Every once in awhile, we update the main poll on the left sidebar of the site.  Today the poll got a much-needed update: Which new Bronco has you most excited?

Your options, in alphabetical order, are:

• Boss Bailey
• Ryan Clady
• Keary Colbert
• Darrell Jackson
• Niko Koutouvides
• Dewayne Robertson
• Eddie Royal
• Other

As always, we’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!  The poll is also available after the jump.

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Brandon Marshall‘s looming suspension is the talk of Broncos Nation. After the third year wide receiver met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell a week ago, many had speculated the Commish would slap Marshall with a 2-4 game suspension, and move on.

Then, word came out last week that the Commissioner was leaning toward a more severe 4-8 game suspension. Most fans thought that would be overkill, and that Marshall hadn’t done enough wrongdoing to deserve such a strict penalty.

Today, CompleteColorado.com is reporting that Marshall has a few more incidents involving the police in his past, including six 911 calls in the past 18 months to his house in a Highlands Ranch suburb. In all but one incident, a police report was not filed. The site has the complete breakdown, with reports on each incident.

If you take the time to read each incident, though, you’ll find that Marshall had little or nothing to do with any of them. Let me break it down for you…

• #1 – February 14, 2007 – A warrant was serviced.  It is not clear for whom.  Moving on…
• #2 – July 3, 2007 – No complaint filed. A security guard threatened to kill an unspecified Denver Broncos player. Scary to say the least, but nothing came of it.  Moving on…
• #3 – November 19, 2007 – Serviced an arrest warrant on Marshall’s friend Carl Carrell.  Moving on…
• #4 – December 25, 2007 – A mysterious domestic violence call.  This one sounds fishy.  The woman changed her story in the middle of the call, but nothing came of it.  Moving on…
• #5 – May 10, 2008 – Marshall’s cousin physically assaults a woman.  Again, not Marshall.  Moving on…
• #6 – June 28, 2008 – Marshall had his music on too loud.  At 3 AM.  Which is dumb.   Let’s suspend him over it.

The site also reports that three individuals had temporary restraining orders placed on Marshall, which were all voluntarily rescinded two weeks later.

This is a simple case of a stupid website digging for news.  I completely agree with Ian in his blog post – these trashy wannabe journalists are spending hours a day digging up dirt, trying to break news.  It’s pathetic, and frankly, disgusting.

Nothing new to see here folks. To me it sounds more and more like there are people in Brandon’s life who are trying to take advantage of his situation, and even punish him, as he expressed in previous comments regarding his ex-girlfriend.  Until we know further, it’s impossible to judge whether Marshall has become the victim of vindictive people around him (which I am now beginning to believe he has), or whether he is in fact a spark that aids in these incidents.  We don’t know, and that’s the point – and it’s impossible to suspend him until we do.

As I mentioned yesterday, I’ve been away from my beloved Broncos Blog too long!

I even missed my annual post about the one or two lesser known players I’ll be championing this Training Camp. For those of you unfamiliar with this yearly tradition, let me quickly recap.

Every year I find one or two players buried deep in Denver’s roster (or even practice squad) that I begin championing to friends and family. Over the year’s only a couple have risen to the starting line up while most turn out to be duds — and are quietly sent packing. Here’s a look at some of my choices from the last few years:

1999-2000 – 6th round pick, TE Desmond Clark

2001 – 6th round pick, WR Kevin Kasper

2002-03 – FB Reuben Droughns and Safety Sam Brandon

2003-04 – WR/TE Nate Jackson and RB/FB Cecil Sapp

2005 – QB Bradlee Van Pelt and CB Darrent Williams

2006 – WR David Kircus, RB Mike Bell and Safety Hamza Abdullah

Last year I was a strong supporter of RB Andre Hall and followed closely Safety Roderick Rogers. Both players are college free agents, which I think makes them more interesting for me. Hall is currently behind Young (another great undrafted guy that has my deepest respect… although I continue to pull for Hall). Rogers had a great INT early this camp, so maybe he’ll rise to the challenge this year!

So, now we’re on to 2008! This year I really like LB Jamie Winborn. This guy grabbed my attention big time last season by landing a couple killer hits for us on Special Teams. I’m a big fan of the lesser known guys who make a name for themselves on ST. I also really like FB Peyton Hillis. As I’ve mentioned my boss is a HUGE hogs fan so I have a good reason for keeping up with him. And, as you all well know by now, I’m a big fan of those nameless heroes called Fullbacks, so that’s two good reasons to watch him this year. And lastly, I have a questionable one… I can’t call Eddie Royal a lesser known Bronco (heck he was our second rounder). However, early on I felt like everyone was down on him and I ended up defending our pick of Royal to practically everyone. Therefore, he’s sort of become an honorary member of my list this year.

So, there you have it… My 2008 list of underdogs that I’ll be pulling for during camp and preseason in hopes they make the team and crack the starting line up.

And now it’s your turn! What lesser known guys on our roster are you pulling for? Is there a guy with a back story or a particular skill set you really like even though no one knows about him?

I’d love to hear from you on your favorite lesser known Broncos!

The Denver Broncos are in no mind to see newly acquired DT Dewayne Robertson on the practice field more than necessary.  Even though Robertson is a relatively young player on the team, the Broncos have been giving him the afternoons off, a privilege usually reserved for veterans like John Lynch and Tom Nalen.

Robertson’s bone-on-bone knee condition is the cause for concern; even though the former 2003 first round draft pick has only missed 3 games in his career, the Broncos aren’t taking any chances.  Robertson was absent from both practices on Sunday as the Broncos continue their plans to ease him onto the playing field.

On top of his health, Robertson discussed his excitement to be back in a 4-3 system, and says his knee shouldn’t keep him from playing a full 16 games this season.

“This is what is best for me,” Robertson said. “I just feel better. I am in my gap, and I just feel like I can get to make plays quicker. I can get to the play a lot faster now … This is a perfect spot for me.”

Probably more than any other player addition, Robertson is my biggest hope for an improved run defense in 2008. What do you guys think – will his knee stay strong, or will it force him to miss time in 08?

• The Denver Broncos are relying heavily on the defensive line to step up from last year.  [Denver Post]
• It’ll take a combined effort from all four guys to really make a difference.  [Rocky Mountain News]
• What will the Broncos do if Brandon Marshall is suspended?  [DPO]
• Defensive Coordinator Bob Slowik talks about another chance at being “the guy.” A good nugget: everything has changed from last year, all the terminology, everything, despite the fact that Slowik took over the defense midseason last year.  [Fox Sports]
• Props to John at MHR for this one… we’ve both been campaigning for the Broncos in the HOF for awhile, I’m glad someone finally paid attention.  [Football Outsiders]
• Niko Koutouvides says he’s ready to lead.  [Longmont Times-Call]
• A really good review on Stefan Fatsis‘ A Few Seconds of Panic.  [The Latest Word]
• And another.  [Washington Post]

And, starting now, every once in awhile I’ll throw in a Create-A-Caption photo.

Bob Slowik to D.J. Williams:
“What up, my homie?”

Your wittiest, most cleverest captions in the comments…

Our thoughts and prayers to BroncoTalk writer Jonathan Douglas’ friends and members of the community. The tragedy has put everyone in an understandably somber mood, and there’s just no appropriate transition from something so horrible to something as truly fickle as football.

Here are notes from yesterday’s practices…

The verdict is in… OT Ryan Harris isn’t cutting it at right tackle. Click on the picture and you’ll see what I mean… it only confirms several reports I’ve read of Harris struggling against the #1’s on defense. He was matched up against DE John Engelberger often, including in this picture, and Engelberger got the better of him time after time. Knowing that Engelberger has never been well known for his pass rushing skills (sorry ‘Berger), it’s apparent that Harris will need more time before he can perform at this level. Whether that’s later in the season or beyond remains to be seen, but at least the Broncos received good news today that could help fill the right tackle spot.

Montrae Holland finally returned to the practice field, but only during the afternoon session “jog through,” and only with the #2’s. I’m hoping this means he’s gotten his act together and is taking this job seriously. Showing up twenty pounds overweight is simply unacceptable; I’m glad the Broncos ran him through the woodwork and he now has a chance to re-earn his spot. Expect Chris Kuper, broken hand and all, to slide over to right tackle in the next few days as Holland catches up to speed.

Finally, Tight End Chad Mustard was placed on the PUP list.

Quotes from Head Coach Mike Shanahan and Selvin Young, who had some remarkable runs today, after the jump.

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I’ve been away from the blog for almost a whole month now as my work and personal life have both been extremely busy and extra crazy. However, all of that seems pretty trivial after the horrific morning we’ve had here in Knoxville.

This morning a gunman entered a downtown church and began shooting members of the audience with a shotgun as the children were putting on a performance.

This church is literally down the street from where my wife and I were attending church this morning. We also personally know several people who attend this church. At this point the news is reporting that two of the seven victims have died and several of the others are in critical condition.

Saddest of all, one of the men that died this morning was a fellow foster parent in Knox County. He died stepping in front of the gunman as he headed toward the stage (and the children). Allison and I know his foster son, Taylor, who was backstage when this all went down. We are also very close to other people that have helped Taylor over the last year, all of whom are going to need all the prayers and support they can get.

I know this is a Denver Broncos blog, but I also understand that those of you in Colorado have first-hand experience of the devastating effects this type of random violence can have on a community.

I only ask that you keep Taylor and all of the members of this church in your thoughts and prayers over the next few weeks and months as they try to deal with this tragedy.

Please be safe.

Jonathan Douglas

The Denver Broncos continued their training camp practices yesterday in preparation for the 2008 season. Saddened by our own absence at training camp this year, we’re resigned to take a look around the Internet and report what we can find. Again, this report is for yesterday’s practice… we’ll have more on today’s stuff throughout the day.

Studs

• Eddie Royal is the talk of early training camp. The guy is not only a shoo-in for the return game, but the latest buzz is that he can contribute on offense early and often. Everywhere you look, people are talking about his speed and his hands. He’s still a bit raw and needs some work, but this is something to really get excited about, Broncos fans!
• K Matt Prater is looking solid, making all but one field goal from past 40 yards. Until preseason, we won’t know for sure how the pressure will get to him, but the successful reps certainly put my mind somewhat at ease.
• My boy, Ryan Clady, improved on an inconsistent first day with his performance Saturday. Word is the guy’s not only huge, but playing very well in man-on-man and showing few rookie mistakes. If this holds true throughout the season, the Broncos are automatically improved.
• Other studs: WR Brandon Marshall, TE Tony Scheffler, QB Darrell Hackney, and DT Josh Mallard.

Duds

• Montrae, Montrae, Montrae. I can’t even express how disappointed I am in this guy. Montrae Holland never reported back to practice yesterday, and he hasn’t gotten his weight down yet. According to Head Coach Mike Shanahan, he still has quite a ways to go. “He’s going to have to lose about 20 pounds and it’s going to take some time,” Shanahan said. “When he loses it, he can come back.” Twenty pounds?! This is not good news about my favorite new Broncos last year.
• Ryan Harris was less than impressive today, with several independent reports voicing disappointment with our 2007 3rd round pick. Apparently he got beat on more than one occasion, leaving a bad taste in fans’ mouths. Something to definitely keep an eye on.

Injury Report

• Another player has been lost for the season – WR Edell Shepherd, who was a long shot to make the roster in the first place. After tearing his ACL the Broncos placed him on Injured Reserve, and Taylor Jacobs, whom the team cut a month or so ago, was re-signed.
• Ball of Steel, Chris Kuper. Balls of steel.

The Lighter Side

• It appears Wesley Woodyard‘s attempt to lead the stretching portion of practice in a camp was more successful than Clady’s rendition yesterday.

Quotes from Mike Shanahan, Boss Bailey, and Tony Scheffler after the jump.

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For the latest Denver Broncos Training Camp news and notes, check out our home page,  updated multiple times daily!

The 2008 Denver Broncos report for training camp Friday, July 25, with practices beginning at 11:15 AM on Friday. In other words, today. And now. And while we’ve broken down this year’s training camp pretty well this past week, we’ve yet to delve deep into the defensive roster battles we can expect. Welcome to camp, Broncos fans – let’s break down the defense.

• Sunday – Overview
• Monday – Rookies
• Tuesday – Special Teams
• Wednesday – Offense
• Thursday Saturday – Defense

Linebacker

Middle linebacker – In my opinion, the most exciting battle in all of camp. Two well matched competitors who both bring something unique to the field. The winner of this camp battle will be the central point and leader of our entire defense. This. Battle. Is. Huge. In one corner we have Niko Koutouvides, a free agent linebacker who has played predominantly special teams in his career to this point, but was signed with the intent to start. In the other corner we have Nate Webster, last year’s starting strong side backer who played well at the beginning of the season but struggled as the year went on. Webster is faster, more energetic, and has better range, but Koutouvides offers more as a tackler and run stuffer. Koutouvides was a leader on special teams with the Seahawks, while Head Coach Mike Shanahan has voiced how impressive Webster has been as a leader in the offseason workouts.
Prediction: This is a very, very though call. I know a lot of fans turned sour on Webster, but I think his workouts and leadership give him a real shot at the job. It’s his “natural” spot, and apparently he’s bulked up a bit, too.

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In what Mike Shanahan called more of a jog through, the Denver Broncos practiced again this afternoon. Less two-a-days and more one-and-a-half-a-days, the offense and defense even switched sides for a bit, an entertaining turnabout that saw the likes of DE Elvis Dumervil playing quarterback and RB Anthony Alridge playing cornerback.

Held out of the afternoon practice were Champ Bailey, John Lynch, Dewayne Robertson, Tom Nalen, and Ebenezer Ekuban. Other veterans that dressed but saw limited action were Brandon Stokley and Darrell Jackson.

On special teams, UDFA rookie Brett Kern stole most of the snaps from Sam Paulescu, and seemed to do quite well.

Second year defensive end Jarvis Moss said that, despite being listed as a backup on the depth chart, he feels like a starter.

“I feel like a starter. Once the season starts I play equally as much as the guy ahead of me. In this league, guys don’t play the whole game, so I work like a starter.”

Full transcripts of OT Ryan Clady, Moss, and WR Keary Colbert are after the jump.

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