Broncos Camp | Day 16: Kareem Jackson Sends Message as Cuts Approach
Englewood, CO — After a tough, physical practice the day prior, the Denver Broncos gathered for a second consecutive day of full pads in the 90-degree heat on Wednesday at Centura Health Training Center.
Fans that attended the second-to-last training camp practice open to the public eagerly arrived to catch the final glimpses of their favorite Broncos with the remaining days of summer fleeing. Not to mention the fact that it’s game week with the Broncos flying to battle the San Francisco 49ers in their second preseason matchup on Saturday, and it’ll likely be the final exhibition game this summer where starters play.
So, what can we take away from Day 16's session in the sun? Here are three major storylines to consider as the Broncos wrap up their third week of training camp.
Curious Case of Kareem Jackson
It’s hard to miss Jackson on the field as the 14th-year veteran defensive back has been a team captain and a hard-hitting phenom the past four years in Denver. ‘K-Jack’ has been known for his larger-than-life personality that can bring laughter and smiles to his teammates and his outspoken leadership in the locker room, making him a valuable member of the Broncos team spirit.
But for the first time since being a 2010 first-round pick, Jackson is feeling some pressure at Broncos camp. The 35-year-old has been monitored by coaches with his snap counts and has frequently been seen working out with a mixed batch of units from the backups to the starters.
While I can appreciate head coach Sean Payton allowing every opportunity for rookie and veteran players to make this football team, I wonder what Jackson’s role will be on this team.
I previously reported that Caden Sterns has seen the lion’s share of starting reps alongside Justin Simmons for the majority of camp, and deservingly so. Sterns has made the most of his reps with pass deflections and interceptions.
The Broncos have some young depth at the safety position, including Delarrin Turner-Yell, P.J. Locke, and rookie J.L. Skinner. Sterns was limited in Tuesday’s practice, and Locke was carted off the field with a lower leg injury which left a gaping hole at the strong safety position. Sterns returned to practice on Wednesday, but Jackson was the primary safety running with the starters.
Simmons continues to be monitored for a groin injury, making Jackson the true veteran and most experienced defender available in the secondary currently. Until Wednesday, Jackson had been lost in the shuffle of up-and-coming players, which is odd for a distinguished and respected defender who has played more than a decade of NFL ball.
I’m not saying he’s lost a step or can’t play because No. 22 has still been seen logging pass deflections and is consistently playing in position just as he’s done for the entirety of his career. But perhaps the injuries to his fellow safeties have shined some positive light on Jackson's chances as a starter.
Remember, the team has had reservations about Jackson after declining his contact option in 2021, making him an unrestricted free agent. Since then, Jackson has continued to re-sign on one-year deals, with his most recent contract being worth up to $2 million. Because of the timing of injuries and lack of veteran experience, I’d surmise Jackson will make this team.
Javonte Williams Aching to be Turned Loose
Without a doubt, the biggest camp comeback story this summer has been led by Williams. The 23-year-old was a 2021 second-round pick and went on to become a rookie sensation before tearing three ligaments in his knee in Week 4 of last season.
But you’d never know that Williams had shredded his knee so recently, based on the way he’s been playing in training camp. His explosive cuts and ability to bend the line of scrimmage have truly been remarkable, considering the man was under the knife and well into the rehab room just nine months ago.
Payton and his coaching staff have taken a very safe and measured approach with ‘Pookie’ to ensure the fan-favorite running back doesn’t get overworked or suffer any setbacks. Broncos Country appears to be very divided when it comes to Williams, and not because some folks don’t think he’ll fare well in 2023.
Fans are waging heated debates all over social media about Williams’ usage in camp and the preseason and whether playing him in either is wise. Even Denver media members and former players are arguing the issue because we all understand that the running game will be a pivotal aspect of Payton’s offense and ability to make Russell Wilson a proficient quarterback.
What’s best for Williams and this team is to set him loose against NFL defenses. The 5-foot-10, 220-pounder from North Carolina plays a physical and unapologetic brand of football that can’t be duplicated without full contact against another opponent. While Williams has looked particularly effective in team periods and 9-on-7s, it’s important to note that his teammates on the defensive side of the ball are very much aware of his recovery and do their best to protect him.
The addition of Samaje Perine has been a collective breath of fresh air as the veteran back brings a familiar and complimentary style of running to Williams’ game. Payton previously shared that Williams will play in preseason game No. 2 against the Niners, which will be a good measuring stick for how the third-year back is doing in his recovery.
Make no mistake about it; if it were up to Williams, I think he’d be practicing every day without missing a rep. But for the first time in a long time around here, there's trust being established between a player, the medical staff, and coaches, all with the same goals and intentions.
Williams is a throwback-style back known for his toughness and blue-collar mentality. It’s about time we view him accordingly and not make him out to be a porcelain doll that’s fragile and only valuable if he’s protected and on the shelf.
Quinn Meinerz Learning Third Offense in Third Year
Broncos Country felt a surge of panic over the offensive line's performance in preseason Game 1, especially the offensive tackle position. Right tackle Mike McGlinchey suffered a knee sprain approximately one week ago, while left tackle Garett Bolles is coming off a season-ending broken leg and has struggled against various pass rushers the last few weeks of camp, which continued in the first preseason game.
But there’s also some good news to report from the Broncos trenches, and that is the right guard, Meinerz, who’s having a stellar training camp. I originally got eyes on the Wisconsin-Whitewater lineman at the 2021 Senior Bowl, where I was boots on the ground for Mile High Huddle, and it’s been remarkable to see the improvement that Meinerz has made since then.
In pass protection in one-on-one drills, Meinerz has demonstrated a much more calm and deliberate technique to combat larger defensive linemen and has seemingly shed the bad habit of leaning against defenders. There’s also been a heavy emphasis on hand placement, punching power, and improved footwork, which has allowed him to scrape to second-level defenders, specifically linebackers.
The 6-foot-3, 320-pounder has been instrumental in the running game and has found chemistry with center Lloyd Cushenberry III, springing a host of backs for dynamic plays on the interior. Meinerz came into camp having added an additional 15-20 pounds to better fit the demands of Payton’s offense with large and mobile linemen like the recently-acquired left guard Ben Powers.
It’s important to note that the 24-year-old fan favorite, who was formerly known as ‘The Belly,’ holds his weight particularly well and is not sloppy, slow, or behind any action. The causal fan can see No. 77 at any given time sprinting from drill to drill or leading his unit with hustle and enthusiasm.
This is Meinerz's third offense to learn his third NFL year, and he’s undoubtedly looked the best that he ever has in training camp. Under new O-line coach Zach Strief, Meinerz has benefited from the first-hand knowledge of what Payton wants in his linemen, as Strief formerly played in the trenches for the New Orleans Saints.
It’s important to note that Meinerz has been tasked with going head-to-head with newly-signed defensive end Zach Allen, who’s been a one-man wrecking crew in a variety of positions at camp along with defensive tackle D.J. Jones. It’s been a relief to see Meinerz and the rest of the Broncos' interior O-line come together in the running game. However, pass protection remains a concern.
The Broncos' maxim during training camp of the 2015 Super Bowl season was "iron sharpens iron," and it's quite literally in effect at Centura Health Training Center as the interior offensive and defensive lines are getting the best out of one another. While it’s fair to be concerned about this new O-line unit, Broncos fans should feel very optimistic about big No. 77 as we hit the final stages of preseason and camp.
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