Sep 14, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos defensive tackle Mitch Unrein (96) prior to the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
With the organized team activities now completed, the Denver Broncos are looking to enjoy a month’s worth of time off. With the entire team no longer practicing, it is predicted to be a very slow month at Dove Valley. In this edition of Horse Droppings, we look at some of the interesting stories that some Broncos fans want to know as we begin the first week without any Broncos practices for a while.
Let us get right into it. And we start with news from a former Broncos defensive player.
Mitch Unrein Looking For Payback?
The Denver Broncos saw quite a bit of players leave the team via free agency. One of the more underrated Broncos that left was defensive lineman Mitch Unrein. Despite being healthy the entire 2014 season, the Broncos placed him on the inactive list for more than half of their games.
Now with the San Diego Chargers, Mitch Unrein looks to get some payback against the Denver Broncos and show them what they are going to be missing.
In my opinion, this is one of those stories that the player needs to talk with his actions and his play on the field rather than using words. While I agree that Mitch Unrein was a solid player, there is no need to run your mouth about getting payback against a former team. It just is not a good look for anyone. Just enjoy the competition and let your play on the field do all the talking.
Feb 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Missouri defensive lineman Shane Ray talks to the media at the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Shane Ray Aiming For DROY
Carl Cockerham from With The First Pick voices his opinion on Shane Ray’s goal to become the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year. He points out that a defensive rookie of the year would most likely have to start nearly every game and Cockerham does not see Shane Ray winning it because he will not start or beat out Demarcus Ware.
I completely respect his opinion on Shane Ray’s comments. I do agree that rookie of the year could be a bit of a stretch for Shane Ray. But I will give it to him that he at least is dreaming big. If you have a goal and work hard enough, you can make it happen.
The goal might be a bit of a stretch for him, but good for Shane Ray to at least have a goal in his rookie year.
May 27, 2015; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos special teams coach Joe DeCamillis during organized team activities at the Broncos training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Joe DeCamillis Could Decide Special Teams Player’s Fate
The special teams unit was perhaps one of the Broncos’ weakest points of the 2014 season. Joe DeCamillis was brought in to make that unit stronger in 2015. Gary Kubiak made it clear that DeCamillis will have a lot of say for whom makes the roster for the Broncos this season. In order for some of these players to make the roster, they will need to impress the special teams coordinator.
It is actually very cool that Gary Kubiak is not just depending on his knowledge and his expertize to decide the final roster. He is looking at his other colleagues in order to make the decision and values their decision.
Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos kicker Brandon McManus (8) in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Brandon McManus As A Punter?
An article that I wrote for Predominantly Orange puts my spin on how Brandon McManus could bring out some of his hidden potential if he switches from placekicker to punter for the Broncos.
The idea for the article came from a comment on a previous article on how Karl Schmitz makes sense for the Denver Broncos. If you would like to read my take on the comment, you can read the article here.
Jan 29, 2014; Jersey City, NJ, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey (24) during a press conference for Super Bowl XLVIII at Hyatt Regency. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Happy Birthday Champ Bailey
Former Broncos Cornerback Champ Bailey turned 37 years old on Monday. Happy Birthday to one of the greatest corners to ever play the game!