Tire swing unnecessary at QB camp
With new receivers treading about, targets everywhere
By Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published May 29, 2008 at 5:18 p.m.
Photo by Associated Press
Broncos free-agent wide receiver Samie Parker, who played for the Kansas City Chiefs last season, was among the players cut by the team Monday.
There's probably a more appropriate name for the Broncos' quarterback camp the past two weeks: target practice.
The team is assimilating an almost entirely new group of receivers, except for a few holdovers, particularly with Brandon Marshall still on the comeback trail from a forearm injury.
Keary Colbert, Samie Parker and Darrell Jackson were plucked from the free-agent market. Edell Shepherd and Cliff Russell were signed off the street. And two rookies were added to the mix: Eddie Royal through the draft and Lorne Sam as a college free-agent signee.
That leaves only four players currently practicing who finished last season on the Broncos roster. And of that group, Brandon Stokley and Glenn Martinez were the only two who made at least one catch.
"Everyone's working and everyone has a chance next season," said Jeremy Bates, who coordinates the passing game. "They're working their butts off. We've thrown a lot at them the last two weeks and they're staying on top of things, both mentally and physically. It's exciting."
Among the most excited is the player expected to deliver the ball to whomever emerges. Jay Cutler talked this week about the receivers generally being quick studies, saying he was "thrilled" so far with the assembled group.
"This is the best receiving corps we've had since I've been here, I think, especially when we get Brandon back," the quarterback said. "Keary and Darrell, I've been pleasantly surprised with them and how they've picked up the offense as well as they have. There's been very few missed assignments. They catch the ball well. They run. They've got good attitudes. We've got a lot of guys to get the ball to."
Bates has been struck by the group's hunger to succeed and improve, calling it an essential building block for sustaining an NFL career.
But that means little without the corresponding talent.
"I'm really excited about this group - good guys, fun to be around, fun in the meeting room," Stokley said. "And we have a lot of talent, with young guys, veteran guys."
There also is an apparent logjam of "slot" receivers.
Stokley and Jackson have made a living operating just off the line of scrimmage. It also is Royal's anticipated forte. Parker also played there some with the Kansas City Chiefs. But none is getting used to his comfort zone.
Versatility is the byword at this early juncture.
"Brandon Stokley's known as one of the best, or the best, slot receivers in the game. We got a couple injuries last year, and next thing you know, he's playing the majority of his snaps at the 'Z,' " Bates said. "I think you have to experience both inside and outside, be flexible, and the more you can do, the better chance you have of making the team."
While Bates is reticent to talk about individual players at this early stage, Royal has stood out to some of his teammates, both in his maturity and skill level.
Jackson talked about how quickly Royal, a second-round draft pick from Virginia Tech, has ingested and applied the playbook.
Stokley agreed, saying, "I think he's got a chance to be a very good player for a long time."
Said Cutler: "He's got a lot of speed in and out of his breaks, and I was surprised at his hands. I didn't know he had such great hands."
The Broncos needed an infusion of talent at receiver.
Outside of Marshall, whose recovery is progressing well, and Stokley - they combined for 142 catches for 1,960 yards and 12 touchdowns last season - the Broncos' other wideouts largely were nonfactors in 2007.
The rest of the receiving corps - Martinez, Javon Walker and Brian Clark - combined for just 44 catches for 485 yards and no touchdowns, with nearly half that output by Walker in the first two games before his knee surgery wrecked his season.
Walker definitely won't be back. But Thursday afternoon, Marshall was running post-practice wind sprints in his bid to get back with the rest of the gang.
"We're waiting for him," Bates said. "He's definitely a weapon."
New and improved?
Receivers competing at the Broncos' quarterback camp:
Keary Colbert His deal early in free agency raised eyebrows, but he is only 25 and should be part of the regular rotation, if not starting.
Darrell Jackson Bothered by turf toe for more than a year, but he now is healthy. He and Colbert likely will be locked in a battle in training camp.
Taylor Jacobs Joined Denver midseason in 2007, so he already has a jump on the offensive system. Will compete for a reserve spot.
Brandon Marshall The unquestioned No. 1. Continues to rehabilitate his right forearm after surgery and will begin catching passes in a few weeks.
Glenn Martinez A bit on the slight side physically (6-foot-1, 190 pounds), but he has some open-field elusiveness and is helped by his ability to return punts and kicks.
Marquay McDaniel A small-school project (Hampton) who spent most of the 2007 season on the Broncos' practice squad.
Samie Parker A former starter for the Chiefs, he could provide the one element that seemingly is lacking in a big-picture sense: deep speed.
Eddie Royal Will make the roster for return abilities alone, but he could push for offensive playing time because of his smarts and hands.
Cliff Russell A sixth-year pro who has spent time with Miami, Cincinnati and Washington but was out of football in 2007.
Lorne Sam A tall (6-3) receiver out of Texas-El Paso who also played quarterback and running back in college. Also played at Florida State.
Edell Shepherd Joining his fifth NFL team with 13 career NFL receptions. Will need to contribute on special teams to stick.
Brandon Stokley One of the team's top receivers, he has a terrific feel for zone coverages and the chains. Team wants to limit his snaps and keep him in his natural slot position.
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May 29, 2008
6:08 p.m.
Suggest removal
flybys writes:
The Broncos seem excited about the receivers they currently have on the roster. Maybe someone should remind them that volume doesn't always equal quality.
Brandon Marshall, if healthy, is the real deal. Brandon Stokely is proven. Eddie Royal will get his shots to play. Darrell Jackson is a wily old pro. That's a start. But the rest of the bunch are just bodies at this point. Guys who showed up for the casting call, with many of them likely to be pretenders, sounding as bad as American Idol early-round contestants.
That quarterback Jay Cutler is impressed says something but just how much who knows.
May 29, 2008
6:51 p.m.
Suggest removal
Jaeks75 writes:
Hey, we will be better than last year and what more can you ask. I like Royal even though it was a stretch. Our kick returns have always been lagging. Now we have a special teams weapon. As the season draws closer I am getting more and more confidence we will be in playoff contention. Maybe 10-6 this season.
May 29, 2008
9:03 p.m.
Suggest removal
Battlehoss writes:
Posted by Jaeks75 on May 29, 2008 at 6:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey, we will be better than last year and what more can you ask. I like Royal even though it was a stretch. Our kick returns have always been lagging. Now we have a special teams weapon. As the season draws closer I am getting more and more confidence we will be in playoff contention. Maybe 10-6 this season.
Hey dude, what makes you think you'll do better than last year? You have'nt hit bottom yet!
May 29, 2008
9:31 p.m.
Suggest removal
HBBeough writes:
Battlehoss,
What? You are'nt[sic] making any sense my man.
2007 was rock bottom in Denver. 7-9 is a good year elsewhere in the league but only an every 20 year rebuilding period in mile high.
May 30, 2008
7:20 a.m.
Suggest removal
hdfresh writes:
We certainly have more depth in receivers this year. It is going to be a 4,000 yard, 25+ touchdown season for Cutler.
May 30, 2008
8:10 a.m.
Suggest removal
sixshooter writes:
Very tacky Battlehoss. A chargers fan posting on a Broncos blog and making foolish comments. Not a classy move. Don't the chargers have a place for you?
May 30, 2008
8:15 a.m.
Suggest removal
trueblue writes:
Get ready for a great show this year folks. This team is going to be gooooddd!!! Our greatest weakness is our running back group, but I expect it to be twice as good as it was last year. If our Defense can hold, we'll be smoking teams. We have four easy wins in the AFC West, three from the AFC Least, and three our four from the NFC South. We're racking up atleast 10 wins and maybe 11. Go Broncos!
May 30, 2008
8:23 a.m.
Suggest removal
DroolingMoose writes:
Yes, Sixshooter, it's called the Phillip Rivers House...a place for classy people.
May 30, 2008
9:19 a.m.
Suggest removal
broncodano writes:
lol moose
a wise man once said..
Those whom the gods wish to destroy, they first make proud...
We were injured across the board last year. Now we are healthy. We had an ailing quarterback, and Cutler STILL out performed Phillis. Our offensive line went down, now they are much healthier and much deeper in the chart. Our running back went down, now we have EIGHT competing for the job. Our special teams absoultely reaked, now we have TWO insanely talented returners in Royal and Alridge. We had our primary receiver go down, now we have 4 new ones.
And our defensive coordinator was a madman.
Enjoy your preseason Chargers...
Great storms announce themselves with gentle breezes....
bd
May 30, 2008
10:16 a.m.
Suggest removal
NM_Jason writes:
I hear hurricanes a blowin'
May 30, 2008
10:34 a.m.
Suggest removal
jugdish writes:
WR Corps has some solid cats. Marshall, Stokley, Colbert, Jackson, Royal. This likely will be the core. IF team keeps six Parker and Taylor will battle it out. Now hopefully Scheffler will get healthy. Jay should also look for Graham across the middle. Not only is he a great blocker, he's a hoss with soft hands who is a load to bring down.
May 30, 2008
11:26 a.m.
Suggest removal
sbhchawk writes:
I would love to believe Cutler that he likes this group and how smart and good they are. But really, if he thought most of them were crap do you really think he'd say that? He'd be labeled a bad teammate.
But how I think this might shake out
Marshall-no brainer regardless of if hes health at the start of camp
Jackson _cut. This guy is good as I lived in Seattle why he was there. But he's getting older, is on a one year contract and has injury history. He won't provide much long term benefit and his spot should go to someone with more long term benefit. We can't keep them all.
Colbert-I like Jackson more but he got the money so he'll get a year. Hopefully his 2nd round talent was slowed by injury and not lack of talent. the contract will give him a year.
Martinez-Cut, couldn't produce with last year injury's I dont see his potential gleaming him a roster spot. I believe he's had 3 years already.
McDaniel-young and cheap keep him and see if in a year he's the better player over martinez.
Parker-Speed gives him a year. But as a 3rd-4th WR on long downs to get the Safety's out of the crossing routes.
Royal_obviously no need to discuss
Sam-Practice Squad? young and cheap
Sheppard_cut he's had 6 years and hasn't done anything. take the young and cheap with potential over him
Stokely-obviuosly keep him
That's 6 players and 1 practice squad with jackson odd man out
May 30, 2008
1:54 p.m.
Suggest removal
moles3144 writes:
Have the broncos even beat the chargers yet since Cutler took over? Shoot they couldn' even put up a TD last year. Seems like alot of expectations of a 4000+ 25TD season because they added these WR's. There is a reason why these guys are so available. Their problem in on the O-Line and D-Line and RedZone scoring, not to mention their draft classes have been near the bottom. I love the comment about character guys only by the Donks and then they go sign Pittman. Keep that optimistic approach all you Bronco Billy's.
May 30, 2008
4:03 p.m.
Suggest removal
denmex writes:
Phillip Rivers a classy guy?????????? my god u dont only know a thing about football, u dont know a thing about life, trust me dude thers no classy in sd locker room.
and if u want too show some class get the %"#$% out of here and mid ur own busines
May 30, 2008
4:25 p.m.
Suggest removal
R8R_H8R writes:
Phillip Rivers is an IDIOT. So much so, that I made a website proclaiming it. I was always in-different about the Chargers, hated the Raiders and Chefs, but the Chargeless? Who cares? Then they got this Loud Mouth moron named Philipe'. What an idiot. L.T. and the Defense are the dominant force in San Diego, Philippe' is along for the ride, running his big mouth all the while. I'll take the ability of Jay Cutler every time over Phillipe'.
http://www.freewebs.com/riversisleaf/...
Phillip Rivers IS Ryan Leaf part duex
June 2, 2008
7:59 a.m.
Suggest removal
jkboldt writes:
Pumped about all the new receivers. Should be able to get something decent to help out Marshall and Stokely.
FYI. Cool game if you love football...
http://goallineblitz.com/game/signup....
June 26, 2008
2:10 p.m.
Suggest removal
CourtneyBrown98 writes:
Phillip RIvers is the most unclassy QB in the NFL to me!..he talks trash to (J.CUtler) the most quiet QB in NFL history!!! but doesnt talk trash to Peyton Manning or Tom Brady!! THey mightve whooped on us last year but thatz gonna change and Im willing to bet J. Cut iz gonna have betta stats!!!