For Broncos, best training is across the line
The biggest benefit to training camp can often be working against teammates who are among the NFL's elite at their position. For the Denver Broncos, that works on both sides of the ball.
Quarterback Peyton Manning's quick tempo and constant changes at the line of scrimmage forces the Broncos' defense to be on its toes and make the correct adjustments on the fly.
"It's just making us better. It's getting us conditioned and mentally focused as well. Because we have to make those calls and get it out quick," said safety Mike Adams. "Peyton, he gets the offense going, and once he gets it going, you don't have time to make that call and there's a problem. So it's training us also on the defensive side of the ball, whether it's physically or mentally."
One of Manning's favorite targets figures to be former Colts tight end Jacob Tamme, who was signed primarily as a receiving specialist. And Tamme has every intention of honing his route-running against one of the league's top cover men of the past decade - to the point that he wouldn't let cornerback Champ Bailey out of a one-on-one drill.
"That's great work for me. He was getting ready to jump out of that drill and let somebody else cover me, and I said, 'Hey, I need you in here, so I got him," said Tamme. "I was one-for-one (against him), but the route was probably to my advantage. Champ's awesome, and it's great work."
The Broncos also signed Joel Dreessen as one of several teams looking to cash in on the trend of using two good receiving tight ends to stress the middle of the field and be red-zone threats.
"They're going to pose a real problem (or defenses)," said Adams. "I expect those guys, when you mention the (Rob) Gronkowski's and the (Jimmy) Graham's, I expect those guys' names to be mentioned also."
"Especially Jacob. A fast guy, looks like a receiver type. And Joel, he's been playing, he was with the Texans, he's been playing and doing his thing. So I expect both of them names to be mentioned as well. Especially with Peyton Manning at the helm, that helps."
