CATCHING UP WITH COACH JOSEPH
Most passes were completed, each block was executed and every blitz was successful during the first two phases of the Broncos’ offseason program.
Then again, the collective bargaining agreement would have it no other way — no offense vs. defense work is allowed.
That changes Tuesday when the Broncos have the first of 10 organized team activity workouts that lead into a three-day mandatory minicamp.
“You make your real football strides in Phase 3 during OTAS,” Broncos coach Vance Joseph said. “It’s when you can really see if the young guys have taken steps forward to being better players, you can see if your systems are working and you can see the timing with the quarterbacks and receivers. It allows you to have a clean evaluation.”
Last year was anything but clean for the Broncos.
It was a mess that included an eight-game losing streak (their longest in 50 years), quarterback tumult (changing the starter five times) and a minus-17 turnover margin (second-worst in the league).
To avoid consecutive losing seasons for the first time since 1971-72, Joseph believes the Broncos have established the required tone so far this offseason.
“In Phase 1 and Phase 2, guys have had energy, they have been here every day — we’ve had pretty much 100 percent of the guys here,” Joseph said. “I’m excited to watch the guys starting on Tuesday.”
During an interview with The Denver Post last week, Joseph discussed several topics, including these four:
RAY’S RESPONSE
What’s the story: This month, the Broncos declined the 2019 contract option on outside linebacker Shane Ray, meaning he is scheduled for free agency come March. The decision was prudent – Ray’s option salary would have been $9.32 million and guaranteed for injury. Too much risk for a player who has 13 sacks in 38 career games and had multiple left wrist surgeries last year. Can Ray regain the numbers he produced in 2016 (eight sacks in 667 snaps) after posting only one sack in eight games (354 snaps) last year? If Ray stays healthy and is motivated to enter free agency at age 25, he will have a market.
Joseph said: “I’ve been really proud of Shane and how he’s responded. He is really motivated. He understands it’s business. And he’s ready for a challenge. He wants to be a great player and, in my opinion, before he got hurt last year (early in training camp), he was on his way to having a great year. I am not surprised that he is motivated and engaged. The ball is in his court. He can earn a lot more than what the option offered him if he goes out there and does what we think he can do.”
Comment: Since the first-round option system was implemented with the 2011 draft, only five of 45 players who had their options declined re-signed with their team. If Ray has a good year, he could price himself out of the Broncos’ plans. If he struggles, the Broncos would probably move on.
KEENUM’S OFFENSE
What’s the story: The Broncos know quarterback Case Keenum will start Sept. 9 against Seattle. That development alone represents progress. Keenum signed a two-year contract in mid-march to be the no-doubt guy. A 30-year-old journeyman, Keenum is in his seventh system in six years.
Joseph said: “I’ll say this about Case: I was in Houston when he was a young player, and watching Case the last couple of weeks on the field, man, he’s a lot better than I remember. Throwing the football. Commanding the huddle. Really, really high football IQ. … It’s definitely a good thing to watch him lead the guys and watch the guys respond to him. It’s refreshing for all of us to be in the presence of a veteran quarterback who has command. I think everyone is loving the fact we have a quarterback in place that can lead this team from spot 1, and that’s good for all of us.”
Comment: Keenum experienced a dream year in 2017 for Minnesota – 67.6 percent completion accuracy, 22 touchdowns, seven interceptions and an 11-3 record. Match those and Keenum will be a bargain at $18 million per season.
CHALLENGING LYNCH
What’s the story: The trials of quarterback Paxton Lynch are well documented. Part of a competition in 2016-17, the arrival of Keenum eliminated that possibility this year. Still only 24, Lynch has four starts and a career 76.7 passer rating. Joseph’s comment after rookie camp that Keenum’s arrival had allowed Lynch to “relax” created a minor stir, and Joseph clarified.
Joseph said: “I want Paxton to do what he’s been doing. He’s been working his butt off and has definitely gotten better over the last month-and-a-half. I want him to compete at a high level all the time because he’s a guy who is competing to be the back-up. Having Case here and named the starter has allowed Paxton to work on his craft without being in a competition. There is never a moment when he can relax. We’re all competing for a job and trying to get better. That’s where we are and that’s where Paxton should be.”
Comment: The Broncos moved up five spots in 2016 (costing them a third rounder) to draft Lynch. Translation: They are going to give him every chance to be the No. 2 quarterback; it’s up to him to seize the spot.
CHUBB’S ACCLIMATION
What’s the story: Fifth overall pick Bradley Chubb put up monster numbers at North Carolina State: 54½ tackles for lost yardage, including 25 sacks. With the Broncos, Chubb is playing strong-side linebacker in the base package and in a three-point stance playing end in passrush situations. How the Broncos deploy Chubb once the games start will be an interesting subplot, and the next four weeks could deliver some clues.
Joseph said: “He’s done really, really well. The guy is so humble and so smart. He gets it. It’s natural for him to come in and earn his way. He’s not asking to be a starter, he’s working with Tom Mcmahon on being our left guard on punt and being our left end on punt return. That’s what he’s working on now, plus his outside backer drills. And every meeting he’s in, he’s in the front row answering questions. He’s going to be fine as far as earning his way.”
Comment: From 2013-16, seven 4-3 defensive ends/3-4 outside linebackers were drafted in the top five and they averaged 4.9 sacks as rookies. The expectations for Chubb should be closer to that of the Chargers’ Joey Bosa (10½ in 2016) than Oakland’s Khalil Mack (four in 2014).