What we learned about the Broncos during the offseason program

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Summer break came hours earlier than expected for the Denver Broncos on Thursday.

Vic Fangio won over the hearts of the players by canceling the final mandatory minicamp practice and instead had a field day, which included John Elway sitting on the dunk tank. What a sight that is.

Now that it’s summer break, in which the players have the next five weeks off, next stop is training camp beginning in mid-July.

But before looking ahead, there’s been plenty that BSN Denver has learned about the 2019 Broncos by being on hand at every practice of the offseason.

Here’s where the team stands with training camp on the horizon.

TALL CUP OF JOE

Joe Flacco’s been exactly what John Elway ordered.

When Elway traded for the veteran quarterback, he wanted stability, mistake-free football and a quarterback that could get the job done in crunch time.

Throughout all of the OTAs and mandatory minicamp, that’s precisely what the 34-year old has been.

In the five practices open to the media—over ten hours of football—Flacco threw a total of one interception. As Brock Osweiler infamously said, “ball security is job security,” and Flacco was all about that life this offseason.

Not only was he not making terrible choices, but he was also consistently making the correct reads, including plenty of dump offs to tight ends and running backs in the flat. Instead of keying in on these positions, in which history would say he often has done, Flacco simply said he’s just taking what the defense is giving him.

But don’t worry, while the 6-foot-5 quarterback consistently went with the safe short passes, he displayed his rocket on many occasions.

During the first mandatory minicamp practice on Tuesday, Flacco tossed the ball 80 yards through the thin Mile High air, admitting after practice he could “comfortably” throw a Hail Mary from his own 30-yard line.

The offseason would suggest they’ll be plenty of check-down Joe throws accompanied with many bombs from his rare cannon.

One thing that’s clear after two months of workouts is Joe Flacco is clearly the Broncos’ quarterback for Week 1. And he has complete buy-in from every single one of his teammates.

TONS OF CONFUSION

Denver’s defense will take after the personality of its creator.

Often shielded behind by a gray sweatsuit, Fangio’s players can never get a read on their new head coach.

And that’s exactly how opposing quarterbacks will view Vic’s defense.

Although it’s the same 3-4 defensive scheme that Denver has run for many years, it won’t be reminiscent of last year’s defense.

Not only will the Broncos be in sub-packages for the majority of the time—with Kareem Jackson floating all over the field—they’ll be built on disguise and confusion for the opposing offenses.

When asked about Fangio’s new defense, nearly every single player the past two months pointed to how confusing it will be for their opponent, specifically the quarterback.

Additionally, it’s not inconceivable for Von Miller and Bradley Chubb, or at least the latter, to have a career year as defensive coordinator Ed Donatell admitted edge players are “very important” in this specific scheme.

All of this boils down to two words for quarterbacks on the Broncos’ 2019 schedule: Good luck.

WOUNDS BEING MENDED

Typically, the best news that can come out of an offseason program is no injuries. And the Broncos nearly hit that.

Offensive lineman Nico Falah was Denver’s only significant injury over the offseason, as he, unfortunately, tore his Achilles and was placed on the injured reserve.

But outside of that, Denver was crystal clear on the injury front.

Not only that, but all of the previously-injured players have all taken significant strides in being healthy for Week 1.

Ron Leary took the biggest strides among the group, going from a torn Achilles last year, to being fully cleared near the end of the offseason program. He said he will be 100 percent full go for training camp.

Emmanuel Sanders, another player coming off a torn Achilles, took significant strides, literally, over the offseason as he began running at full speed and also cutting. Sanders has stated he won’t return until he’s 100 percent, but from the looks of it, he’s not too far off.

Phillip Lindsay participated in individual drills the entire offseason, but never took a team rep as he recovers from wrist surgery. He did shed his brace and carried the ball with his right arm near the end of the offseason. The 2018 Pro Bowler is expected to be ready to go at the start of training camp.

Jake Butt did a significant amount of work on the sidelines but wasn’t able to participate in any team periods. During mandatory minicamp, Butt took a significant step as he ran routes and caught passes from the quarterbacks, although it was against air.

According to Fangio, all of the injured players are doing the “same.”

“Everybody’s the same, doing well.”

ROOKIE UPDATE

Noah Fant looks like a receiver in a tight end’s body. That’s not a shot at his blocking, but more of a testament to the weapon he can be in this offense.

At 6-foot-4, 249 pounds, Fant is an established route runner, has burning speed and already possesses tremendous footwork for a rookie. The first-round pick flashed with the first team and also worked with the second and third team at times in the offseason.

Dalton Risner is the only Broncos rookie guaranteed to be a starter, likely at left guard. Many veterans have praised the rookie for his tireless work ethic, with Ron Leary stating, “He works his [butt] off,” but using a three letter word instead.

Drew Lock’s been exactly what one would expect from a highly-talented, rookie quarterback. At times, he’s flashed greatness. At other times he’s struggled, including the final practice where he threw three interceptions.

As Fangio said, Lock’s getting better every day. His footwork and poise in the pocket have consistently progressed.

One aspect that’s stayed the same is his explosive arm—tossing bombs and sidearm passes. Lock’s the future, as John Elway’s stated, but the kid is still ways behind Flacco, but slowly getting closer each day.

Dre’Mont Jones’ role his rookie year will be as a situational pass rusher. While it’s hard to gauge lineman without pads—as the entire offseason has been—Jones’ teammates have raved about his abilities to get after the quarterback.

Justin Hollins has worked as both an inside linebacker and outside linebacker, providing depth at both positions. He’ll continue this after the summer break, working at inside backer in nickel and outside in base defense.

Juwann Winfree has put his 6-foot-3, 215-pound frame on display multiple times this offseason. Winfree’s talent is apparent, even while working with the second and third team. The biggest test for the rookie will be if he can stay healthy once the pads come on and practice is every day.

ADDITIONAL TIDBITS

• Von Miller hasn’t lost a step. In fact, he may have gained a step as he nearly wrecked practice after practice in the offseason.
• Bradley Chubb is “tailor-made” for Vic Fangio’s defense, according to the creator of the defense himself.
• Going against Von, Chubb, Derek Wolfe, Shelby Harris and Adam Gotsis, the offensive line has struggled, specifically the tackles. Only time will tell if that’s because of the competition they’re going up against or if it’s a serious concern. Flacco, along with the other quarterbacks, were under serious pressure for most of the offseason.
• In base defense, Kareem Jackson lines up as a safety next to Justin Simmons with Bryce Callahan and Chris Harris Jr. on the outside. However, most of the time, Will Parks comes in as the third safety, dropping Jackson to the slot—allowing him to be Vic’s ultimate chess piece on defense.
• Don’t forget about Troy Fumagalli, who was Flacco’s favorite target at times in the offseason. If he can stay healthy, No. 84 appears to have a role cut out for himself.
• Kevin Hogan appears to be the Broncos’ backup quarterback entering training camp, although Lock’s been taking more and more second-team reps.
• Peyton Manning attended two of Denver’s offseason practices, bringing his father, Archie, along for the final one.