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Lonestar
08-19-2010, 03:49 PM
Broncos strive to improve shaky punt coverage
By Jeff Legwold
The Denver Post
POSTED: 08/19/2010 12:07:46 PM MDT
UPDATED: 08/19/2010 12:16:00 PM MDT


Broncos offensive linemen hit the blocking sled at training camp Thursday morning. (Steve Nehf / The Denver Post)
A look at Broncos training camp practice Thursday at Dove Valley:

Highlight of the day

The Broncos spent a lot of time on punt coverage this week. They liked the effort in last weekend's preseason opener, but players did not show proper form and overran several plays and the Bengals had three punt returns for more than 20 yards. Nate Jones and Matthew Willis — the outside "gunners" — were in good form Thursday morning, including Willis swatting the ball out of the air before it bounced end zone so it could be downed inside the 5-yard line.

Lowlight of the day

On the last day for fans to make their way to practice many went home disappointed because rookie quarterback
Tim Tebow was not on the field. Tebow suffered a rib injury against the Bengals and left Wednesday's practice. Several children decked out in Tebow jerseys showed their disappointment when they couldn't locate the player.
Quote

"Whenever he's ready to go, he'll be back out here on the field ... we're not going to try and hurry anybody back for this game." — Broncos coach Josh McDaniel on when Tebow may return to the field or whether Tebow will play Saturday night against the Lions.

Position battle

It's a common mistake, but often young players in an NFL training get the idea things are winding down in the preseason when the fans leave.

But no, the fans will be gone the rest of the way, but there are still three games remaining before the final roster cuts, and two before the first roster cuts are made. That leaves some time to make an impression. The Broncos are particularly crowded at backup linebacker where several players are battling for those last couple spots.

Things have been jumbled on the inside because D.J. Williams has missed so much practice time and Elvis Dumervil is expected to miss much or all of the season after surgery to repair his


Quarterback Brady Quinn, taking snaps from center J.D. Walton, is expected to see a lot of time Saturday night against the Lions. (Steve Nehf | The Denver Post)
chest muscle.
Kevin Alexander, an undrafted rookie who was a defensive end for some of his career at Clemson, has pushed his way up the depth chart. He was in the game early on last weekend and could play both inside and outside for the Broncos as well as special teams.

Baraka Atkins got plenty of work in the OTAs when Robert Ayers was moved out of the lineup briefly and has played well when he's had the chance to go with his special teams work too.

All of that doesn't even account for Johnny Williams and Joe Mays, both of whom were acquired in camp and are quality special-teams prospects, or rookies Jammie Kirlew and Devin Bishop.

Quarterback watch

Kyle Orton — Took the majority of snaps in what was largely a day to get a look at what the Lions might do Saturday night.

Brady Quinn — Handled plenty of the work against the Broncos defense in scout team as the defense worked against things it might see from the Lions.

Tebow — Did not practice because of a rib injury.

Camp facts

The Broncos finished out the open-to-the-public portion of their training camp with their Thursday morning practice. They have three preseason games remaining, including Saturday night at Invesco Field at Mile High against the Detroit Lions.

Jeff Legwold: 303-954-2359 or jlegwold@denverpost.com
http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_15828786