John Fox speaks to the media following the end of training camp at the Broncos training facility. (Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports)
The Denver Broncos are officially one week into camp, and everyone in attendance noticed.
A nice little fight broke out between the first team offense and the first team defense within the first hour of camp. A helmet came flying off, players were tossed to the ground, and even a few punches were thrown.
“I think that was the most exciting part of practice,” Derek Wolfe joked. “Going against the same guys every day, people start getting a little pushy and edgy. We’re getting yelled at by coaches. It just happens.”
“When something happens that we’re not really used to at camp, I’ll let you know,” John Fox added. “It’s kind of par for the course.”
The Broncos definitely have some dates circled on the calendar with the scrimmage on Saturday and a week one preseason matchup against the 49ers next Thursday.
“Of course you enjoy it,” Knowshon Moreno said of the upcoming scrimmage. “We’re out there hitting, getting used to hitting again. Just pretty much getting ready for the next week and hitting other people and other teams.”
The team was without T Ryan Clady, CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (ankle), DT Sylvester Wiliams (knee), TE Jacob Tamme (quad), S Quinton Carter (knee), RB Jeremiah Johnson (knee), and G Justin Boren (big toe). LB Lerentee McCray (shoulder) and Quanterus Smith (knee) left early.
The injury list might look long, but Fox said that’s nothing new for this time of year.
“It hasn’t changed in 20-something years,” Fox said. “I don’t think it’s changed really in the other 31 cities. It’s football.”
Peyton Manning even slipped to the ground and the approximately 2,000 fans on the hill gasped.
“We try to keep our quarterback upright, whether it’s in practice or a game,” Fox said. “But again, there are not too many perfect games, not too many perfect practices.”
With one week down, we’re getting into the dog days of camp where guys want to hit someone other than each other. That’s just one more sign that the season is that much closer.
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