Dove Valley Days
News, notes and anecdotes from training camp
By Mike Klis
Denver Post Staff Writer
DenverPost.com
FIELDWORK
Another Bell is ringing true
Mike Bell can have the best training camp in the history of free-agent running backs and he still might not shake up the tailback committee headed by Ron Dayne and Tatum Bell for the season opener, Sept. 10 at St. Louis. But as an undrafted rookie from the University of Arizona, the 6-foot, 220-pound Mike Bell can go a long way toward making the final 53-man roster and emerging as the No. 3 running back if he has more days like the past two. "This is a legitimate dream come true," Mike Bell said. "I'm going to do everything I can to continue it." He is a slashing runner with explosive acceleration off the cut. "A lot of players see him making plays that they haven't seen for awhile," Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said.
CUTLER WATCH
Out-of-pocket runs impressive
The offense put together just one touchdown drive against the defense in the morning session, and it was the third-string offense led by rookie quarterback Jay Cutler that completed the 70-yard march for a score against the third-string defense. Proving he is hardly a pocket passer despite his 6-foot-3, 233-pound frame, Cutler twice stepped away from pressure and made first-down completions on the run. "I've had to move my entire career," said Cutler, who started four seasons at Vanderbilt. "Very rarely did you have a perfect play where you just drop back and throw the ball." Cutler also is putting in time as a holder for place-kicks.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
Prepare Champ a place in Canton
"He's a guy that most people will never get a chance to coach. He's as good as it gets. He'll be in the Hall of Fame someday." - Mike Shanahan, on cornerback Champ Bailey
POSITION BATTLE
Number crunch
If the Broncos started the season today, their four-man defensive front would primarily utilize a seven-man rotation. The only every-down player is tackle Gerard Warren. On first and second down, Michael Myers would play the other tackle and the ends would be Ebenezer Ekuban and Courtney Brown. On third down, or pass-rushing situations, the ends would be Corey Jackson and Kenard Lang with rookie Elvis Dumervil replacing Myers at tackle.
CAMP FACTS
Monday
The two-a-days continue. The first workout begins at 8:30 a.m. The afternoon session is for special teams and begins at 3:40 p.m., 10 minutes earlier than usual. Admission and parking are free.