Training Camp Blues

Guess what? Training camp is an elaborate hoax. It has its uses, but it's essentially a basketball warm-up. You go out and break a sweat, try not to injure yourself, and dunk a couple of times for the fans. You sure as hell don't run any key plays and you keep the superstars on a tight leash, bringing them back to the safety of the locker room after a couple of minutes. Sure training camp helps the players get in shape, and it helps young guys like Cutler get a taste of the pro-game. But honestly, does a guy like Rod Smith really need to run around in the heat in July and August to be ready for the season? No way. Not a chance. He knows the playbook. He knows what to expect. And both he and everyone else know that he'll be the #1 receiver on opening day. In fact, how many positions are really in question. QB? Plummer. Kicker? Elam. LB? Al Wilson. The Broncos threw so much money at Gerard Warren that his job is secure no matter what. So, this whole idea of training camp as a proving ground, as a place where eager young players can make their dreams come true, it's all a hoax.

I guarantee that the Mastermind knows exactly who 50 of the 53 players will be on the opening day roster. So who are the question marks, you might ask. Well, punter/kick-off specialist Todd Sauerbrun is out - damn addict - so his slot will be open for the first four games. If Paul Ernster is healthy, the job is his to lose. Javon Walker and Rod Smith are obviously the starters at WR, but the third, fourth, and fifth spots are probably up for grabs. Darius Watts has one last chance to prove his worth. My guess is that he makes the team as at least the fourth receiver. Charlie Adams should definitely get a spot, even if it's #5. Basically, everyone is wondering if Lelie will quit being a dumb-ass and make it into camp. (Lelie probably has the worst agent in the history of the game.) If he does, then he'll be the clear #3. The way things are going he'll probably end up playing in Canada like Ricky Williams. Maybe the Broncos can pawn him off on Philadelphia, but they should at least get a third-round draft pick in return.

The only interesting battle is at running back. And let's face it, it doesn't really matter who wins. It might be Ron Dayne or someone whose last name is Bell, and it might be someone else entirely. Doesn't matter. RB is a plug-and-play position for the Broncos. The fans will get a better idea once the preseason starts and the backs run against a hitting defense. Until then it's a moot point that's ultimately meaningless. The sooner camp is over the better.