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Published on 08/06/2009 at Thu Aug 06 21:29.
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Denver Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton, left, talks with wide receiver Jabar Gaffney as they take part in drills during a scrimmage as part of NFL football training camp at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Denver Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton, left, talks with wide receiver Jabar Gaffney as they take part in drills during a scrimmage as part of NFL football training camp at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

It was a rough night for Denver Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton and kicker Matt Prater. The two men most responsible for scoring points for the Broncos this year had trouble doing it.

The 13,402 in attendance at INVESCO Field at Mile High – a record crowd for a Broncos practice – weren’t in a forgiving mood.

Orton, the Broncos’ starting quarterback, looked shaky at best, and played terribly at the most inopportune of moments. During the team scrimmage portion of practice, Orton threw several deep, downfield, hold-your-breath throws. Every one of them was off target or to well-covered receivers. Two balls in particular were intercepted by cornerback Andre Goodman, one of which Goodman returned over 50 yards for a touchdown.

Matt Prater’s luck wasn’t any better. At the end of practice, the second-year kicker lined up for several field goal attempts from 43 yards. His first kick? Wide right. His second? Wide left. The crowd’s disapproval was deafening.

Prater’s next three kicks were straight down the middle of the uprights, including one from an even further away 48 yards. But those aren’t going to be the kicks the fans remember.

“We’re just as mad as ourselves for the mistakes we make,” second team quarterback Chris Simms said after practice Thursday. “You gotta take the good with the bad.”

Head Coach Josh McDaniels thought Orton’s struggles were more easily attributed to a playmaking defense. “First of all, the defense made some good plays,” McDaniels said. “But there were a lot of mistakes made tonight, on both sides. Kyle obviously made a couple, but he certainly wasn’t alone.”

The Broncos are now one week into training camp. Mistakes are to be expected this early. But they’re also one week away from their first preseason game in San Francisco on August 14th. After such a tumultuous offseason, Broncos fans aren’t showing any patience.

McDaniels is, though, and the first-year coach stood his ground regarding both players. “Kyle is progressing every day,” he said, and told reporters he was not considering bringing in another kicker. “I have confidence in Matt Prater.”

McDaniels hasn’t shied away from career-defining moments. With an offseason already full of them, he just added sticking with Orton and Prater to his list. If these players don’t make a turn for the better, it’ll be the coach’s turn to be booed.

  • http://mrherculesrockefeller.blogspot.com herc rock

    Nothing. Those chicks are where I make my living.

  • Big Daddy

    So cutler why have your pops drop off your playbook? lmao….wish I could ask that punk some questions for real man

  • gobronx

    To all the haters. I suggest someone starts a Cutleralk.net website. Or a imissshanny.com website. If you want to complain about missing your blanky, find a different forum. Get over the past, it’s done. Football season is finally upon us. Either support your team, cheer on the Crybaby, or STFU. All this Bronco bashing before they’ve played they’re first game is reminiscent of the behavior from a former Broncos QB.

  • gobronx

    As I said, Prater’s first full season is comparable to Elam’s. The dude is young and learning – the way all kickers do. Vinatieri’s first year: 77%. Morton Andersen: 75%. Jan Stenerud: 58%.

    If he sucks it up this season, he’ll be replaced. But why not see what he can do.

  • milehighs

    Booooooooooooooooo !!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Bronco_Lover_Forever

    Hey maybe McD is really smart,, Playing down the expectations early!!!!!!!!! through this ,, in front of 13000 fans. now we expect nothing from the qbs. so what ever good comes out of them during the season is greatttt and we r excited for the 2010 season

  • Pope Ray

    As I said in another place, forget about Brandon M being a factor.
    His hip is not ready and he will injure it further if he plays. He won’t last more than two or three hits. He needs at least three more months at least to cure the hip problem. We don’t want to lose him for good or cut his career down to two or three years.
    And for God’s sake grow up, you booer’s. Save your boo’s until at least the regular season begins, if you have to boo at all, being a jerk. Football is a game. Life is not. Either support your team or find another team to moan about. Get a little class. Get behind our guys through thick or thin. Football players are human too. How perfect have you been at your job, and for how long, without a screw-up? Bet you still got paid when you did screw up. I also bet you boo birds never played football in your whole dull lives, but think you’re geniuses now because you pay to see the game. Well, stay home and watch it on tv so we don’t have to put up with your whining and booing.

  • mike

    i am a true football fan im from chi,and watched kyle since he was a rookie and he is a solid qb,but honestly he has a bad deep ball,i cant tell you how many times hester was wide open he would either under or over throw the ball,it happed 15 times minimum that could of went for tds,he does not fit mcdaniels offense,lovie smith knew that and played it safe,i think if moreno can be that go to guy the broncos can have a decent offense,but he is no jay cutler,i am a bronco fan 2 thats my 2nd fav team,but i really hope you guys beat the chargers i hate them