The Broncos no longer have an excuse if they start the season slowly

Should the Broncos have skipped the third and final practice of their mandator minicamp in favor of a team “field day?” That’s the question that’s been discussed to the nth degree in Denver the past 24 hours or so.

Some believe it was a bad idea. Others don’t think it’s all that big of a deal.

Reasonable minds can disagree. Even if Twitter suggests otherwise.

One thing is for certain, however. The Broncos no longer have any excuses if they start off the season slowly.

There are plenty of people who are ready to give them that free pass. They incorrectly want to compare Peyton Manning’s first season in Denver to Russell Wilson’s initial campaign, showing that it “takes time” to make the transition from one team to another.

That excuse was always problematic. Now, it’s a moot point.

By not practicing on Wednesday, the Broncos sent a very clear message. Effectively, they said:

“We have no more work to do. We’re ready to go.”

Okay, that’s fine. There’s no reason to take Nathaniel Hackett at his word on that front.

But that also eliminates the excuse for a slow start. The head coach has taken that off the table.

If the Broncos sputter through the first quarter of the season, it can’t be because they haven’t had enough time on the practice field together. Not after the voluntarily passed on an opportunity to get in valuable work.

Someone can’t have time to stop for Starbucks, but also be late for work. It doesn’t work that way.

There’s nothing wrong with going through the drive-thru and grabbing a pumpkin spice latte. But strolling into the office 10 minutes late with the signature green-and-white cup in hand isn’t a good look.

On Wednesday, the Broncos decided to goof around. In essence, they decided to stop for coffee on the way to work.

That’s fine. It’s all good.

Now, they just need to make sure they’re ready to go come Week 1. They aren’t allowed to be late to the office at this point.

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