What we learned at Broncos camp today: Denver’s defense steps up to the challenge against Russell Wilson’s offense

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Broncos are back. And better than ever… or at least should be better than the last six seasons.

For the first time, Russell Wilson and Nathaniel Hackett took the field as Denver Broncos during training camp. Here’s what went down.

Who won the day: Defense

Denver’s defense clearly had enough of Russ and Hackett being the storylines of camp. The defense came out of the gate with their hair on fire at all three levels.

Dre’Mont Jones and Malik Reed provided pressure on Wilson, forcing him to flee the pocket and attempt to make plays with his feet. Jonas Griffith had a diving pass break up on the goal line to stop a sliding touchdown pass from Wilson to Courtland Sutton. And the Broncos’ secondary made the UCHealth Training Center clamp city by locking down Denver’s receivers the entire day.

Pat Surtain embraced his role of having a relatively quiet day by locking down his side of the field while Justin Simmons also embraced his role as a player maker (read below) hauling in an interception. P.J. Locke carried over his impressive offseason with a diving pass break up in the end zone, preventing Josh Johnson from connecting with Montrell Washington.

But then Russ started to heat up in red zone periods.

After potentially avoiding a sack from Reed, Wilson found a wide open Eric Saubert in the end zone. On the next period, Wilson again connected with Saubert in the end zone by zipping one in a tight window from five yards out. With defenders surrounding the area, No. 3 put it the only place Saubert could get it.

Wilson followed that up by patiently waiting for Mike Boone to get to the right flat, where he hit him for another touchdown.

Overall, as is typical at the start of camp, the defense had the edge. But the offense punched back late with a few touchdowns during red zone periods.

Play of the day

While Wilson’s rocket arm was able to find Saubert in the end zone, his cannon wasn’t as successful earlier in practice. Looking to the middle of the field on a five-yard slant, Wilson attempted to dart a pass into a tight window. But the ball was tipped amongst the crowd of players.

On its way down, Simmons flew to the ball and got his hands under it as he was diving. Interception.

Over the past few seasons, No. 31 has emerged as the Broncos’ best ballhawk. On the first day of camp, he proved he hasn’t lost that title.

Trending up

Ronald Darby — After missing the final few weeks of the offseason program with an injury, Darby not only started at corner opposite Surtain on Wednesday, but smothered receivers all day, including locking down Sutton in the end zone.

LG Dalton Risner, RG Netane Muti & RT Calvin Anderson — Left guard, right guard and right tackle were all up for grabs during the offseason training program. But these three all got the first nod to start camp, potentitally indicating they are the leaders in the clubhouse as camp begins.

Music, fun & energy — Hello fun! With Hackett calling the shots, there was energy at practice that hasn’t been felt in years. Wilson said it felt like a game because there was so much juice at the team’s first practice.

Injury report

• Greg Dulcich practiced off to the side to start camp. Hackett said the team is bringing him back slowly.
• Tom Compton will be placed on the PUP list after having a back procedure.
• K.J. Hamler was at practice slightly jogging, but did not practice as he’s on the PUP list.
• Nathaniel Hackett did not set a timeframe for Billy Turner to return to practice.