ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — In perhaps the most physical, competitive practice of training camp thus far, the Broncos battled in third-down scenarios.
In multiple 11-on-11 periods, the team focused on third-down action — and the defense held an early edge.
As they worked on third-and-short scenarios, the Denver defense made a series of plays, including a would-be Zach Allen sack.
Later in practice, though, the Denver offense found more success as the yardage got longer. On third-and-7 and third-and-13 snaps, Bo Nix delivered tight-window throws to Courtland Sutton and Trent Sherfield Sr., respectively, for first downs.
The defense still won a pair of reps in that period — including one via a Jonathon Cooper pressure — but the back-and-forth nature reemphasized the competitive value of training camp.
Whether in third-down work, other 11-on-11 action or 9-on-7 drills, the Broncos made the most of their padded practice.
Inside linebacker Levelle Bailey flew up to make an early stop at the line of scrimmage in 11-on-11 work, while running back Audric Estime barreled over a defender in a later team period. Sutton absorbed contact along the sideline to make a contested team-period catch, and inside linebacker Jordan Turner delivered a strong hit at the boundary on another snap. And cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine and Bailey each would have delivered punishing hits after the catch under game conditions.
Despite the intensity, there were no skirmishes or fights. As the Broncos continue to practice, the focus has been on the work — and the physicality hasn’t crossed over into extracurriculars.
… Quarterback Bo Nix impressed with several throws on Wednesday. In addition to the tight-window third-down passes, he rifled a pass to Troy Franklin for a potential sideline catch and delivered an on-target downfield throw to Sherfield for a gain of at least 25 yards.
… Franklin was perhaps the star of 1-on-1 reps between receivers and defensive backs. He caught a deep pass in the corner of the end zone, hauling in a contested catch despite tight coverage. Later in the drill, he dove to create separation and showed impressive concentration to make a catch.
… Cooper was among the standouts on Wednesday, recording multiple tackles and pressures and a would-be strip-sack during one 11-on-11 rep.
… Running back J.K. Dobbins may have broken a big run via a cutback under game conditions, and second-year rusher Blake Watson also had several successful carries late in practice.
… Sutton had his most productive day of camp as he hauled in several passes and caught at least one ball from all three quarterbacks on Wednesday.
… Inside linebackers Alex Singleton and Drew Sanders, wide receiver Devaughn Vele and outside linebacker Que Robinson did not practice.
