Broncos Camp | Day 6: Putting Russell Wilson's Practice in Perspective
Englewood, CO – On Tuesday, the Denver Broncos regrouped and refocused after losing wide receiver Tim Patrick to a season-ending Achilles injury in Monday's practice. Patrick’s injury sent shockwaves through the fan base and undoubtedly rattled his teammates.
Losing the fan-favorite receiver unquestionably changed the mood, energy, and production of practice, but that wasn’t the case on Tuesday, as business resumed for the Broncos. After observing their fourth practice session open to the public, here are my key takeaways for Broncos Country.
Russell Wilson: Don't Get Too High or Low
The biggest question in all of Broncos Country right now is, how does Russ look? While the question might seem relatively easy to answer, it’s important to note there have been just four practices thus far into training camp.
People-watching at training camp exists, and not just for fans hoping to get a glimpse of their favorite player. For example, there’s the fan who notates every completion versus incompletion as well as interceptions and scoring plays. When Wilson throws a pick in camp, said fan gets visibly and audibly frustrated with the turnover.
To that fan, I say, take it easy. It’s August 1. Training camp is where mistakes should happen so players and, more importantly, the collective team can learn from them and grow.
On Tuesday, Wilson stared down a passing lane that resulted in safety Justin Simmons picking the football right between the numbers. It was a disappointing play that can be interpreted in a variety of ways, especially because Simmons sits atop his position in the NFL.
But there’s also something to be said for Russ challenging the Broncos' best defender. Turnovers are unacceptable, don’t get me wrong, but I’ve seen Wilson attack Simmons and Patrick Surtain II more than once. Russ has connected with Courtland Sutton on two deep passes blanketed by ‘PS2’ in coverage in two of the last three days at camp.
Most fans know that Russ is a former high-level baseball player. If you'll forgive the mixed-sports metaphor, we’re seeing some strikeouts in practice, but we’re also seeing some home runs.
Think of Wilson’s current performance in Sean Payton’s new offense as like a download still in progress. Eventually, that download will be complete and the computer that is Wilson's football brain will be firing on all cylinders.
Remember, Peyton Manning’s legendary status was molded by his ability to learn from interceptions in training camp. Take a breath, Broncos Country. Russ continues to grind under Payton's tutelage.
Brandon Johnson Stepping Up
To add insult to Patrick’s injury, the Broncos waived WR KJ Hamler on Monday with a non-football illness designation. The move — which is believed to be procedural with the goal of potentially reuniting Hamler with the team at a later time — is to allow the former second-rounder to recover from his newly discovered heart condition (pericarditis).
Suddenly all that wide receiver depth that was talked about ad nauseum this offseason has come into play. Look no further than the second-year Johnson, who’s having a phenomenal start to training camp.
The 6-foot-2, 195-pound wideout has yet to drop a pass or commit a major missed assignment in the first four days of camp (excluding ramp-up). There’s also a nice burst at the end of each catch showing a deliberate playmaking move to get up the field, not across it.
Johnson clearly took this past offseason seriously, coming into camp in prime condition and showing a greatly improved route tree knowledge with impeccable timing. Whether it be during 7-on-7 drills against the starters and backups to team period where he’s been asked to catch balls from all three QBs, Johnson is making the most of his reps.
The former Tennessee and UCF playmaker was signed by the Broncos as a college free agent last year. Johnson went on to spend time on the practice squad before he appeared in seven games, logging six receptions for 42 yards and a touchdown.
I’m not suggesting that Johnson is the new Patrick and that the sudden disappearance of two key receivers is nothing to worry about. But I’m surprisingly encouraged by how Johnson is exciting this coaching staff with his consistent level of production, smooth hands, and sharp preparation.
Don’t be surprised when you see No. 89 making a big splash in the preseason as an under-the-radar candidate with nice potential.
Mike McGlinchey Arrives at Broncos Camp
After missing the first three open practices due to a death in his family, McGlinchey has put together back-to-back days of exciting blocking on the Broncos' offensive line. The highest-paid tackle in team history was signed to a five-year, $87.5 million contract with the Broncos last spring in the wake of the team's failure to find a long-term answer at right tackle.
I’ll be the first to admit that evaluating offensive linemen can be a difficult task in training camp, specifically Payton’s practices. These powerful athletes are tasked with keeping their opponents on the defensive line at bay while also keeping themselves safe and healthy in the practice environment.
McGlinchey, though, makes his presence known as big No. 69 has been seen road grading edge defenders and springing a host of running backs for impactful gains. The 6-foot-6, 315-pound former first-rounder arrived in Denver after spending a half-decade with the San Francisco 49ers, where he made his bones as a run blocker.
While McGlinchey's scouting profile suggests he leaves something to be desired in pass protection, I’ve been very pleased with his reps during team period. He has been squaring off with a variety of pass rushers, including Randy Gregory, Nik Bonitto, Jonathon Cooper, and others, who have the goal of besting the veteran tackle.
On Tuesday, Bonitto won a big rep against McGlinchey on an inside spin move that seemed to stoke his competitive fire. However, fans have been quick to recognize McGlinchey’s poise and, more importantly, his high energy and leadership.
The Broncos' O-line clearly respects and admires big No. 69, who’s frequently seen educating teammates and motivating the offense to move the ball and score points. McGlinchey’s tamed aggression, explosive power, and veteran presence have already mended fences for a fan base that has been burned with the team's band-aid approach at right tackle.
Buckle up, folks, because McGlinchey will be taking defenders for a ride in 2023. Let's hope he's the long-term answer at his position.
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