of the best hands on the team. This workhorse is truly loved by the fans, and will be putting a pounding on opposing defenses this year.

- Matt Prater made all of the field goals (except for the blocked one by Josh Bell) that he took on the main practice field in front of all of his teammates. I’d like to promote a taunting campaign when Prater kicks in training camp just so he feels some extra pressure and we can get him game-ready.  

- Ryan Torain might have the fastest change of direction on the team. If his knee holds up, he’s going to surprise a lot of people.

- There’s no question in my mind why Kyle Orton is #1 on the depth chart. He’s got a very strong and accurate arm. Watching him practice makes me think that everything will be okay this season.

- Speaking of QBs, keep an eye on Tom Brandstater in the future. I thought this rookie was more accurate than Chris Simms today. He doesn’t have as much zip on the ball as Orton or Simms, and he needs to work on his footwork, but he could be turn into something really nice.

- Living up to his reputation, Brian Dawkins’ mouth never stopped moving. That’s a very good thing for our young players.

- On the practice field returning punts was none other than Eddie Royal and Alphonso Smith.

- I think our deadly duo just turned into the terrific trio as far as receivers go. Jabar Gaffney is an impressive addition to Brandon Marshall and Royal. Orton is going to have plenty of outstanding options available to him.

- I think we may have taken long snapper Mike Leach for granted. Lonie Paxton was a little off his game today as the team’s new long snapper. He should polish up though.

- I’ll be the first to say that our punters need work. It’ll come with time.

- There was a little trickery today with a Wildcat lineup on one play and a fleaflicker on another.

Stay tuned for more training camp coverage.

Let’s go Broncos!