Mason's Mailbag: A 'summer league' for the NFL?

Miles

Well-known member
Mar 18, 2019
2,455
0
qywoqtsbr9cfijv14hkd


#AskMase since you've been going to Training Camps for years and years, what is the funniest thing you've ever seen in the field?


-- @mikebirty via Twitter



It's probably 9News photojournalist John Kuhrt running a wind sprint to a light pole and back after his cell phone went off while then-Head Coach Mike Shanahan was answering questions after a 2002 practice at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley.


There was also the fight between David Kircus and Domonique Foxworth -- with Curome Cox involved -- during 2006 training camp. This was comical because the defensive backs taunted the erstwhile Subway staffer about his background as a "sandwich artist."


Then you had the "slip-and-slides" that Josh McDaniels set up in 2010, having rookies dive into the mud for footballs while water sprayed on them. This experience made for some memorable photos, but nothing more. He also had an ice-cream truck take the field to surprise the players during practice. A fat lot of good that did; the Broncos finished 4-12 that year.


What do you see as the biggest position battle to take place during training camp? Is there a sleeper? #AskMase


-- @jamieandconnie



It's probably the positions noted in Saturday's edition of 10 Camp Burning Questions -- kickoff and punt returner. Realistically, the Broncos' starting 22 on offense and defense -- plus key rotational players such as No. 3 wide receiver, nickel defensive back, dime defensive back, et. al. -- appears solid, barring injuries.


But the battle for returner will also have an impact on the depth among offensive skill-position players. Barring a wave of injuries at wide receiver, players like Brendan Langley, Juwann Winfree, Aaron Burbridge, Kelvin McKnight and Trinity Benson will have to earn their roster spots via special teams, whether as a returner or as a gunner.


Why hasn't Lyle Alzado ever been mentioned? I know he went downhill, but he played quite well when he was a Bronco.


-- Roy Macdonald



If you are referring to the Broncos 100, he made the list. There is no way you're putting together a collection of the top 100 Broncos without a two-time Pro Bowler. He was at his apex during the Broncos' 1977 run to Super Bowl XII, earning first-team All-Pro honors.
 
Top