Elway: “We have a ways to go”
General manager pleased with Fangio, sees progress with Lock as camp ends
Four weeks into training camp, the Broncos still have another three weeks before they open the regular season Sept. 9 at the Oakland Raiders.
And that is fine with general manager John Elway, who sees progress, but many steps still to climb.
“It’s been a good camp and it’s nice to break to camp (Saturday), but we have a ways to go,” Elway said after the Broncos and 49ers wrapped up their second day of practice. “It’s good that we still have three (preseason) games left because at this point in time, we’re not ready to go. But we’ve definitely made some strides. We feel good about where we are.”
Where the Broncos are: As expected, still finding the right mix on offense. … Fighting injuries that have impacted their depth. … Trying to figure out the back-of-theroster spots. … With a 1-1 record entering Monday’s preseason game against San Francisco. Where they want to be on Week 1: Consistently challenging
teams downfield. … Receiver Emmanuel Sanders available with no restrictions. … Inside linebacker Todd Davis starting after missing most of camp (calf injury). … And clarity in the return game.
During a briefing with reporters, Elway hit on several topics, including these five:
Fan of Fangio
What’s the story: Vic Fangio’s first training camp as a head coach has been relatively seamless. He has managed the schedule well, inserting extra off days after both preseason games and he and his coaches have stressed a pick-up-the-pace approach.
Elway said: “Vic’s done a good job. He’s been everything I thought he would be. I like his style, the way he goes about it (with) no music and the focus he’s brought back to the practice field (with) the tempo and reps. But, obviously, we still have to win football games.”
Analysis: The only real drama for Fangio to deal with this month was the fight between receivers Emmanuel Sanders and Courtland Sutton. The Broncos have issues to figure out, but the head coach isn’t one of them.
Lock’s flashes
What’s the story: Judging by the practice snap distribution this week, it would be surprising if Drew Lock isn’t the second quarterback in the game Monday. Lock is 24-of-39 passing for 214 yards and one touchdown and interception apiece in the preseason.
Elway said: “He continues to get better. He’s been overloaded. Any time you have a young guy
like that, he’s going to have his good days and he’s going to have his bad days, but obviously we’re still excited about the talent he has and what he’s showed. He’s flashed — a lot. But it’s a big jump for him, especially with what we’re doing offensively and the verbiage that goes along with it, that’s going to take some time. But he’s done a nice job.”
Analysis: If Lock plays well against San Francisco, he should be named the No. 2 quarterback going into the season. Period.
Offensive line progress
What’s the story: The Broncos don’t have any competition on their first-team offensive line. It will be left tackle Garett Bolles, left guard Dalton Risner, center Connor Mcgovern, right guard Ron Leary (if healthy) and right tackle Ja’wuan James against the Raiders. But new offensive line coach Mike Munchak is trying players at different spots on the second- and third-team lines.
Elway said: “It’s been a good camp. I think we’re better there. Obviously, we have to continue to work and we’re a little bit thin there. … They’re working really well together on the left side. Risner has been good for Garett as well as (Munchak).”
Analysis: A telling comment from Elway, offering that the Broncos are a “little bit thin.” What we take that to mean is look for him, Munchak and the personnel department to be taking a close look at the waiver wire Sept. 1 when teams cut from 90 to 53 players.
Injury issues
What’s the story: In the last two-plus weeks, the Broncos have lost inside linebacker Joe Jones (triceps), fullback Andy Janovich (pectoral) and running back Theo Riddick (shoulder) with injuries that should carry into the regular season. If the Broncos want each player to be available this year, they must be on the initial 53-man roster.
Elway said: “It makes things more difficult depending on how many (injured) guys we can carry on the 53 and where they are (in their recovery). Knock on wood, I would like for it to be the last injury (of camp), but I doubt it will. Those are things we’ll have to deal with at the cut.”
Analysis: If the Broncos don’t sustain anymore injuries on the aforementioned trio’s timeframe, they should be OK stashing them on the roster while they rehab.
Fan of joint practices
What’s the story: The Broncos completed their only joint practice sessions of training camp on Saturday. Although not as valuable as a preseason game, the two days were a chance for the coaches to evaluate their younger players. Fangio would like to practice with two opponents next year.
Elway said: “I would (too) because I think it’s great. We get good work, we get better concentration, we get better competition. I would like to do it as many times as we can. We tried to find another team this year (but) couldn’t do it so we’ll work on that (for 2020). If we can do it two times next year, I’m all for it.”
Analysis: The extended training camp schedule because of the Pro Football Hall of Fame game likely impacted the Broncos finding a second opponent. Another factor is the short week between the 49ers and Rams games.