SPECIAL TEAMS SET AS HIGH PRIORITY
They use a football on a stick to simulate blocking punts. They chase extra-large medicine balls to improve pursuit angles. They treat wedge blocks with the seriousness of an international treaty.
Watch the Broncos practice for a few minutes, and it’s clear special teams are a point of emphasis under new assistant coach Joe DeCamillis. With starting lineups featuring few questions beyond the offensive line, the special teams boast intrigue entering Friday’s preseason opener at Seattle.
Punt returner remains an open derby. Omar Bolden tops the depth chart. He excelled on kickoffs last season but didn’t field punts. Bolden could save a roster spot with his versatility given his experience at safety and cornerback.
“I like having a good guy doing both (punt and kick returns),” DeCamillis said. “A guy that’s explosive and that makes good decisions.”
Bolden will compete with Solomon Patton, who has turned heads, Isaiah Burse, last year’s primary punt returner, and Jordan Norwood, who had the job won last summer before injuring his knee. Use of Emmanuel Sanders in the role has been tabled for now.
The Broncos averaged 7.2 yards per punt return last season, ranking 20th in the NFL. Their longest return was 22 yards, tied for second to last in the NFL.
C.J. A-OK at RB.
C.J. Anderson left minicamp as the starting running back and has only strengthened his hold during training camp. He broke multiple long runs Tuesday, continuing to impress with his strong cuts and knowledge of the playbook.
“He’s very, very smart. He has a great idea of concepts, both run and pass,” offensive coordinator Rick Dennison said. “He has been tremendous in protection. He is getting confidence in what he feels and what he sees out there.”
D.T. leans on Smith.
Broncos Ring of Famer Rod Smith held court with the media Tuesday, voicing confidence in this year’s team. He talked with receiver Demaryius Thomas after practice, continuing a friendship that formed years ago.
“I still remember Day One when I was out with Rod on the field and I told him, ‘A lot of people don’t think I can run routes.’ And he helped me,” Thomas said. “Every time I see him, I have to ask him one question to help my game out.”
Cautious approach.
Receiver Emmanuel Sanders remained limited with a hamstring injury. He was pulled after 30 minutes of practice as a precaution. Cornerback Chris Harris (hamstring) and Kayvon Webster (ribs) worked with the trainers on the side. Lineman Derek Wolfe (concussion) was cleared. Marvin Austin and Lerentee McCray did not participate because of groin injuries.
Footnotes.
Former Broncos tight end Tony Scheffler attended practice with his family. … Offensive tackle Matt Hall, claimed off waivers Monday, elected to retire, leaving the Broncos’ roster at 89 players.