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For an offense that ranks 29th in points scored over the last six years, it made sense that Broncos coach Nathaniel Hackett would prioritize red-zone work during Monday’s opening organized team activity workout.
The Broncos have struggled to score in general and been particularly bad in the red zone, finishing 26th, 32nd, 19th, 28th, 27th and 22nd during their six-year playoff drought.
“We started off with the red area just because it’s our first day getting after it and we wanted to save their legs and shorten the field (and) at the same time practice that situation because that is so important,” Hackett said. “We’ll always have a major emphasis each day.”
The Broncos’ first full-team practice integrating veterans and rookies lasted around two hours and was held minus at least seven projected Week 1 starters who are either rehabilitating last year’s injuries, nursing current injuries or declined to attend the voluntary session.
Quarterback Russell Wilson was present and led the first-team offense through a variety of offense-only and offense-vs.-defense drills.
“You saw a lot good stuff out there,” Wilson said. “We’re going to have a really good football team and that’s exciting.”
During Wilson’s first red zone period, he completed both of his passes (to receivers Courtland Sutton and Tim Patrick). In the first 7-on-7 red zone session, he completed three of his first four passes but had his final two attempts broken up by safety P.J. Locke and inside linebacker Jonas Griffith.
“We hit some on time, some a little later,” Wilson said. “You move around and make some plays. It’s all about touchdowns when you cross into that red zone. You want to be the best in the league doing that, at least top five.”
Not surprisingly, Hackett was impressed with Wilson’s day.
“I’ll tell you, he throws the ball — it’s beautiful,” Hackett said. “He’s what we call a ‘natural thrower.’ The guy can spin it. Watching him make some of the plays (Monday) with his feet … he’s doing great.”
There was little clarity gleaned from the offensive line setup. The first unit included four returning starters (right guard Quinn Meinerz, center Lloyd Cushenberry, left guard Dalton Risner and left tackle Garret Bolles). Ben Braden worked as a first-team right tackle because Billy Turner (injury) and Calvin Anderson (not present) did not work.
“We want to make sure we have as much flexibility as possible (along the line) and get the best five out there,” Hackett said.
Footnotes. Not present for voluntary practice were Anderson, outside linebacker Bradley Chubb, running back Melvin Gordon, safety Kareem Jackson and kicker Brandon McManus. Present but not practicing during team drills were Turner (knee), outside linebacker Randy Gregory (shoulder), right guard Graham Glasgow (leg), cornerback Ronald Darby, safety Caden Sterns and receivers KJ Hamler and Jerry Jeudy (back). … Cornerback Michael Ojemudia worked with the No. 1 defense in place of Darby and Locke worked in Jackson’s stead. … Minus Chubb and Gregory, the first-unit outside linebackers were Malik Reed and Jonathon Cooper. … No McManus meant a field goal drill in which the football was snapped but not kicked.
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