Denver is a quarterback town. Fans still crave the next John Elway, and Denver’s quarterbacks come under intense scrutiny. So, it is no surprise that the 2011 Denver Broncos Training Camp in Dove Valley has turned into a media frenzy of speculations over whether Kyle Orton will remain the starting QB for Denver, or if Gator Golden Child, Tim Tebow, will get a crack at that spot.
Fueling the fire is ESPN football analyst Merril Hoge, who criticized Tebow’s play and started a Twitter fest that drew Heat from Miami’s LeBron James, who Twittered in Tebow’s defense. In stark contrast to the emotions that are swirling on the outside, the drama seems to stop once you talk to anyone within the Bronco’s establishment. As far as Coach Fox and Orton are concerned, Orton is starting, and everybody’s good with that.
Day 7 of Training Camp had fans screaming with delight as not two, but four quarterbacks impressed during drills. Brady Quinn put one up for Rookie TE Virgil Green, Kyle Orton hit Brandon Lloyd, and Rookie QB Adam Weber went long to WR Rookie D’Andre Goodwin to thunderous applause. Next, Tim Tebow handed off to RB Lance Ball, who broke free up the middle. The Broncos are practicing as a team, and seem untouched by rumors and ghosts of quarterbacks past.
If anyone thought they saw the ghost of John Elway on the field, they would only be a little off base. John Elway is on the field during Training Camp. In January of 2011, he became the Executive Vice President of Football Operations for the Denver Broncos. Elway reports to Team President Joe Ellis, and overseas the General Manager, Brian Xanders, and Head Coach, John Fox.
In non-quarterback related issues, the Broncos waived cornerback Chevis Jackson, making room for defensive lineman Ty Warren on the 90-man roster. Von Miller, drafted second overall by the Broncos, showed up for the walkthrough sporting his trademark glasses, and rookie TE Julius Thomas is turning heads after catching a scoring pass from each of the top three QB’s in various drills on Wednesday. Add good weather to the festive atmosphere and autograph signings, and it’s good to be a Bronco’s fan this year.
