Broncos Camp | Day 10: Russell Wilson Wows Fans & Media

Day 10 of Denver Broncos training camp featured one huge storyline.

Englewood, CO — When 3,000 Denver Broncos fans pour into Centura Health Training Center, they’re desperate to see exciting catches, jukes, and big throws from Russell Wilson to his receivers for touchdowns. Instead of observing such fireworks during the first week of camp, fans were left to watch the first-string defense ruin Sean Payton’s new offense time and time again.

Outside of Wilson's two big deep passes to Courtland Sutton over Patrick Surtain II in the first week of camp, there hasn’t been a barrage of plays to get the crowd going. But Broncos Country knows a good thing when it sees it, which is why fans left practice on Saturday with a sense of relief and excitement.

This camp is about the quarterback position and whether the Payton-Wilson marriage will be long and prosperous or short and rapid. I’ve been on record in many of my camp journals preaching patience to those who have none after witnessing a lackluster start to camp for the Broncos' first-team offense. 

This immediately begged the question all week in Denver; is the Broncos' offense just a paper tiger?

While it’s too early to answer that question, Saturday was a Wilson day for me. I was hellbent on keeping an eye on the beleaguered QB to see if he’d make the much-needed improvements. I’m relieved to report that the Broncos' offense finally led a productive and efficient unit on the first day of the second week of training camp.

Wilson Produces in Payton’s Gauntlet

Thank goodness that competitive football drills are back at Broncos headquarters. Last summer, I was forced to watch what felt like patty-cake drills that inspired no one and frustrated all. 

That hasn’t been the case this summer, as Payton came through on his vow of implementing one-on-ones and 7-on-7 drills at practice. Not to mention 9-on-7s, which have been a Payton favorite, as it's a run-oriented drill that matches up blockers versus defenders with a ball carrier.

To get the competitive juices flowing, Payton started the day with one-on-ones, pitting wide receivers and tight ends against defensive backs and linebackers. This same drill has seen superstars like Surtain and S Justin Simmons feast during the first week of camp, but that was hardly the case on Saturday. Wilson led a quick and ferocious attack with decisive and on-target throws.

Instead of feeling flustered and tight, Wilson was slinging the football all over the practice field to the relief and audible excitement of fans on the hill. He connected with Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, and Brandon Johnson in consecutive reps. For the first time since camp, Wilson was releasing the football very quickly and was deliberate and on point with virtually all of his passes.

More than once, Wilson would have consecutive series of plays without an incompletion or missed assignment. He was quite literally translating offensive pass plays that Payton wanted to be installed into a competitive environment just minutes after a walk-through installation period. 

Not only did Wilson’s performance allow fans and media members alike a chance to exhale, but folks walked away optimistic for what could be a very productive offense this season.

What happens next for the Broncos? Don't miss out on any news and analysis! Take a second and sign up for our free newsletter and get breaking Broncos news delivered to your inbox daily!

Installation Period Paying Off For Wilson

There’s nothing fun about the installation period, whether you’re a credentialed media member or a casual fan. Heck, we all have the same vantage point that yields what seems to be a slow and quiet walk-through-like session that can get quite boring. But this is where the sausage is made folks, as Payton continually emphasizes detail-oriented assignments to his starting unit.

From calling and receiving the play to audibling to a different play, Wilson appeared to be dialed into his assignments from Payton. Like a maestro in an orchestra, Russ led his guys through a gauntlet of plays that had clearly been studied prior to the day’s work. Wilson also had constant communication with Broncos offensive coordiantor Joe Lombardi, and QBs Coach Davis Webb.

A heavy emphasis on timing, along with a quick release, has been prioritized for Wilson this summer. Without giving away formations, I can tell you that simple offensive philosophies that are being implemented include high-low reads with a heavy dose of running the football. 

Another fresh breath of air in the Payton coaching regime reveals situational awareness. Payton’s staff is constantly challenging players to know the down and distance, time remaining, number of timeouts, and placement of the ball, among other variables that can win and lose football games.

At first glance, the installation period seems meaningless. But little do we know the preparation that’s been poured into this task prior to the players and coaches taking the field. Besides, aren't the details what's cost the Broncos winning results for approximately a decade now?

Winning Day for Wilson & First-Team Offense

Don’t get me wrong, I love competitive matchups between players and positional drills just as much as the next person, and I know they offer a lot of value. But make no mistake, team period is where the day is truly won or lost, which is the closest thing that can emulate a game in specific situations. 

Saturday featured some red zone work that has been a very high priority for Payton to get in gear. After some familiar pass deflections at the line of scrimmage from a very disruptive Broncos defensive line, Wilson found running back Samaje Perine twice for two scores in a handful of plays. 

In my last training camp journal, I referenced Perine as a perfect fit for Wilson and this offense behind RB1 Javonte Williams. Wilson, who would know better than I, clearly trusts Perine as a security blanket in the passing game. After each of Perine’s catches and scoring plays, the offense roared while Wilson prepared for the next play.

Wilson and company were also tasked with operating the two-minute drill, as they’ve done for a large portion of camp. In this scenario, Payton has given the offense either a limited number of timeouts, if any, with less-than-ideal circumstances, including down and distance with a low amount of time remaining. 

The goal is simple: move the ball and stop the clock either to kick a field goal or put yourself in a position for a game-winning touchdown. Wilson finally executed a faster throwing motion and execution of passing play under Payton's watchful eye. 

While the Broncos' O-line has struggled against a surprisingly deep edge position, Russ is getting through his drops, reads, and throwing the football much quicker than last season when he was the most-sacked QB in the NFL. Expect Wilson to also connect with the Broncos tight ends, especially Adam Trautman and Greg Dulcich, the latter of whom is finally putting together some good days of practice.

It will be interesting to see how Wilson and the offense respond to game week as we’ve officially made it to the preseason portion of training camp. The Broncos travel to the desert to face the Arizona Cardinals next weekend in preseason Game 1. 

---

Follow Mile High Huddle on Twitter and Facebook.

Subscribe to Mile High Huddle on YouTube for daily Broncos live-stream podcasts!