Even with the “voluntary” billing, it was a packed house at Dove Valley for the Broncos’ recent OTAs.

Now comes the not-so-voluntary minicamp.

The team’s mandatory minicamp is Tuesday through Thursday, and the Broncos are aiming for perfect attendance.  Players under contract who are no-shows are subject to fines.

Only one veteran, kicker Matt Prater, remains unsigned.  The Broncos placed the franchise tag on Prater in March, and are now reportedly working on a five-year contract.  Prater did not participate in the team’s OTAs.

Rookie contract update

The Broncos are also working to sign rookie quarterback Brock Osweiler, taken in the 2nd Round at No. 57 overall and third-round running back Ronnie Hillman, the 67th selection.

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Okay, so that’s not exactly breaking news, but when a quarterback’s passing prowess leads the local evening newscasts, you know it’s a big deal. The Denver Broncos kicked off the first day of their three-day OTAs, and not surprisingly, Peyton Manning’s right arm – and surgically repaired neck – stole the show.  The good news for Broncos fans: Manning’s throws looked as sharp as ever before.

VIDEO: Peyton Manning throws during Monday’s OTA session >>>>

VIDEO: Peyton Manning talks with the media following his first OTA session as a Bronco >>>>

What’s good news for Denver could prove ominous for the AFC West and the Broncos’ 2012 opponents.  Sorry, foes.  (Actually, no I’m not.  Not at all.) Let’s not to get too far ahead of ourselves, but Manning looked like Manning, only now wearing a darker shade of blue.  He was poised under center with complete command of the offense, showcasing an array of accurate passes. And it was awesome. Manning said of his first OTA as a Bronco to DenverBroncos.com:

“I do think there’s a difference when you’re on the field in helmets going against the defense.  Up until now we haven’t been able to go against the defense, so this will be great work for me.  Going against Champ Bailey, Von Miller, Elvis (Dumervil), (Tracy) Porter, Drayton Florence we just signed — we’ve got three great cover corners to work against.  Until now we’ve been kind of just throwing passes versus air.  You can work on your timing with the receivers, but really it’s a great test to go against these corners. I’m looking forward to it and I’ll try to use all these practices to see where I am and get better each time.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFeTiMyGZPo

Nearly 60 media members showed up to watch Manning’s first “official” snaps with his new team.  Manning has organized several informal throwing sessions with his receiving corps.  Cornerback Champ Bailey, who hopes to catch a few of those Manning throws in practice and training camp, summed it up best:

“From what I see right now, the guy hasn’t missed a beat.  I knew it just watching him before the OTAs started that he was going to look good this week.”

The OTAs are voluntary.  The Broncos hold another three-day of OTAs next week, with a four-day session in early June.

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Denver let this one slip away.

Thursday’s night outcome was all too familiar to Broncos fans; defensive miscues and blown coverage result in a loss.  Thank goodness this was only the first preseason game, a rough dress rehearsal for next month’s opening weekend.

Yes, a loss is a loss – even preseason – but there’s the Oakland Raiders blowout loss and there’s the competitive-until-the-end loss.

At least this was the latter.  John Fox told The Denver Post:

“I was encouraged by what I saw.  But I was disappointed by the outcome.”

You and me both.

It’s perhaps unfair to dissect the Broncos’ play after one preseason game, especially following a mere two weeks of training camp in an offseason sans OTAs, but I will anyway.  Why the heck not, right?

What I liked

Denver’s first-team rushing attack – RB Knowshon Moreno is keenly aware of the pressure to succeed.  No player wants to hear the word ‘bust’ attached to his name.  Entering the season in the best shape of his career, Moreno made an impact in his lone series, rushing for 23 yards on four attempts.  Partner-in-crime Willis McGahee contributed a 12-yard run on the opening drive, finishing the night with 17 yards on two carries.  Staying with the ground theme…

Playing much of the second half, Jeremiah Johnson led the Broncos with 28 yards and a touchdown. Johnson, who’s battling Lance Ball, Brandon Minor, and LenDale White for playing time (and a spot on the roster) made a strong argument on his behalf.

Safety Kyle McCarthy’s 2nd quarter sack of Dallas third-string QB Stephen McGee was among Denver’s defensive highlights.  DE Jason Hunter had Denver’s other two sacks.

The Broncos first-team defense surrendered yards early, but once in the red zone, flustered QB Tony Romo’s offense.  Dallas came away with only a field goal.

This just in: Von Miller is fast.

Brady Quinn, you're not so bad after all. (Courtesy Jeffrey Beall)

I typically refrain from using words such as ‘determined’ or ‘impressed’ when describing Brady Quinn, but that ends here. My critique of Quinn dates back to his days at Notre Dame; I thought he was overrated, and I took joy from his uncomfortable NFL Draft wait four years ago.  Even so, I felt sorry for Quinn last year.  It was obvious Josh McDaniels wanted little to do with him, creating an unhealthy situation for the former starting quarterback whose NFL experience was in Cleveland, where, as a longtime friend once told me, “dreams go to die.”  Now refreshed with a better outlook on his future, Quinn is a bona fide NFL backup – if not more. (Yeah, you read correctly).  Maybe I’m jumping to conclusions here, but he should not be third on a depth chart.  That’s not to suggest Kyle Orton or Tim Tebow be demoted at Quinn’s expense. As for those words ‘determined’ and ‘impressed,’ both appropriately define Quinn’s play Thursday night.

What I disliked:

Sloppy 4th quarter third-team defense cost the Broncos the win. Dallas converted on two fourth-downs in the game’s final two minutes, including a fourth-and-goal with :15 remaining. The Cowboys also connected on the decisive two-point conversion, capping off a drive the defensive-minded Fox certainly didn’t want to see.

The Broncos’ first-team offense and defense were one and done, not surprising for the opening preseason game.  Still, I wanted more, especially on the defensive end.  Next week, I suppose…

The lack of depth at offensive line.  Here’s hoping the Broncos front office is scanning the waiver wire as we speak.

Denver had 10 penalties for 85 yards – three coming on a single play: a wild run left, scramble right, and short-yet-illegal-forward-pass by Tebow.  Did those dastardly jitters strike the Broncos last night? Sure, I’ll blame that.

I know Orton isn’t a running quarterback, but why didn’t he tuck and run on second-and-goal from the 6?  He could have easily picked up three or four yards.  Instead, Orton threw beyond the end zone to Brandon Lloyd, setting up a predictable passing situation on third-and-goal.

Love stats?  Check out the full box score here.

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DHF Home

Multiple candidates.  Only one champion.

What was DHF’s most read story of the week?  The suspense is over.

3. Broncos WR Demaryius Thomas Denies NCAA Allegations

Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas wants to make one thing clear: Don’t believe everything you read.

Thomas yesterday disputed reports he received improper gifts during his college playing days at Georgia Tech.

The NCAA put Georgia Tech on four probation for football and basketball violations.  As part of the punishment, Georgia Tech must pay a $100,000 fine and vacate the final three games of the 2009 football season.  Continue reading Broncos WR Demaryius Thomas Denies NCAA Allegations >>>

2. I Should Release A Statement Asking to End the Statements

The NFL lockout hit another dubious distinction this week: 4 months and counting.

In a typical offseason, mid-July means free agency, OTAs, and counting down the days until training camp.

This isn’t a typical offseason, thanks to the longest work stoppage in league history.  Instead, we’re left to pass the time reading about the latest lockout squabbles, rumors that a done deal is imminent, and the likelihood of preseason – maybe even regular season – cancellations.

Sense of urgency?  Haven’t we already passed that?  Continue reading I Should Release A Statement Asking to End the Statements >>>

1. Mark Your Calendars for July 28 

We could get our first look at the 2011 Denver Broncos – pre cuts – in exactly 12 days.

The Denver Post reports if a new collective bargaining agreement is reached in the coming days, the Broncos’ training camp would begin July 28.  As with any fluid situation, that date could be moved by a day or two.

Once a new CBA is okayed, the next steps will happen very quickly.   Think of it as an attempt to cram an entire typical offseason into mere days.  The plan, which is subject to change, would begin free agency season July 25.  Teams could also conduct trades during that time.  As for signing undrafted players, those details are still undetermined.  Continue reading Mark Your Calendars for July 28 >>>