Training Camp Observations: A 1-2 punch is developing at running back
Aug 2, 2021, 2:35 PM
The Broncos were back at it on Monday at UC Health Training Center. After getting Sunday off, it was interesting to see how the team responded as training camp continues to ramp up.
The pads come on Tuesday, but that doesn’t mean things weren’t intriguing on Monday. In fact, this was one of the best days for one of the quarterbacks and other players on both sides of the ball.
Here are my five biggest observations from day five of training camp.
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Hands Down
Most days, the quarterback competition between Drew Lock and Teddy Bridgewater is close. Yes, Bridgewater had a bad day (three interceptions) on Saturday and Lock had a bad day last Thursday (no completions in team drills until final drill), but most days this competition is too close to call.
On Monday, it was Bridgewater’s day hands down. The first throw of the day by Bridgewater was about a 50-yard bomb to Diontae Spencer for a touchdown. Bridgewater had a terrible day on Saturday, and he clearly made a statement with that first pass – then he continued to finish the day as the better passer.
It wasn’t just that one deep throw. There were multiple occasions where Bridgewater went deep to attack the defense. He once again showed strong chemistry with Jerry Jeudy and when he did make a mistake (one interception to linebacker Curtis Robinson), Bridgewater shook it off and continued his strong play. Let’s see if he can put together back-to-back strong performances, something he hasn’t done yet in training camp.
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Bell/Anderson Redux
The Broncos running back situation is one to watch. Melvin Gordon is considered the starter and rookie Javonte Williams is seen as the No. 2 in the rotation. While technically that may be true, I think there’s enough to go around for both backs to be nearly 1,000-yard rushers in 2021.
This is something we’ve seen with the Broncos in year’s past. Back in 2005, Mike Anderson had 239 carries for 1,014 yards with 12 rushing touchdowns. At the same time, his teammate, Tatum Bell, had 173 carries for 921 yards and eight rushing touchdowns. I could see Gordon and Williams getting that sort of production this year.
Gordon does look good out there. He’s a slasher and it seems like he’s found his speed again, something that seemingly was lost during his time with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers. Williams looks like everything he was advertised as, and I think he could push for 1,000 yards this year even if there is a split in the backfield.
Denver is not treating this as a “clear cut” situation. Gordon will get a first-team rep, and then Williams gets the next rep. This is going to be a running-back-by-committee with two talented players who can be key cogs to what they do on offense.
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Holy Trinity
The Broncos wide receivers’ room is jam-packed with talent. One player who is standing out most every day is Trinity Benson. I haven’t had a chance to write him up yet, but today I make that right as Benson continued to impress.
Benson has been with the team since they picked him up as a UDFA out of East Central in 2019. He worked diligently to stick with the team as a developmental practice squad player, and this year things may be tougher than ever when it comes to making the 53-man roster.
He is buried on the depth chart at this time and may only be no.4 on the depth chart at best. Benson is ultra-quick and lightning fast with the ball in his hands. It doesn’t take much of a crease for him to make a big play, and Benson is taking advantage of his opportunity – catching most everything thrown his way.
His ability as a return man could help his chances of making the team. The ability to use him on gadget plays like end-arounds/sweeps could give him a leg up in this competition as well. Who knows if he makes the team, but Benson is doing his best to earn his spot.
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Welcome To Denver
The old saying is “you only get one chance to make a first impression.” If you believe that’s true, then new Broncos cornerback Rojesterman Farris made a great impression in his first practice with the team.
To end the day, Farris picked off Lock and drew praise from his teammates with his hands on the ball. Farris did a good job of reading the quarterback’s eyes and his instincts took over.
Undrafted out of Hawaii in 2020, Farris has spent time with the Atlanta Falcons and the Chicago Bears. Now, he’s in the mix with the Broncos and has a chance to at least earn a practice squad spot.
Farris is versatile and can play zone cornerback or line up at safety. He’s got good instincts and pro size but his speed may not be where you need it to be. Keep the play in front of him, and Farris can make a play on the ball – just like he did to finish off Monday.
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More Chubb
As practice goes on, we are going to see more from Bradley Chubb. The team has eased him into action, and on Monday we got to see him get a few snaps in team drills for the first time.
Chubb had ankle surgery back in May, and he’s missed most of the team’s offseason work on the road to recovery. It seems like Chubb will be ready for the start of the regular season.
I just want to see a healthy Chubb and a healthy Von Miller on the field at the same time. We haven’t seen that since Chubb was a rookie back in 2018. It’s time for that pick to finally pay off for the Broncos as most envisioned when the Broncos picked Chubb with the No. 5 overall pick.
He’s got the talent, always has, but now it’s time to play up to that potential. Enough of the flashes, I want to see Chubb 100 percent healthy and wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks. It seems like this could finally be the year we see that.
