Broncos prepare for the Cowboys arrival, facing season’s first test
Aug 10, 2022, 6:30 AM
Hot takes as we get set for hundreds of phony Cowboys fans to descend upon the UC Health Training Center:
• I am not a fan of only one day of practice with the Cowboys. In order for these joint workouts to be a benefit, the teams need two days. I still vividly remember when the 49ers rolled into town a couple of years ago. San Francisco came off the buses firing. They blew the Broncos doors off that day. The next day, the Broncos responded with a much more passionate effort. It was a highly competitive two-day experience. One day with the Cowboys seems hollow.
• “Camp Everything is Awesome” seems to have lost a little of its optimism-fueled juice. Head coach Nathaniel Hackett was not happy with the offense on Monday. I get the sense Hackett is getting a bit anxious the offense isn’t progressing as quickly as he’d like.
• Watching the offense, I see a group that is trying to find its way. I don’t see cohesion. I don’t see much swagger. I see a group that is grinding. There’s nothing wrong with that. I expected it. What is encouraging is watching the defense. They look like a unit. There’s a flow to what they’re doing. They look organized. And man, do they play with confidence!
• This is crucial because I’m convinced opening night in Seattle is going to be tougher than a lot of people think. Hackett and the coaching staff’s first game. Wilson and the offense trying to get on the same page in a loud, hostile environment. All the emotion of Russ’ return. Pete Carroll looking to make a point and having all summer to prepare for this game. Add it all up and the Broncos defense will have to lead the way.
• I continue to be fascinated by how the ex-NFL players on The Fan (outside of Stink) are in stark disagreement with how Hackett is running this training camp. I’m giving Hackett the benefit of the doubt. But I respect all my guys who played the game and I can’t help but think Hackett is taking a big risk. This team better find a way to win opening night or the Hackett honeymoon will be over just like that.
• New Broncos ownership is in place. I cannot imagine this high-powered, deep-pocketed group just sitting back and maintaining the status quo. They will want to do something big. The biggest thing a new ownership group like this can do is build a new shiny stadium with all the bells and whistles. Hotels. Restaurants. Shopping. Big development. Big ideas. Big money.
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