Mile High Report - All Posts

Denver Broncos 2013 depth chart (UPDATED)

2013-06-18T16:00:15Z

Offense

POS	Starter	2^nd	3^rd	4^th	5^th	Other	#	2012
QB	18 P. Manning	17 B. Osweiler	2 Z. Dysert	8 R. Katz	---	---	4	3
HB	38 M. Ball	21 R. Hillman	27 K. Moreno	35 L. Ball	37 J. Johnson	39 C.J. Anderson	6	4
FB	22 J. Hester	---	---	---	---	---	1	1
TE	81 J. Dreessen	84 J. Tamme	85 V. Green	80 J. Thomas	82 L. Reed	---	5	3/4
#1 WR	88 D. Thomas	12 A. Caldwell	89 G. Orton	15 T. King	10 G. Robinson	11 T. Holliday	---	---
#2 WR	87 E. Decker	12 A. Caldwell	89 G. Orton	15 T. King	10 G. Robinson	L. Thomas 19 K. Bateman 13	---	---
Slot	83 W. Welker	16 Q. McDuffie	---	---	---	---	11	5
LT	78 R. Clady	75 C. Clark	70 V. Painter	71 P. Cornick	67 M. Foketi	---	---	---
LG	68 Z. Beadles	73 K. Kuper	64 P. Blake	72 J.Boren	---	63 B. Garland	---	---
C	50 J.D. Walton	66 M. Ramirez	54 C.J. Davis	60 Q. Saulsberry	---	----	---	---
RG	65 L. Vasquez	73 C. Kuper	66 M. Ramirez	64 P. Blake	72 J. Boren	---	---	---
RT	74 O. Franklin	75 C. Clark	70 V. Painter	71 P. Cornick	67 M. Foketi	---	16	9
Totals	----	----	----	----	---	---	43	25

- UDFA rookie Manase Foketi was switched from guard to tackle.

Defense

POS	Starter	2^nd	3^rd	4^th	Other	Total	2012
RDE	91 R. Ayers	90 S. Phillips	93 J. Beal	69 Q. Smith	61 L. Tanyi 79 J. Youboty	---	---
DT	99 K. Vickerson	92 S. Williams	96 M. Unrein	98 S. Siliga	76 R. Fuga	---	---
DT	94 T. Knighton	92 S. Williams	96 M. Unrein	98 S. Siliga	76 R. Fuga	6	4
LDE	95 D. Wolfe	97 M. Jackson	79 J. Youboty	---	---	7	4
SLB	58 V. Miller	90 S. Phillips	49 D. Holmes	---	---	---	---
MLB	56 N. Irving	51 J. Mays	53 S. Johnson	55 S. Bradley	---	---	---
WLB	52 W. Woodyard	59 D. Trevathan	47 L. McCray	48 U. Kaveinga	---	10	7
CB 1	24 C. Bailey	45 DRC	31 O. Bolden	29 M. Butler	---	---	---
CB 2	45 DRC	25 C. Harris	34 Q, Jammer	32 T. Carter	40 A. Hester	---	---
CB 3	25 C. Harris	34 Q, Jammer	36 K. Webster	---	---	9	5
S	26 R. Moore	30 D. Bruton	34 Q. Jammer	33 D. Ihenacho	41 R. Rasner	---	---
S	20 M. Adams	28 Q. Carter	34 Q. Jammer	33 D. Ihenacho	41 R. Rasner	7	5
Totals	----	----	----	----	---	37*	25

If you do a double take on total numbers, remember that Phillips and Jammer are counted in the totals of two different position groups, but they are only counted once in the total defensive numbers. With the reserve LB's, I'm just guessing and putting them in slots--doesn't mean that is what the team has in mind for them.

Special Teams

Player	Position
46 A. Brewer	LS
5 M. Prater	K
4 D. Colquitt 9 R. Doerr	P

If you're looking for Trindon Holliday, I've listed him with the WR's. Remember that Welker can also return kicks and will probably be this year's Jim Leonard--returning punts from deep in Broncos territory, that is until Holliday gets rid of the fumbles.

There you have it folks, feel free to debate. We will refer back to this when we kick off our positional battles as training camp approaches.

Denver Broncos Countdown to Kickoff: 79 Days

2013-06-18T14:00:09Z

After posting a 12 win season in 1977 and a 10 win season in 1978, the Broncos posted a 10 win game in 1979 good enough for their 3rd straight playoff appearance. They were coached by Red Miller, a man who began his career as an assistant for Lou Saban (future Broncos head coach) in Boston with the Patriots in 1960. After serving as an offensive line coach many places throughout the 60's and 70's, Miller got his one and only NFL head coaching gig with the Broncos.

Denver started the season off with a bang shutting out the Cincinnati Bengals at home 10-0. After building a 6-3 record through seven games which highlighted a stellar 4-1 record against AFC west foes, the Broncos experienced a four game winning streak that gave way to a 1-3 record in the final four games including losses in the final two. Most disappointing about the finish was the fact that Denver's three losses came at the hand of AFC West opponents.

The Broncos were fantastic in the cozy confines of Mile High Stadium with a 6-2 record. They were a top 10 defense in yards and a top 5 defense in points allowed, but their offense struggled putting up 18 points per game good enough for 20th in the league. One of the biggest issues why the offense struggled was due to turnovers. Craig Morton, Norris Weese, and Craig Penrose combined to throw for 23 INT's compared to just 18 TD's. Despite forcing over 40 turnovers--19 INT's (led by CB Steve Foley's 6) Denver still finished with a -3 turnover differential.

With a wild card date with the Houston Oilers, Denver's offense never quite found its mojo. After a 1st quarter TD pass from Morton to Dave Preston, the Houston defense coached by Bum Phillips shutout Denver the rest of the way, hassling Craig Morton all day on route to a six sack performance. Though the Broncos forced more turnovers than they coughed up that game, they failed to capitalize on the opportunities. Houston won 13-7.

Red Miller would finish out his NFL coaching career the following season with an 8-8 record. New Broncos owner Edgar Kaiser fired the man after he has posted a 42-20 record in four seasons. This included three playoff appearances in four seasons a Super Bowl berth in 1977. Some guys just seem to get the short end of the stick.

Cool 79 Factoid

Both OLB Jim Ryan and WR Steve Watson were UDFA rookies signed by the Broncos in 1979. Ryan went on to have a solid 10 year career as a Bronco retiring from the NFL following the 1988 season. Steve Watson played his entire 9 year career in Denver. During that time he caught 353 passes for 6,112 yards and 36 TD's. He retired following the 1987 season.

Notable Broncos to wear #79

Barney Chavous 1973-1985

Marcus Thomas 2007-2010

Current Bronco wearing #79

John Youboty

Denver Broncos News: Horse Tracks - 6/18/13

2013-06-18T11:00:08Z

Willis McGahee released due to health concerns - SBNation.com
McGahee has a history of knee injuries, including a torn MCL that ended his 2012 season in November. McGahee received limited carries during minicamp after sitting out OTAs.

Elvis has left the building, but Von's ready to play | National Football Post
Broncos linebacker Von Miller has recorded an impressive 30 sacks in his two years. But to post those kinds of numbers again, he will have to do so without the help of his former pass rushing partner.

Denver Broncos News & Blogs

2013 Game-by-Game: Week 1 " DenverBroncos.com
The Broncos open the season as the only show in town, taking on the defending Super Bowl champs in the NFL Kickoff Game.

Week 1 Preview: Denver vs. Baltimore " DenverBroncos.com
View photos from the last time the Broncos and Ravens squared off.

Broncos Golf Outing Results " DenverBroncos.com
Before the Broncos kicked off their final set of OTA practices in May, they took to the golf course for some team bonding.

Mile High Monday: Denver Broncos Wrap Up Offseason - Predominantly Orange
Mandatory minicamp ended last week and the Denver Broncos are off until the start of training camp at the end of July.

The Five Stages of Grief and Getting Over the Denver Broncos 2012 Season - Predominantly Orange
We’re just 80 days away from the 2013 NFL season, which has the Denver Broncos hosting the Baltimore Ravens to kick things off.

Greg Cosell on Denver’s 2013 draft picks - It's All Over, Fat Man!
Anyone who's been reading this site for very long should know we're all big fans of the work done by Doug Farrar at Shutdown Corner, and by Greg Cosell at NFL Films.

NFL News and Blogs

Tim Tebow landed in perfect spot with New England Patriots - Peter King - SI.com
I always figured, once the inevitability of the demise of Tim Tebow with the Jets played out, there were three teams that made sense for him: New England, New Orleans and Green Bay. And New England, which announced his signing today, was the most sensible, by far.

Scott Pioli added as NFL analyst for NBC Sports - SBNation.com
Former Kansas City Chiefs' general manager Scott Pioli will be the latest former NFL exec to transition to broadcast.

Matt Ryan's contract could hold up Richard Seymour deal - SBNation.com
The Atlanta Falcons and free agent defensive tackle Richard Seymour haven't been able to agree on a contract, and it's likely because Atlanta has to lock up quarterback Matt Ryan to a new deal first, according to D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

NFL rumors: Could the Chicago Bears cut Devin Hester? - SBNation.com
Hester has been a household name in Chicago for several years, but if he can't retain his job as the Bears' return man, he could be on his way out.

Vonta Leach expected to make decision in next 2 weeks - SBNation.com
Free agent fullback Vonta Leach, who was released by the Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens last week, will make a decision on his new team within the next two weeks, per Tony Castleberry of the Daily Reflector.

Green Bay Packers release LB Desmond Bishop - SBNation.com
The Green Bay Packers will release inside linebacker Desmond Bishop Monday, according to Tyler Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Rob Gronkowski injury: Patriots TE uncertain of return date - SBNation.com
Gronkowski is set to undergo back surgery, which will keep him out for the foreseeable future.

SB Nation NFL Huddle: Tony Gonzalez missing minicamp, Giants have double trouble and more - SBNation.com
Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez already has Hall of Fame numbers, so there is no need for him to attend minicamp, even if it is mandatory. Read up on that and more in Monday's round-up of news from SB Nation's NFL blogs.

Jets 2013 offseason: Who's going to play wide receiver? - SBNation.com
The Jets may have the worst wide receiver unit in the league. How bad is it? Let's take a look.

2013 NFL roster battles: Blaine Gabbert, Mark Sanchez among quarterbacks fighting for jobs - SBNation.com
For teams that don't have the luxury of a franchise quarterback, the position is still unsettled heading into training camp.

Bryant McKinnie impresses Ravens with conditioning - SBNation.com
The Baltimore Ravens are pleased with offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie's conditioning, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. McKinnie is in much better shape than he was during last offseason.

Donald Driver would return to Packers if asked - SBNation.com
Donald Driver would consider coming out of retirement to play in the NFL, but only if the Packers come calling.

Chad Johnson released after 7 days in jail - SBNation.com
Chad Johnson is out of jail just seven days into his 30-day jail sentence for a poorly timed butt slap. Now he can begin his NFL comeback in earnest.

Cincinnati Bengals will be featured on HBO's Hard Knocks - SBNation.com
HBO's series Hard Knocks, which takes an all-access look at NFL teams during training camp, is entering its eighth season and will feature the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals were previously featured on the show in 2009.

Lem Barney apologizes for comments on NFL's future - SBNation.com
Lem Barney apologized for his comments on football's future Sunday, but he stood by his words, saying instead that the football camp setting "was not the right time or place."

Now the Raiders literally smell like crap

2013-06-18T01:53:48Z

A sewage leak at Oakland Coliseum has sports fans aware of an even greater stink than usual.

From the Oakland Tribune -

A's owner Lew Wolff said Monday he has no plans to talk to baseball commissioner Bud Selig about the urgency of the club's stadium situation in the wake of a plumbing issue that flooded the Coliseum's baseball clubhouses with sewage Sunday.

"No, he knows about it," Wolff said by phone from Los Angeles. "Unless he's a plumber, there's not much he can do, either."

Wolff said this was just the latest issue of many the A's have encountered with the Coliseum's aging plumbing, noting, "It's not a rare occasion for us, maybe not this extensively, but it's happened several times."

Of course, the Oakland Raiders and Oakland A's share a facility (the last of the MLB and NFL team duos to do so), so this sewage is the Raiders' problem too.

It raises the philosophical question - which came first, the Raiders or the stink?

H/T PFT

A Few Good Questions with... Von Miller

2013-06-17T18:03:36Z

We spoke one-on-one with Von Miller at Gatorade's ninth annual Beat the Heat event this Saturday. Here's the full transcript from that exchange.

MHR: Thanks for the time Von, congratulations on finishing minicamp! How did it go?

Von Miller: It was pretty good. Seeing the group of guys, just gelling with everybody, Getting plays down. Getting in sync with Coach Del Rio and just sharpening our knife a little bit. We worked on things we did well and things we didn't do so well. It was great.

As you enter the break, some guys take these six weeks before training camp to get away, but I understand you'll be getting back to work with strength and conditioning coach Luke Richesson in Denver at the end of the month. What led to that decision?

In years past I always go somewhere else and work out. Coach Richesson was just like, 'Just work out here in Denver with me, and right before the season just get it going. The key is just never get out of shape.' So now I'm going to take a short break, keep my condition up, keep my hydration up. Keep stepping on the gas now nutritionally and physically and get it going way before the season starts.

That's excellent. Do you know of any other teammates who will be participating in those workouts with you?

I'm sure a couple of guys. It's the break, so guys' schedules are a lot different. You never know who's going to be here. But I'm going to be there. I'm going to be able to work with Coach Luke (Richesson) every day. I'm really good to go in every day.

The Broncos enter 2013 with high expectations. Do you thrive on that or do you try to close that off, not think about it?

I really don't think about it like that. I just take it one day at a time. We're working on stuff we do well and working on stuff we don't do so well. Like I said before, just sharpening the knife.

"I just want to improve as a defense.... I want to be technically sound on every single play."

What are your personal expectations or goals for yourself?

I just want to improve as a defense. I want to cut down on some of the mental errors, working a little more on technique. I want to be technically sound on every single play. I want to be able to respond and react in tight situations. Just like what we've been doing but just working on it a little bit more.

Peyton Manning and the Broncos offense are looking to up their tempo this year. Have you felt that in offseason workouts as a defense?

Their tempo is always high. Our tempo is always high-level. That's just something we decided we want to do, because their tempo is always high level, and it looks pretty good over there.

What about going against that up-tempo offense will help you and the defense this year?

I don't know man. You know, it's early. It's early, we're still in the hot summer (June and July) months. I'm here with Gatorade Beat the Heat program which educates athletes about the importance of hydration in the hot summer months. I'm really here to talk to those guys about staying hydrated and letting them know that the hard climate, the hot weather is hard on the body.

You guys had a hot Tuesday over there last week.

Yeah it was pretty hot. You know, with the fires and stuff, it was super hot last week.

What has team nutritionist Brian Snyder said, both to you players and the group at Beat the Heat?

Stay hydrated, make it become a routine. I think the Gatorade Beat the Heat program allows you to do that. You got products that you can take early in the morning to start off. You have products you can use before, during, and after workouts. It gives you a chance to stay on top of your electrolytes and your sodium intake.

You were the first defensive player drafted in 2011. There are a number of star players from that draft, and a number of elite pass rushers. J.J .Watt, Aldon Smith. Are you competing with them to be the best in 2013?

I'm just trying to take care of my job. I'm trying to make sure our defense can compete and take steps to be a great defense. I think as a defense we did some great stuff last year but you know, I want to cut down on some of the technical issues, and really just hone in on what we are doing and what we are trying to do as a defense. With what we are trying to take away and what we are trying to take away from the offenses, I think we can increase our odds, and I think we can be all right.

Who will have the most sacks in 2013, you, Watt, or Smith?

I've never really been big on sacks. I know I get some sacks, but for me, it's just trying to be the best linebacker I can possibly be. Play the run, be stout up front, drop back in coverage and just be the best linebacker I can be. I never just try to do one thing. I just try to do my role and do as many things as I can and increase our team's chances of winning.

Have the coaches asked you to improve any aspect of your game in particular?

I can always improve on coverage and run support. I think you can always be better at recognizing formations and you can always get more experience just by playing. You can always be better nutritionally and stuff like that, but you can stay on top of your hydration as well. We're just supposed to be taking it one day at a time and taking advantage of all of your opportunities. I think if I continue to create some of these great things together that I'll be all right.

Elvis Dumervil was Denver's big free agent departure this year, your partner in crime. How do you see the Broncos filling that gap, between coaches and players?

I think between guys like Derek Wolfe, and Robert Ayers, and Sylvester Williams, I think if we all up our play 5% we'll be all right. If we can get everybody up front - not just one guy, not two guys, three guys, but everybody - rushing the passer, everybody on point, we'll be pretty good.

Elvis was a team captain. Is that something you see yourself capable of doing? Is that something you want?

Everybody always wants that leadership, everybody wants to deal with that leadership and show guys. But I've always been a locker room guy talking to guys about doing stuff. You know, I'm all about wins, and I think we got great leadership now. I think if we keep taking care of our guys in the locker room we'll be all right.

"Oh yeah, Montee Ball looks good. Montee Ball really stood out." -Miller, on if any rookies have stood out

Have any rookies impressed you or stood out yet?

Oh yeah, Montee Ball looks good. Montee Ball really stood out. Sylvester Williams stood out as well. I think all of our picks really addressed all the issues we have. I think with the competition they bring we can definitely perform at a high level.

Montee Ball said he's more elusive than some people might think. Do you agree? Is he shifty, tough to bring down?

I mean he looks shifty, he definitely looks shifty, he definitely looks like a handful to bring down. He's definitely the type of running back that would be able to do some great things for us.

Do you think he and Ronnie Hillman, now that Hillman has upped his weight, can pack a one-two punch?

I think they definitely will be able to address some issues we had on offense. I think they definitely are a one-two punch; they complement each other so well. And I think they are just the type of guys that, Ronnie Hillman and Montee Ball, they will be able to work together.

Thanks Von! Any last words for the fans at MileHighReport.com?

I think we are addressing a lot of issues and taking it one play at a time. When the season starts we'll be ready to go.

One more big thanks to Von Miller for taking the time to answer our questions, and a big thanks to Gatorade for making it happen!

Denver Broncos Countdown to Kickoff: 80 Days

2013-06-17T14:00:06Z

Rod Smith

Perhaps no other Bronco in franchise history epitomizes the winning spirit as well as Rod Smith. You see, Rod Smith wasn't a high round draft pick like Demaryius Thomas. He wasn't a prized free agent like Wes Welker. He was an UDFA rookie that forged his role and became one of the elite receiving threats in the game during his tenure. In this way, Rod Smith blazed the trail for future UDFA rookie phenomenons like Chris Harris and Wesley Woodyard.

It almost didn't happen that way, like many UDFA rookies he faced many obstacles, one of which included being cut by his original team. Rod Smith began his pro football career as a New England Patriot. When he was released early in 1994, the Broncos plucked him from the waiver wires.

For many players, there comes a moment in their career that either defines it or sets the trajectory towards destiny. On September 17th, 1995, against the Washington Redskins, Rod Smith had his moment. In what was his first career reception, Smith hauled in a last second Hail Mary from John Elway for a TD to win the game. Imagine that--your first catch as an NFL receiver happens to be a game winner from a future HOFer!

Well that was only the beginning of what became a glorious Broncos career.

Season	Games	Receptions	Yards	Avg	TD
1995	1	6	152	25.3	1
1996	1	16	237	14.8	2
1997	16	70	1180	16.9	12
1998	16	86	1222	14.2	6
1999	15	79	1020	12.9	4
2000	16	100	1602	16.0	8
2001	14	113	1343	11.9	11
2002	16	89	1027	11.5	5
2003	15	74	845	11.4	3
2004	16	79	1144	14.5	7
2005	16	85	1105	13.0	6
2006	16	52	512	9.8	3
Totals	158	849	11389	13.4	68
Playoffs	Games	Receptions	Yards	Avg	TD
1996	1	1	15	15.0	0
1997	4	11	205	18.6	1
1998	3	12	260	21.7	2
2000	1	3	58	19.3	0
2003	1	5	66	13.2	1
2004	1	7	99	14.1	1
2005	2	10	157	15.3	1
Totals	13	49	860	17.6	6

In his career Rod Smith added 348 yards on 44 carries as well as 647 yards and a TD as a Punt Return. He is still the Denver Broncos all time leader in receptions, receiving yards, and TD's.

Nowadays, true #1's are divas. Me first, team second. Rod Smith never talked, never complained, never put himself above the team. In his twilight years, I remember him as the leader of the team calling out the guys who were selfish and unprofessional as young talent stumbled to mediocre performance after mediocre performance. Rod Smith is a dying breed.

Records and Accolades

- Only UDFA to reach 10,000 receiving yards

- Most catches, yards, and TD receptions amongst UDFA in NFL History

- Broncos All-time leader in yards from scrimmage.

- 6th NFL player to have 100 receptions against at least three teams (Chiefs, Chargers, Raiders)

- First team All Pro (2000, 2001)

- 3 time Pro Bowler (2000-2001, 2005)

- 2 time SB Champion (SB XXXII, SB XXXIII)

- College Football Hall of Fame (2009)

- Denver Broncos Ring of Fame (2012)

Rick Upchurch

Rick Upchurch was another legendary Broncos WR who is the greatest kick and punt returner in Broncos History. He was a 4th round draft pick of the Denver Broncos in 1975. Rick was used in a variety of different ways in the Broncos offense as a WR and RB.

Kaptain Kirk wrote a nice article about him on BroncoPlanet, here is an excerpt:

In 1976 (his 2nd year), Rick set an NFL record by returning four punts for Touchdowns and made the Pro Bowl. In 1977, he led the league in Punt Return yardage with 653 and helped the Broncos to their first ever Super Bowl appearance.

He led the NFL in Punt Return average twice (1978 and 1982), and finished his career with 49 carries for 349 rushing yards, 267 receptions for 4,369 yards, 248 punt returns for 3,008 yards, and 95 Kickoff Returns for 2,355 yards. Overall, Upchurch gained 10,081 total yards and scored 35 Touchdowns: 8 on Punt Returns, 24 receiving and 3 rushing. At the time of his retirement, those 8 Punt Return Touchdowns tied the NFL record shared by Jack Christiansen. Upchurch is one of five players to record a career average of over 12 yards per Punt Return.

Career Accomplishments:

- 4 time Pro Bowler (1976, 1978, 1979, 1982)

- 5 time All Pro (1976-1979, 1982)

- Member of the 1970's and 1980's All Decade Teams.

With a guy like Rick Upchurch, many of his probably missed out on watching him play. For those of you that were lucky enough to get to see him play, fantastic! Here are a few videos that show his ability:

Now this one is a full featured NFLN program "Top 10 Return Aces." There is a fantastic 4-minute feature on Rick Upchurch at exactly 17:40. And uh, Gale Sayers, that's some stinging critique from a guy that lucked into the HOF;)

Cool 80 Factoid:

Rick Upchurch dated and was engaged to future Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in the 1970's.

Notable Broncos to wear #80:

Rick Upchurch (1975-1983)

Mark Jackson (1986-1992)

Rod Smith (1995-2007)

Current Bronco wearing #80:

Julius Thomas

Denver Broncos News: Horse Tracks - 6/17/13

2013-06-17T11:00:06Z

Optimistic Broncos still have a fundamental question to answer - Denver Post
Scan the Broncos roster, their division brethren and their offseason moves, and there is a lot to like about whats to come when the team reconvenes for training camp next month.

Jon Heath Sports Media: Broncos' DT Kevin Vickerson Encourages Kids to Tackle Properly
On Friday, former Detroit Lions and Hall of Fame defensive back Lem Barney spoke at the Sound Mind Sound Body Football Academy.

Denver Broncos News & Blogs

Broncos Will Keep Busy During Time Off | DenverBroncos.com
Although Broncos players will spend their time off until training camp doing a variety of different things, the one constant is that everyone will stay busy.

Kickin' it with Kiz: Ball will roll for Broncos - The Denver Post
Bad move. It was downright stupid for the Broncos to let running back Willis McGahee go.

Broncos' receiving corps poses balanced attack - The Denver Post
Peyton Manning is part owner of the NBA Memphis Grizzlies and point guard of the Broncos offense.

Dads, Super Bowls, and HOF Speeches | Bronco Planet
One of my favorite moments of Super Bowl XXXII between the Green Bay Packers and Denver Broncos was late in the game when the camera zoomed in on Jack Elway in the box.

NFL News and Blogs

Darrius Heyward-Bey to get more looks with Colts than with Raiders - SBNation.com
Darrius Heyward-Bey could be in for a big 2013 season now that he's with a wide-open Colts offense.

Ryan Broyles is biggest surprise at Lions minicamp - SBNation.com
Despite two ACL injuries in 13 months, Broyles could be ready for a breakout season in 2013.

Perry Fewell thinks defenses will stop read-option in 2013 - SBNation.com
The read-option may intimidate some coaches, but don't count Fewell among those nervous to combat it.

D.J. Swearinger will contribute for Texans early on - SBNation.com
D.J. Swearinger is turning heads in offseason workouts, and coach Gary Kubiak thinks he can be a major contributor in his rookie season.

Alex Green emerges as Packers starting RB - SBNation.com
Green Bay Packers running back Alex Green gets the benefit of the doubt and the starting job, but he could be on notice heading into training camp with two promising rookies in waiting.

NFL Quarterbacks as TV Dads - SBNation.com
It's Father's Day! Celebrate with two of your favorite pastimes coming together for one very special moment.

NFP Sunday Blitz | National Football Post
Monte Kiffin shares the secrets of a coaching tree; best father-son coaching combos and a whirl around the league.

How did Broncos players post Instagrams during minicamp?

2013-06-16T16:00:03Z

I really don't understand how this works. During practice, aren't Denver Broncos players a little busy, you know, practicing? Too busy to be taking pictures of themselves?

I mean, clearly they're multi-talented. Here's rookie defensive tackle Sylvester Williams carrying the rock like a certain running back who just departed.

But they can't be that talented. So someone is taking pictures of these players, and sending the pictures to their respective phones, so they can put it on their social media networks themselves.

How did that awkward conversation go about? It's not like the players' friends can watch minicamp and send these to each individual.

However it goes about, clearly it's working. Broncos players are tweeting and instagramming in droves, and they have the follower numbers to back them up. Here's a rundown of social photos from minicamp:

Here's Tavarres King, who says, "Oh just having fun at work..."

Danny Trevathan might not have caught this ball...

Please Excuse My Hands" #BroncosUp #GrindLife #lastday pic.twitter.com/cMM6HokWwh
— Danny Trevathan (@Grindin_59) June 13, 2013

Ronnie Hillman leaps to grab a Peyton Manning toss in the end zone.

Omar Bolden is ready for action.

Steven Johnson hauled in a pick-six.

Finally, Chris Harris was hungry. He isn't anymore.

The secret revealed

I figured it had to be either an awesome, player-friendly media figure (think twitpic-happy Cecil Lammey) or the Broncos themselves coordinating these players' Instagrams. After a quick perusal of the official sites' Day 3 photo gallery, indeed, I found the same photos there.

Here's Steven Johnson's pick-six... and here's Omar Bolden at the line.

So, mystery solved. The Broncos send these pictures to their players for them to post to Instagram and Twitter.

Not a bad setup. I'm all about the Broncos leveraging any way for players to engage directly with fans. And at least the players get to caption the pics however they like, shedding some light into their respective personalities.

Go Broncos!

Poll

Mile High Report - All Posts

Denver Broncos 2013 depth chart (UPDATED)

Offense

Defense

Special Teams

Denver Broncos Countdown to Kickoff: 79 Days

Denver Broncos Countdown to Kickoff: 80 Days

Cool 79 Factoid

Notable Broncos to wear #79

Current Bronco wearing #79

Read More: Denver Broncos by the Numbers: #79 (Kaptain Kirk)

Denver Broncos News: Horse Tracks - 6/18/13

Denver Broncos News & Blogs

NFL News and Blogs

Now the Raiders literally smell like crap

A Few Good Questions with... Von Miller

Von Miller is beating complacency - and the heat - this summer

Denver Broncos Countdown to Kickoff: 80 Days

Rod Smith

Countdown to Kickoff: 81 Days

Records and Accolades

Rick Upchurch

Career Accomplishments:

Cool 80 Factoid:

Notable Broncos to wear #80:

Current Bronco wearing #80:

Read More: Denver Broncos By the Numbers: #80 (Kaptain Kirk)

Denver Broncos News: Horse Tracks - 6/17/13

Denver Broncos News & Blogs

NFL News and Blogs

How did Broncos players post Instagrams during minicamp?

The secret revealed

Do you follow Broncos players on any social networks?