Despite the offense struggling, there were positive signs for the Broncos

It has been a back-and-forth training camp for the Broncos at UC Health Training Center. One day, the offense will be the superior unit and own the day. The next time out, the Broncos defense will take over and dominate their opponent in practice. It’s been a healthy competition for the Broncos on both sides of the ball during four days of training camp.

On Tuesday, it was the Broncos defense who won the day. Pass-rushers like Von Miller and Bradley Chubb were swarming to the quarterback early and often. Up-and-coming players like Dre’Mont Jones were knocking down passes, and the secondary was looking for more interceptions which they got on Tuesday.

However, the Broncos offense was able to get back in red-zone drills. Broncos head coach Vic Fangio knows what he wants from his team when they get near pay dirt.

“Number one, you’re looking for execution. Guys understanding what they’re supposed to do on both sides of the ball and being able to operate now in tight quarters. Obviously being in the red zone, it’s not good on defense to be in the red zone, but it is a defensive advantage when the field is condensed. We have to be able to know how to adjust our play on defense to take advantage of that. Offense has to realize that things are condensed and play sharp, play quick and fit the ball in there where it needs to be fitted. Runs have to be run efficiently. Red zone’s a big part of the game. Once you get down there, whether you get three or seven or give up three or seven is crucial,” Fangio said.

Here are some key highlights from Tuesday’s red-zone work.

***

The Name is Okwuegbunam

I learned how to spell his name quickly, but it took me a little longer to be able to pronounce rookie tight end Albert Okwuegbunam’s name. Broncos fans need to get in line as this tight end has the makings of a solid starter (at least) in this league.

Okwuegbunam will work as a backup tight end to 2019 first-round pick Noah Fant in 2020. The rookie can work well as a blocker or receiver, plus he’s bigger, faster and stronger than Fant – so two-tight end sets give the Broncos a ton of opportunities.

He was a college teammate of quarterback Drew Lock and in two seasons together at Missouri, the duo combined for a whopping 17 touchdowns. Okwuegbunam will be a backup to Fant this year, but he could see a lot of time when the team is near the end zone. His size and skill set make him a great target in the red zone – something that was on full display in Tuesday’s practice.

Albert O. seems to be a favorite target down in the red zone.

I count three TD grabs for him.

— Aric DiLalla (@AricDiLalla) August 18, 2020

There is no doubt that Okwuegbunam could be a big presence for the Broncos in the red zone this season.

***

Cool Under Pressure

Lock was under duress for most of practice on Tuesday, and that’s been a steady occurrence for the young quarterback most days at training camp this year. The Broncos offensive line – mainly the offensive tackles – have been having a hard time dealing with the Broncos pass rush – mainly Miller and Chubb.

That means Lock has had to improvise plenty of times. Lock is athletic and can scramble if the play breaks down. However, he’s always been good about extending the play while keeping his eyes downfield as a passer. This amazing touchdown pass to Courtland Sutton today showcases how Lock can make plays on the run.

👀 @SuttonCourtland with the toe tap for SIX!#BroncosCamp | #TDTuesday pic.twitter.com/FkfC3zI0FL

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) August 18, 2020

It’s great to see the chemistry between Lock and Sutton every day at training camp. Sutton has yet to show off his full potential in the pros, and those who think his breakout season was 2019 may be mistaken. Sutton could be even better in 2020 – especially if Lock continues to be cool under pressure.

***

Impossible Catch

Melvin Gordon was signed by the Broncos to a contract that makes him the sixth-highest paid running back in the NFL (on an annual average salary basis). He is here to help out the Broncos offense and make them better in the red zone – especially with his proven nose for the end zone.

Lock only gained 3.7 yards per target on passes to running backs last year, while Gordon has averaged 6.3 yards per target over his career (per Football Outsiders). Gordon is going to be a big cog in the Broncos offensive machine – as both a runner and receiver out of the backfield.

On Tuesday, Lock made a tight-window throw to Gordon with linebacker Alexander Johnson in near-perfect coverage. Gordon was able to concentrate on the pass and gather it in for the score. It was an amazing play and highlights how Gordon can make something happen as a receiver no matter the coverage.

👀👀👀👀👀👀@Melvingordon25 | #BroncosCamp pic.twitter.com/IXAGAGfYqu

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) August 18, 2020

Gordon is likely to be the lead back for the Broncos. We’ll see Phillip Lindsay get on the field too, but Gordon has a three-down skill set and is capable of carrying a large workload if need be. As evidenced by his history in the league – and this outstanding catch – Gordon can also be utilized as a dangerous receiving weapon for the passing attack.

Related

Dover and Cecil project a monster year for Bo Nix in 2026Broncos No. 31 in the NFL in ESPN’s under-25 Power RankingsThere’s one thing standing between the Broncos and a Super BowlBroncos Country should be careful when wishing for more downfield passesBroncos’ Robinson ‘looks like a future starter,’ so, can they get him more reps?Former Broncos starting cornerback gets another shot with Browns