Fans filed onto the grass berm at the Centura Health Training Center on Friday morning and got their first look at Sean Payton’s Broncos.
For the team itself, though, this was the third real day of work and fourth day since reporting to training camp Tuesday.
“It kind of feels like our second first day with the fans being here,” Payton said. “Thought we had a good turnout and overall practice went smooth. We kind of go through those first four days or three days and then we back up and start again today with the installation. A lot of stuff they’re getting for the second time.
“Pretty soon we’ll be in pads and we’ll go from there.”
The crowd, capped at a maximum of 3,000 per day this year, showed their appreciation throughout the morning.
“There’s nothing better than having the fans here,” quarterback Russell Wilson said. “We’re all working for one thing, to have our fans — the fans are so great here in this city and around the country and around the world for the Denver Broncos — and so any time we get to practice and be on the field, it’s a gift.”
A gift, sure, but it’s also time to put the offseason and hours of studying and preparing into practice. And quickly.
“The point I just made with them now is we’re at that point where, we’re going to watch this film and we’ve got to start reducing the mistakes and not letting a mistake you had repeat itself,” Payton said. “Part of the evaluation is, can they learn? It’s hard to evaluate if they can’t.
“Overall, I’m pleased with where they’re at.”
Settling in for the long haul. The Broncos will end up with four days on the field before their first off-day Sunday, then are in line to practice six straight days next week. In all, they’re on the field 13 days out of 15 before getting on the plane to Arizona for their first preseason game Aug. 11.
“The days are longer, but it’s been nice, you get to focus on football 100%,” new defensive end Zach Allen said Friday. “The offseason stuff, especially for me coming to a new city, kind of had to deal with the ins and outs of finding a place to live, finding a routine. But I feel comfortable. Today was a good day, we’ve had three good days and I’m really excited.
“Glad to be working again.”
WR movement. The Broncos on Friday signed wide receiver Michael Bandy and waived receiver Nick Williams.
Bandy worked out for Denver earlier this week and landed a spot on the 90-man roster after spending most of the past two seasons on the Los Angeles Chargers’ practice squad. Williams, the former Cherry Creek High and CSU-Pueblo standout, has now had two short stints with Denver and been waived twice.
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