here’s some of what I saw just outside Denver on another clear, warm summer day in Colorado.
1) The first thing that was noticeable here, very clearly, is the level of energy and competition in practice. Through coach Nathaniel Hackett’s first camp, the Broncos have pretty much eschewed 7-on-7s and 1-on-1s altogether for 11-on-11 work—it felt like about three-quarters of Thursday’s practice was a full offense going up against a full defense. I was told that could vary a little in the coming days, with perhaps some 1-on-1s mixed in, but it is pretty much the way it’s been through camp.
Hackett is taking ideas he learned during his time with the Packers and applying them with the franchise he is now running. 2) Second-year cornerback Patrick Surtain II looks like an All-Pro, and I don’t think that’s even a slight embellishment. When you see him in person, his size and length stick out, as does how smooth and easy-moving he is. The new staff has also been really impressed with his demeanor—and how he never panics or wavers in his belief in himself.
3) Bradley Chubb is finally healthy, and I’d expect Denver to move him around in its front in passing situations to create problems for opposing offenses. This, of course, is a very big year for Chubb, as he readies to play on the fifth-year option of his rookie contract.
AlbertBreer RT NFL palpable and cavorting