The Broncos defense did plenty of dancing and trash-talking during Thursday’s practice at the UCHealth Training Center.
A few interceptions and several pass break-ups during the first few team periods allowed the group to puff its chest out on the last practice before Saturday’s preseason game at Buffalo.
Broncos offensive coordinator Justin Outten welcomed that adversity ahead of Denver’s second preseason game.
“That was great to get hit in the mouth at practice,” Outten said. “The defense was playing at a high level and it was good for us to have to wake up… We ended up getting an explosive touchdown (later in practice) and that was the way to respond. (This practice) is going to be a good coaching point moving forward in meetings here.”
Head coach Nathaniel Hackett gave props to the defense, while also noting his offense needs to find out how to get in its groove more quickly. With backup Josh Johnson quarterbacking last Saturday against the Cowboys, the Broncos started the game punt, punt and turnover on downs before finding the end zone on their fourth drive.
“The defense is playing really well, and the offense has to step up,” Hackett said. “(Thursday’s offensive performance) wasn’t good enough. They didn’t do good enough. There were some mental errors and some missed blocks. There were some drops, all that kind of stuff. And it wasn’t just one guy, it was a combination of everybody and the reality of it is is they have to work through that.”
While Hackett has made it clear the Broncos will continue to rest their starters during the final two preseason games, Buffalo coach Sean McDermott told local reporters Thursday his starters will play a “healthy amount” on Saturday in Orchard Park.
“We want to see (our backups) come out there and play versus the best in the league,” Hackett said. “So I think it’s an unbelievable opportunity for those (bubble roster) guys to step up and show what they can do.”
Injury updates. After being excused from practice for personal reasons Wednesday, right tackle Billy Turner didn’t practice again Thursday. The Broncos activated Turner, who had an offseason knee scope, from the Physically Unable to Perform list on Monday. Hackett said there hasn’t been a setback with his knee, and that the lineman spent Thursday “getting extra treatment for making sure that he’s working through his knee and getting everything right so he can get back here and be full speed.”… Center Lloyd Cushenberry, who has also been dealing with a knee injury, returned to the field Thursday without pads and as an observer… Inside linebacker Jonas Griffith (elbow), defensive lineman Marquiss Spencer (knee), guard Netani Muti (knee), wideout Tyrie Cleveland (throat) and safety Kareem Jackson (vet day) also didn’t practice on Thursday.
