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Notable News From the First Week of Denver Broncos Training Camp

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Broncos Training Camp

It has now officially been a week of Broncos training camp and a lot has happened. There is so much Denver Broncos news to try and keep track of, we decided to round up the most important news for you. That way, you can be the smartest Broncos fan in the room. In a weekly series that will recap the week in the Broncos’ trek to the 2022 season, let’s take a look at all of the news and notes of Broncos training camp, week 1. 

News on Denver Broncos Training Camp: Week 1

The Injury Bug Officially Hits the Denver Broncos

On the last day of week 1, the Broncos were hit with two major injuries that will shelve wide receiver Tim Patrick and rookie running back Damarea Crockett for the rest of the 2022 season. It was found out later in the day that they both had suffered torn ACLs. Broncos fans were devastated to find out about the injury news, as big things were expected from Patrick. Moving forward, coaches will look to see who will step up and take over Patrick’s spot on the roster. 

This is perhaps where the returning KJ Hamler can come in and contribute a little bit more for the Broncos. While he might be undersized compared to Patrick, Hamler can make up for that in his speed. 

Crockett, on the other hand, had perhaps locked himself up a spot as a special teams player. Unfortunately for the rookie, he will have a year to think about how he can help the Broncos in 2023.  

Montrell Washington Proving Doubters Wrong 

Another receiver that might step up in Patrick’s absence is going to be rookie Montrell Washington. The young receiver has already made a name for himself in Broncos circles, as he is looking to make inroads on the depth chart. The continued story for Washington is being able to get behind the defense, and if can continue to do so, he will become a favorite target of Russell Wilson. Wilson loved to throw a deep ball. 

Washington was drafted in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, where many projected him to be an undrafted free agent. Not only has he proven the Broncos right for drafting him but he’s already proven he will make an impact on the team. Whether this will be either as a returner or a receiver, or both, is yet to be seen. 

Derek Wolfe Retirement

A retirement that somewhat came as a surprise, long-time Broncos defensive tackle Derek Wolfe signed a one-day contract and officially retired as a Denver Bronco. Wolfe, who had spent the last two seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, spent the first 8 years, of his 11-year career, in Denver. In 2015 Wolfe was part of the vaunted defense that brought the Broncos their third Super Bowl in franchise history. Wolfe ended his career with the Broncos with 299 tackles, 46 of those were for a loss and 33 sacks. 

The Broncos faithful who were in attendance for the Friday practice welcomed Wolfe and his family with a standing ovation. Wolfe continues a tradition of players always returning to Denver, no matter where they ended thier career. 

Defense Looks Good

A common theme for the first week of camp is how consistently good the Broncos’ defense has looked. They have been getting the best of the offense during this first week thus far. Which is expected for a defense that kept their core together and brought in some major help. There must have been some form of extra added motivation for the Broncos’ defense, as all of the talks for the team have been centered around Russell Wilson and the offense since he was traded for in March. 

If there were any worries about the defense not being in sync, they have put that to rest early on. The Broncos’ defense looks to be a top-10 unit again. One also must consider that Randy Gregory has not been practicing, as he is still recovering from off-season shoulder surgery. Jonas Griffith is a star to keep an eye on as he has been one of the defensive standouts thus far. He will be competing with Alex Singleton for the inside linebacker position. 

The offense Isn’t as Sharp as We’d Like

On the flip side, the offense, while not looking bad, as a cohesive unit has not gotten off to the start they would have wanted to this first week. As mentioned before, frustration boiled over for head coach Nathaniel Hacket. He was visibly upset at Thursday’s practice with his offense. Russell Wilson then quickly got the ball and threw two straight touchdowns. So while the unit hasn’t been able to mesh together, individually, players have looked good. This includes Wilson, Jerry Jeudy, Javonte Williams, and the interior offensive line. 

Broncos fans shouldn’t hit the panic button just yet, as they must remember that this is a group of players that have a new coach and quarterback. If they can be more consistent during training camp and preseason, expect the offense to be as good as advertised this offseason. With how well the Broncos’ defense has played, the offense has been bought some time to get gelled and ready for the season. 

Russell Wilson in Denver

Fans who attended the first week of training camp could palpably feel the change in atmosphere that Russell Wilson brings. Not only is that of the respect Wilson commands from his peers, but how starved the Broncos have been for a quarterback. Having Ciara and the Wilson family out there has made it feel like a big thing, and made it feel as though the Broncos have entered into a new chapter in franchise history.  

As far as how Wilson has looked in training camp? All reports say he has looked good. Not only is Wilson in a new city, but is learning a new offense as well. The practice has helped Wilson develop some consistency and patterns with his receivers and the offense. 

PSII is the real deal

Patrick Surtain is going to be a star in this league. Praise is quickly starting to trickle in from the media for the second-year player. One would think that some of the troubles the offense has had thus far have to do with Surtain. If he can stay healthy, expect Surtain to not see a lot of balls thrown his way this season. For a cornerback, that is the biggest compliment. 

Storylines for Broncos Training Camp Week 2: 

  • Who will step up and be Tim Patrick’s replacement?
  • Will the offense take the next step?
  • Montrell Harris continued improvement and his position on the depth chart. 
  • The preseason starts next week, which means the Broncos have a joint practice and a game with the Dallas Cowboys.

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