On Day 8 of their training camp in Englewood, Colorado, the Denver Broncos adopted a new practice structure that resembled a live scrimmage, shifting focus toward situational football and integrated special teams. This change allowed key players, including Bo Nix, to deliver notable performances amid a more game-like environment. The Bo Nix Broncos training highlights from this session emphasized his accurate completions and decisive passes that steamed momentum for the offense.
Rather than following their usual segmented drills, the Broncos incorporated continuous “move-the-ball” situations paired with special teams plays, offering players a chance to execute high-pressure scenarios repeatedly. This approach aimed to enhance mental focus and readiness as the team prepares for upcoming preseason challenges.
Sean Payton Explains Rationale Behind Adjusted Practice Style
Head Coach Sean Payton explained that moving away from traditional practice drills toward a dynamic scrimmage setup better simulates on-field game conditions, allowing players to think critically across evolving scenarios. He referenced the Hall of Fame weekend tradition from years past, when live scrimmages were common for NFL teams. Payton emphasized this method as beneficial for replicating game speed and situational fluidity.
“I always think it’s good when you get out of your normal routine,”
said Sean Payton.
“Ten, 15 years ago, the Hall of Fame weekend Saturday was a live scrimmage for most teams. I think we can get the same work done. It’s full-go, but we’re keeping them up [and not tackling]. Much like a game, we’re integrating the special teams throughout. I just think that’s more realistic to what happens in a game than just segmented periods. Overall, I was pleased, most importantly with the operation, in-and-out [of the huddle], on time, [the] right amount of guys on the field. There will be a number of things we’ve got to clean up, and the good news is, we’ve got a month still before we get going. I was pleased overall.”
—Sean Payton, Head Coach
Payton further noted that this style forces both players and coaches to maintain a broad mental awareness, adapting to shifting game situations rather than focusing narrowly on preset plays.
“Mentally, our game is played from first down to third-and-2 back to first-and-10, second-and-15,”
Payton said.
“In each of those situations, we’ve got to be thinking more. It’s kind of like starting off with a small focus and then beginning to expand it. It’s much easier if you say, ‘Hey, here’s goal line, and we’re going to run eight plays’ and everyone’s in that goal-line mode. But it forces everyone [to think] — coaches included. Look, I’ve got my call sheet at the 50 and just after I gave that call, I go to my call sheet for a second down in the same area. Not as a pessimist, but it’s incomplete, it’s second-and-10 at the 50. And then we complete a ball … down to the 20-something, now I’ve got to fly to that section, hashmark, get the next call in. The players have to do the same thing. What they’re defending on one down can dramatically change. They’re in the fringe right away. So, [we’re] trying to give them that. And look, we’re building up to what’s going to be a joint practice and then the first preseason game where they’re truly going to have all of it.”
—Sean Payton, Head Coach
Standout Performances Highlight Broncos’ Offensive and Defensive Talent
Quarterback Bo Nix impressed with multiple early completions, including a quick side-arm pass to Devaughn Vele and a 20-yard gain connecting with Troy Franklin. One of Nix’s key moments was a precise end-zone throw to Courtland Sutton on a jump-ball catch, showcasing timing and arm strength. His ability to push the ball deep was also evident on a pass to Trent Sherfield Sr., indicating confidence in stretching the field.
On defense, the Broncos received a notable contribution from Zach Allen, who marked the day of his four-year contract extension with a tackle for loss and a play that, in game conditions, would likely have counted as a red-zone sack. Additionally, Riley Moss demonstrated tenacity in coverage, breaking up several passes and nearly recording an interception.
Defensive cornerback Pat Surtain II, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, continued his impressive form by securing his second straight practice interception. Coming off a campaign where he tied a personal best with four interceptions, Surtain’s instincts and athleticism remain a critical asset for the Broncos’ secondary.
Pat Surtain II’s Discipline and Drive Shine Through
Coach Payton spoke about Surtain’s ability to generate turnovers, pointing to both his athletic gifts and mental discipline as keys to his success. He also highlighted the realistic challenges defenders face against elite receivers week to week.
“Sometimes they come,”
Payton said.
“I would say one of the challenges with Pat — and I talked to him about it — I said, ‘Man, any time we get one of these elite receivers, man, you’re out there and it’s clinic film.’ And then periodically, there will be a guy we don’t even know catch a deep ball on him. It’s that mental focus of each week, if it’s not an elite receiver, it’s still a capable receiver. I think you began to see that discipline regardless of who he was lined up over. And then he’s one of those players, the ball kind of finds him. And part of that is his length and his ability to deflect a pass. He’s a rare athlete.”
—Sean Payton, Head Coach
Meeting Broncos Ring of Famer Steve Foley, who holds the franchise record for interceptions, also served as motivation for Surtain. Payton recounted discussing Foley’s 44 interceptions with Pat and how it set a high bar to aspire toward.
“I asked Pat, ‘How many do you have?’”
Payton shared.
“And well, if you’re Pat, when you finish here, you want to have the most interceptions. But when he heard those numbers, he saw that it was a journey. It was beyond the horizon to get to those numbers. He’s also someone who’ll respond to a challenge for me, I can turn to him and say, ‘Hey, look, how great are we wanting to be?’ I pulled up a clip of a Raider receiver catching, and I don’t even know who the receiver is. And he’s extremely coachable. He wants to please. That’s a great trait. And I think you become Defensive Player of the Year, and you’re in his echelon. Then there’s, not pressure, but that added expectation to, this is the club I’m in, and it’s a difficult club, and this is what everyone expects.”
—Sean Payton, Head Coach
Additional Key Moments and Player Updates from Practice
Wide receiver Jerjuan Newton made a striking play by toppling defenders to haul in a diving touchdown catch on a pass exceeding 50 yards from quarterback Sam Ehlinger. His athleticism displayed a competitive spark and timing with the offense during the scrimmage-like session.
Linebacker Alex Singleton returned to practice after missing time due to a thumb injury, though he was not fully integrated into contact drills. Payton acknowledged Singleton’s progress while noting a cautious approach given the recovery status.
“If we had a playoff game tomorrow, he’d have a club on and be playing,”
said Payton.
“But we don’t have a playoff game tomorrow — and he’s smart. We’ll see him pretty soon.”
—Sean Payton, Head Coach
On the injury front, fullback Mike Burton and linebackers Dre Greenlaw and Drew Sanders did not participate in the practice session, signaling ongoing health management for some key roster members. The Broncos also incorporated an officiating crew during practice to reinforce rules enforcement and adaptation to this season’s focus areas, particularly regarding line of scrimmage infractions.
“They’re not going to split hairs, but we’ve all seen egregious alignments where people [are in the neutral zone], and that’s a big point of emphasis,”
Payton explained.
“I’d rather see it [called] here. The players get upset, and I just finished telling them, I said, ‘Look, I’ve done this a long time, I’ve yet to see an appeal heard and overturned. It doesn’t happen. And you’ve got X amount of battery life in a game. Get on to the next play, get on to the next play.’ We’re going to see officials make mistakes, and they’re going to make them. Just like we all make them. Get on to the next play.”
—Sean Payton, Head Coach
Implications for the Broncos’ Preparations and Season Outlook
Denver’s decision to adopt a more integrative and realistic practice format at training camp highlights the team’s focus on sharpening situational awareness, endurance, and mental acuity essential for competitive play. Bo Nix’s confident passing and Pat Surtain II’s ball-hawking continue to establish them as key contributors to the Broncos’ 2024 campaign ambitions.
As the team moves toward joint practices and the preseason schedule, this scrimmage-style environment will likely better prepare players for the fast pace and complexity they will encounter in games. The coaching staff’s emphasis on mental flexibility and game speed readiness signals a comprehensive approach aimed at improving execution under pressure and minimizing errors.
Monitoring the progress of injured players such as Singleton, Burton, Greenlaw, and Sanders remains crucial, as full roster health could heavily influence Denver’s competitive posture moving forward. With key contributors showing strong performances and leadership acknowledgment sought by veterans like Surtain, the Broncos are positioning themselves to meet demanding challenges in the months ahead.