Wilson and Sutton shine, while Jeudy and Gordon have a tough day one

It feels like Christmas morning every time I’m out at UC Health Training Center for Denver Broncos training camp. I was prepared for a big day, and I was looking forward to having fun. Both things happened on the opening day of camp.

The Broncos are in a Super Bowl window in 2022. The work they do during training camp will translate to the field in the regular season. It’s just practice, but you can pick up a lot from what you see the Broncos do during late July and early August. As they build this team to make a championship run, I will be there every day with my notebook in hand.

Here are some of my notes from the first day of training camp.

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Crowd Loves Russ

I’ll be honest, I was expecting more people on the first day of the Russell Wilson era. Just like the Peyton Manning era, I expected the crowd to be near full capacity for the first day of practice. That didn’t happen, and the hill that fans sit on was about 50 percent full.

It’s the middle of the work week, and I’m certain more fans will show up especially on the weekends. However, the crowd that was there loved quarterback Russell Wilson – and he showed that love right back.

It was fun watching Wilson make a big play, and the crowd go nuts for his performance. It was also fun to see Wilson come over before practice started to pump up the fans in attendance. The winning ways are back in Broncos Country, and these fans will love Wilson more and more each day.

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Gordon Gets Work

On Tuesday, I said on “Coffee Break” that I didn’t think Melvin Gordon would get any first team reps on the first day of practice. I was wrong, but Gordon certainly didn’t get a lot of work. On the second time the first-team offense trotted onto the field during team drills, Gordon did get two snaps (and two carries) with them. Before that, Gordon was mopping up last after Javonte Williams, Mike Boone, and Damarea Crockett got reps.

It’s clear Gordon must work to get into the good graces of the coaching staff. I’m sure they’re not mad at him, but he must earn the work he gets. Gordon is a good back, and he certainly could be featured when the team is near pay dirt in the red zone because of his propensity to score touchdowns. However, I don’t think this is a running back competition between him and Williams.

I think Gordon is the clear backup, and I believe he’s competing with Boone for the No. 2 job. Yes, the Broncos should use a RBBC this year, but the percentage Gordon gets will depend on the work he does in camp.

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Sutton Scores (Get Used to It)

Courtland Sutton is Wilson’s favorite target. The Broncos have a talented group of wide receivers for the quarterback to throw to, but I think Sutton is at the top of his list.

Early in practice, during 7-on-7 drills, Wilson found Sutton on an in-breaking route and delivered the ball on time. Not only was the timing of the pass great, but Wilson also put the ball in front of Sutton where he’d have to go get it and maximize yards after the catch. Not only did Sutton gash the defense after the catch, but he also scored a touchdown that was around 40 yards out. Sutton to Wilson should be a thing this year, so fans got a little glimpse of what that looks like on Wednesday.

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Jeudy Disappoints

Everything is on the line for Jerry Jeudy this year. The Broncos must make decision on his fifth-year option after this season. The former first-round pick has struggled for most of the two seasons he’s been in the NFL, but it was easy to blame the bad offensive scheme or the bad quarterback play.

The excuses are over with Wilson under center. That’s one of the reasons why Jeudy’s performance on the first day was a bit disappointing. In fact, practice ended on a good play from the Broncos defense – and a bad play from Jeudy.

With the first offense in the red zone, Wilson found Jeudy on an underneath route in the end zone. Jeudy secured the pass, or at least that’s what it looked like, until the ball was ripped from his hand by the defense. Instead of hitting the ground incomplete, the defense was able to scoop it out of the air. The horn sounded, and that was it.

Jeudy disappointed on day one, even though it seemed like they were featuring him at times in the passing game. It’s only one day, but we’ll see if Jeudy can correct things quickly.

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Saubert Slides

Late in practice during team drills, Wilson was able to score the first touchdown of the day in that drill by finding tight end Eric Saubert. It was a quick read, and Wilson knew where to rocket the ball in for Saubert. This pass came in hot, and it was low to the ground. Wilson put it in a spot that only Saubert would get it or it would hit the ground incomplete. It seemed like an impossible catch, but Saubert was able to lay out his body and slide to make the low catch.

The offense erupted after the play, and Wilson was all smiles when celebrating with his tight end. Saubert may be No. 3 on the depth chart at tight end, but his blocking, catching, and special teams ability make him a fine player to keep around on the roster. Making this play for Wilson could work in his favor when the Broncos must make tough decisions after the preseason.

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Don’t Forget About Dre

I think many are overlooking defensive end Dre’Mont Jones, and that’s a mistake. Jones was one of the most underrated Broncos for me last year in camp, and I think despite his strong play in 2021 many are forgetting about him. Jones was able to make his presence felt more than once today. Going against Quinn Meinerz and the first team offensive line, Jones regularly got interior pressure. Many of the plays that were broken up were because of the pressure that Jones was able to build.

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Bonitto Boost

During rookie minicamp, OTAs, and mandatory minicamp I didn’t see 2022 second-round pick Nik Bonitto do much for the Broncos. Even running with the third-team defense, Bonitto didn’t make many plays in the spring.

That’s what it was so good to see him out there wreaking havoc on the third team today. Bonitto is fast and physical at the snap, and there was one play late in practice where he made Ben Braden look bad on the way to the quarterback. Hopefully as he gets more used to the rigors of the NFL, Bonitto will continue to make more plays as he works his way into the pass-rushing rotation.

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Simmons Swoops in Twice

Justin Simmons is ready to take his game to an even higher level. Arguably the best safety in the game today, Simmons was everywhere on the first day of practice. There were two times, including the final play of practice where Simmons swooped in to make the interception. That was on a play ripped away from Jeudy, and Simmons was there to make a play.

Earlier in practice, Simmons swooped in for an interception after K’Waun Williams tipped the pass by Wilson. This Broncos defense won the day, and that was fun to watch these defenders show emotion that they never did under former head coach Vic Fangio. The talent is there, especially with Simmons, and now this defense could play better than ever under new guidance in 2022. Having Simmons make big plays like that is going to be a big help this season.

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