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View Full Version : Expect a Buzzier Training Camp Than Usual



WARHORSE
07-25-2010, 09:23 PM
By Frank Schwab (Colorado Springs) Gazette
Posted: 07/24/2010 11:07:55 PM MDT




T he merchandise sold at the Broncos` team store has had the same logo for more than 10 years. The team didn`t bring in any big-name free agents -- unless defensive linemen get you excited. Denver has won just one playoff game in the new millennium and hasn`t been to the postseason since the 2005 season.
The team doesn`t want to put rookie quarterback Tim Tebow on a pedestal, but Denver`s sudden surge in relevancy can be traced back to picking Tebow in the first round. Training camp begins for the Broncos this coming week, the first full-squad public practices Aug. 1, and it seems everyone wants to see Tebow.
The former Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback led the NFL in jersey sales from the beginning of April to the end of June, even though he wasn`t drafted until the end of April. No other rookie was in the top seven.
And the Broncos, who have had little pizzazz for the better part of five years, suddenly led the NFL in merchandise sales from the beginning of April to the end of June.
Training camp should have a little extra buzz in Denver this year.
"We expect to have great attendance," Broncos spokesman Patrick Smyth said.
The Broncos don`t get a huge financial windfall from the Tebow jersey sales. They have to share revenue from allmerchandise sales, although they do keep all the profit from the merchandise sold at Broncos retail stores or on their website. And merchandise sales are a fraction of television rights revenue.
Still, the extra money from Tebow's jersey sales doesn't hurt. And the rookie has made the team a hot topic even though few will pick it to win the AFC West. When Tebow plays in the preseason, television ratings should be high, especially for the fourth game. That game is usually sparsely watched because starters don't play, but the chance to see Tebow for at least a half should change that.
The Broncos can't know how many fans will show up to the free practices, but there's a chance they will set team attendance records. Smyth said the team has also heard from several national media outlets that plan to visit Denver's camp, although he won't single out Tebow as the reason.
"There's clearly a lot of excitement surrounding the Broncos entering the season," Smyth said.
Tebow's impact is far reaching. His legacy at Florida is such the school announced it was erecting a statue of him, and the Gators' two other Heisman Trophy winners, outside the stadium.
Jim Dodson is a co-founder of "Palm Beach Autographs." He has had three public events with Tebow this year, with autographs from Tebow going for $160. Dodson said a show in March drew about twice as many fans as any other show from his company, far outdistancing one that included Florida basketball heroes Joakim Noah, Corey Brewer and Al Horford together.
"Those three guys together drew about 1,000 people," Dodson said. "Tim drew 2,000 himself."
There are at least five blogs devoted to Tebow (TimTeblog.com (http://www.timteblog.com/), He15man.org (http://www.he15man.org/), TimTebowFan.com (http://www.timtebowfan.com/), TimTebowFans.org (http://www.timtebowfans.org/), TebowZone.com (http://www.tebowzone.com/)). ESPN.com (http://www.espn.com/) started a "Tebow Watch" page. The only other athlete who had that treatment was NBA superstar LeBron James.
But why? Tebow's college career is one of the greatest ever, but there have been other great players to enter the NFL. Tebow was only the 25th overall pick this year. Yet he has grown to heights that very few rookies -- Joe Namath, John Elway, Michael Vick and Reggie Bush are among those on the short list -- reach before their first training camp.
Tebow's reach has always gone beyond the football field, and his wholesome image is usually revered by those with the same beliefs, or followed with curiosity by those who cynically wonder about him.
"This guy has a genuine trait about him, that it's obvious there's nothing phony about him," said former NFL coach Sam Wyche, who tutored Tebow this offseason. "People want to see, is this for real?"
Wyche told a story of the sessions with Tebow. When he called for a five-minute break, Tebow would use that as an opportunity to ask him a football question. Wyche, worried the young player would burn out, told Tebow he needed to step back from football occasionally. Wyche asked if Tebow had any hobbies.
"Tim says, 'My main hobby is hanging out with my mom and dad and brother,'" Wyche said. "I'm saying to myself, 'Wow, you are different.'"
Dodson also says Tebow is the real deal. He said Tebow was more gracious than any other athlete he has worked with, signing for every person in line, and he was as nice to the proprietors behind the scenes as he was with the public. Tebow even agreed to help a fan propose to his girlfriend, holding the ring while the fan got down on one knee. Later Tebow told Dodson that the proposal, which was a YouTube hit, was "the coolest thing I've done."
"It's unbelievable," Dodson said. "Everyone loves him."
Five questions
1. How will things be different in coach Josh McDaniels' second year?
There won't be drastic changes, although the team hopes its revamped offseason conditioning program pays off. The camp should still be physical and intense, but the Broncos need to figure out why they have had late-season collapses each of the past two years.
2. Will this year's rookies have a bigger impact?
Last year's rookie class didn't do much. This year the Broncos could thrust rookies like offensive linemen Zane Beadles and J.D. Walton, receiver Demaryius Thomas, cornerback Perrish Cox and, yes, quarterback Tim Tebow into contributing roles if they show they can handle it.
3. Will the defense show its age?
The Broncos go into camp with eight of their 11 projected defensive starters past 30 years old. Age might be of particular concern on the line, where the Broncos invested in three new starters (Jamal Williams, Jarvis Green and Justin Bannan) who are all past 30.
4. Who will be well enough to play on the offensive line?
Left tackle Ryan Clady's knee injury will be a cloud over training camp. He might be Denver's best player and the team hopes he's back for the season opener. Tackle Ryan Harris and guard/center Russ Hochstein are also coming off season-ending injuries.
5. Can Knowshon Moreno become a star?
Moreno was decent but not great as a rookie last year. The 12th overall pick of the draft needs to be better than average. With an entire camp -- he missed 12 practices last year due to a holdout -- and a full offseason, Moreno could be much better in 2010.
Tebow time
Tim Tebow on the field -- what to expect from Denver's popular rookie quarterback?
1. How are his mechanics?
Before the draft a lot was made of Tebow's throwing motion. While there are plenty of small nuances he will be working on, one thing that will be easy to watch is if he dips the ball well below his shoulder as he winds up to throw. That's an old college habit he's trying to break.
2. Will there be special plays for him?
Tebow's best chance to contribute this year is on gadget plays, so it will be interesting to see how many designed runs and unusual formations the Broncos practice during camp. This offseason the Broncos didn't use any designed runs for Tebow until the final few offseason practices.
3. Will he improvise?
During offseason practices the Broncos wanted Tebow to stay in the pocket and throw, so he could learn to be a pocket quarterback. He scrambled a few times in later offseason practices as the reins came off a bit. With the pads on, Tebow might be able to show off his running and playmaking ability.
4. Is he holding it too long?
Perhaps the biggest problem Tebow had in the offseason was holding the ball too long. That's the sign of a quarterback who is learning a very complex offense.
Position battles
Nickel cornerback
Veteran Nate Jones and second-year corner Alphonso Smith were supposed to compete for the job, but rookie Perrish Cox looked good in offseason practices and is part of the competition too.
Left guard/center
Russ Hochstein didn't practice all offseason because he was recovering from knee surgery. He's supposed to be ready for camp, which will give the Broncos options. Hochstein can play guard or center. He'll compete with a rookie either way, either Zane Beadles (left guard) or J.D. Walton (center).
Receiver hierarchy
Jabar Gaffney, Eddie Royal and Demaryius Thomas appear to be pretty good bets to be the Broncos' top three receivers, but the pecking order shall be determined through camp. Matthew Willis, Brandon Lloyd, Kenny McKinley and Brandon Stokley are fighting for playing time -- and roster spots.
Kickoff and punt returner
Eddie Royal has the lead at both spots, according to Josh McDaniels. But Royal needs to have a better year on offense, and one way would be to limit his special teams work and keep him fresh. Rookie Perrish Cox was a good returner in college.
Punter
Not your traditional position battle, considering Britton Colquitt is the only punter on the roster. But if Colquitt, who has not punted in a NFL game, struggles in camp, the Broncos could quickly look into adding a veteran to compete.
Veterans under pressure
WR Eddie Royal
Royal did little last year, going all season without a receiving touchdown. The Broncos have said all offseason they regret not getting Royal more involved. That seems disingenuous, but Royal and the Broncos have a chance to prove he was just underutilized last year.
OLB Robert Ayers
Ayers didn't have a sack last season but the 2009 first-round pick was handed a starting job in the offseason. Things were going well until Ayers was punished and not allowed to practice for most of the June minicamp. He has to rebound in training camp.
OLB Jarvis Moss
An annual member of this list, Moss has a real chance to contribute this year. Denver doesn't have much depth at outside linebacker and Robert Ayers' issues have opened up a competition for a starting spot.
QB Kyle Orton
Although Josh McDaniels has mentioned over and over that Orton is the starter, any slip during camp will have folks clamoring for Brady Quinn or Tim Tebow. The good news for Orton is he looked good this offseason.
TE Richard Quinn A second-round pick last year, Quinn had no catches and contributed little. He was promoted because Tony Scheffler was traded, but didn't have a great offseason. Denver needs to see some progress from Quinn because there isn't much depth at tight end.




Read more: Expect extra buzz at Broncos training camp - Boulder Daily Camera (http://www.dailycamera.com/broncos-nfl/ci_15596737?source=rss#ixzz0ukexS3HN) http://www.dailycamera.com/broncos-nfl/ci_15596737?source=rss#ixzz0ukexS3HN
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Lonestar
07-26-2010, 11:03 AM
Thought Frank was not covering the Broncos this year.

Another great article again.
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frauschieze
07-26-2010, 11:10 AM
For a second when I read the thread title, I thought vuvuzelas were going to be present at camp. :shocked:

WARHORSE
07-26-2010, 01:50 PM
For a second when I read the thread title, I thought vuvuzelas were going to be present at camp. :shocked:


If those vuvu-things came to Broncos camp, I would seriously consider flying to Denver from Oahu, and bringing a fine finned friend to enter into a mexican standoff with whomever held one.
http://pix.motivatedphotos.com/2009/1/16/633677464728973769-MexicanStandoff.jpg