ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- It only took two plays into the first team period of Thursday's practice for Denver's offense to set the tone it wanted during its final joint practice with the Chicago Bears.
Quarterback Case Keenum handed the ball to running back Royce Freeman, and he swept left. Left tackle Garett Bolles provided a burly escort, blocking Chicago linebacker Danny Trevathan to clear Freeman's path.
Bolles kept pushing, and even as Freeman raced past, the second-year offensive lineman didn't let up, driving Trevathan to the ground at the left sideline as Freeman turned upfield.
Nearly two hours later, as Bolles reflected on practice and training camp, he smiled when the play was brought up. But it was not simply about establishing the demeanor of the day. Instead it was about establishing a standard for the regular-season games to come.
"Our whole plan is to impose our will," Bolles said. "That's what we want to do, but we also want to be smart about it and continue to work on our craft and continue to work on our technique. And if we craft that, we have everything else going for us."
That work continued for Denver's offense during the rest of that period. A moment after Bolles' block, tight end Jake Butt made sure that Keenum's pocket was clean, blocking Chicago outside linebacker Sam Acho. That gave Keenum time to locate Emmanuel Sanders down the right sideline.
Devontae Booker was a beneficiary of more strong blocking work during the same period, following the lead of fullback Andy Janovich on Trevathan for a solid gain on a sweep to the right.
"If we have two or three people doing that," Bolles said, "the rest of us will attack it, which will make Case feel comfortable, which will [help] Book and Royce and all those guys back there, and [Demaryius Thomas] and Emmanuel and Courtland and Tim Patrick and all those guys catching balls."
Plays like those were part of why Head Coach Vance Joseph felt the first-team offense and defense had "sharp" work against the Bears.
"Pretty strong," Joseph said. "It's practice. It's a controlled environment, so it was obviously a scripted practice."
OBSERVATIONS
... Denver's defensive line and edge rushers carried over their strong work in one-on-one drills to the team periods during practice. During a single period, outside linebackers Von Miller and Shane Ray each burst into the backfield with rushes that would have likely been sacks under game conditions.
... With the aid of a strong pass rush and consistent push up front, Denver's second-team defense stabilized after what Joseph said was a "terrible" practice Wednesday.
"Better, a lot better," he said. "Obviously, seeing the plays for the second day, their assignments were better. Still wasn't perfect, but it was better."
... Booker made one of the offense's big plays possible by picking up a Trevathan blitz, allowing Keenum to hit wide receiver DaeSean Hamilton for a 30-yard gain down the left sideline.
... Jeff Heuerman caught a pair of touchdown passes during the team red-zone period, including one that saw him run a crossing route at the goal line. As he caught the ball, Chicago linebacker Nick Kwiatkowski tried to wrest the football away from Heuerman, but the first-team tight end won the tug-of-war for the score.
... Wide receiver Tim Patrick was at the center of one of the skirmishes that took place during a special-teams period, but had a notable day on offense. During the red-zone team period, he caught a touchdown pass, leaping over Chicago cornerback Kyle Fuller for a catch from Chad Kelly.Patrick also caught a pair of passes from Keenum in a seven-on-seven period.
PERSONNEL NOTES
... Connor McGovern and Max Garcia both saw some work at center with the second and third units as Sam Jones continued to sit out because of back spasms that arose during Tuesday's practice.
"The more he can do as a swing guard for us, the better he's going to be," Joseph said of Garcia.
... With Chris Harris Jr. sidelined because of an oblique injury, Tramaine Brock and Isaac Yiadom both saw first-team work at cornerback alongside Bradley Roby.
Harris will "hopefully" be ready for Saturday's game, Joseph said.
The Broncos capped their 2018 training camp with a fun, intense and thrilling day in their final day of joint practices with the Chicago Bears.
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 16, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Wide receiver Bryce Bobo (13) during a joint training camp practice with the Chicago Bears at UCHealth Training Center on August 16, 2018.
Wide receiver Courtland Sutton (14) during a joint training camp practice with the Chicago Bears at UCHealth Training Center on August 16, 2018.
Isaac Yiadom and Bradley Chubb during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 16, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Wide receiver Mark Chapman (85) during a joint training camp practice with the Chicago Bears at UCHealth Training Center on August 16, 2018.
Wide receiver Bryce Bobo (13) during a joint training camp practice with the Chicago Bears at UCHealth Training Center on August 16, 2018.
Su'a Cravens and Dymonte Thomas during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 16, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Su'a Cravens and Dymonte Thomas during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 16, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Head Coach Vance Joseph speaks with Bears head coach Matt Nagy during a joint training camp practice with the Chicago Bears at UCHealth Training Center on August 16, 2018.
Case Keenum during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 16, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Pass Rush Consultant (and former outside linebacker) DeMarcus Ware during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 16, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Pass Rush Consultant (and former outside linebacker) DeMarcus Ware works with tackle Garett Bolles (72) during a joint training camp practice with the Chicago Bears at UCHealth Training Center on August 16, 2018.
Players line up to sprint during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 16, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
DeMarcus Walker during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 16, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Outside linebacker Shane Ray (56) during a joint training camp practice with the Chicago Bears at UCHealth Training Center on August 16, 2018.
Emmanuel Sanders during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 16, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Devontae Booker during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 16, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Outside linebacker Von Miller (58) reaches out to tackle a Bears running back during a joint training camp practice with the Chicago Bears at UCHealth Training Center on August 16, 2018.
Dave Williams during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 16, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) during a joint training camp practice with the Chicago Bears at UCHealth Training Center on August 16, 2018.
Case Keenum and Bears QB Mitchell Trubisky during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 16, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Case Keenum and Bears QB Mitchell Trubisky during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 16, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Case Keenum during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 16, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Case Keenum and Bears QB Chase Daniel during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 16, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) during a joint training camp practice with the Chicago Bears at UCHealth Training Center on August 16, 2018.
People look overhead at a biplane flying over the facility during a joint training camp practice with the Chicago Bears at UCHealth Training Center on August 16, 2018.
Players including linebacker A.J. Johnson (62) and defensive end Caushaud Lyons (97) and cornerback C.J. Smith (28) gang tackle a Bears running back during a joint training camp practice with the Chicago Bears at UCHealth Training Center on August 16, 2018.
Paxton Lynch during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 16, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Pass Rush Consultant (and former outside linebacker) DeMarcus Ware works with defensive end Derek Wolfe (95) during a joint training camp practice with the Chicago Bears at UCHealth Training Center on August 16, 2018.
Shelby Harris during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 16, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Derek Wolfe and Bears G Kyle Long during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 16, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Former Broncos LB Danny Trevathan, cornerback Chris Harris Jr. (25), inside linebacker Brandon Marshall (54) and wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) share a laugh during a joint training camp practice with the Chicago Bears at UCHealth Training Center on August 16, 2018.
DeQuinton Osborne during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 16, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Jeff Holland during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 16, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
At the line of scrimmage during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 16, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Outside linebacker Von Miller (58) chases Bears QB Mitchell Trubisky during a joint training camp practice with the Chicago Bears at UCHealth Training Center on August 16, 2018.
Demaryius Thomas during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 16, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Peyton Manning during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 16, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Head Coach Vance Joseph greets Peyton Manning with a handshake during a joint training camp practice with the Chicago Bears at UCHealth Training Center on August 16, 2018.
safety Justin Simmons (31) deflects a pass intended for a Bears tight end during a joint training camp practice with the Chicago Bears at UCHealth Training Center on August 16, 2018.
Brendan Langley during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 16, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Andy Janovich flexes during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 16, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Defensive end Zach Kerr (92) during a joint training camp practice with the Chicago Bears at UCHealth Training Center on August 16, 2018.
defensive end Zach Kerr (92) closes in on a Bears QB for what would be a sack during a joint training camp practice with the Chicago Bears at UCHealth Training Center on August 16, 2018.
Head Coach Vance Joseph during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 16, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Chad Kelly during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 16, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Von Miller joins Shane Ray and Pass Rush Consultant (and former outside linebacker) DeMarcus Ware on the sideline during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 16, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Defensive end Derek Wolfe (95) rests his hand on his helmet, which shows his personalized padding detail during a joint training camp practice with the Chicago Bears at UCHealth Training Center on August 16, 2018.
Cornerback C.J. Smith (28) breaks up a pass during a joint training camp practice with the Chicago Bears at UCHealth Training Center on August 16, 2018.
Will Parks during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 16, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Inside linebacker Brandon Marshall (54) and former Broncos LB Danny Trevathan during a joint training camp practice with the Chicago Bears at UCHealth Training Center on August 16, 2018.
Defensive end Derek Wolfe (95) and inside linebacker Brandon Marshall (54) with former Broncos LB Danny Trevathan during a joint training camp practice with the Chicago Bears at UCHealth Training Center on August 16, 2018.
Joe Jones during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 16, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Jordan Moore during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 16, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Emmanuel Sanders during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 16, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Demaryius Thomas during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 16, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Tim Patrick during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 16, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Paxton Lynch during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 16, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Pass Rush Consultant (and former outside linebacker) DeMarcus Ware during a joint training camp practice with the Chicago Bears at UCHealth Training Center on August 16, 2018.
Head Coach Vance Joseph talks to the team during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 16, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
The Broncos huddle up during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 16, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
The defensive line during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 16, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
The defensive linemen huddle up during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 16, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
The tight ends after a joint training camp practice with the Chicago Bears at UCHealth Training Center on August 16, 2018.
Pictured: tight end Matt LaCosse (83), tight end Jeff Heuerman (82), tight end Brian Parker (89), Tight Ends Coach Geep Chryst, tight end Austin Traylor (86) and tight end Jake Butt (80)
Former Boise State players Matt Paradis and Charles Leno Jr. with former Boise State offensive line coach Chris Strausser, currently the Bronco's Offensive Line-Tackles Coach, during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 16, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Bears RB Ryan Nall and nose tackle Kyle Peko (90), both former Oregon State players, during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 16, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
DeMarcus Walker signs autographs during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 16, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Josey Jewell signs autographs during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 16, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Bo Bower during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 16, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Todd Davis and former Broncos LB Kasim Edebali during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 16, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Todd Davis and former Broncos LB Kasim Edebali during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 16, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Jared Veldheer with his children and Max Garcia during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 16, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Garett Bolles and Bears QB Mitchell Trubisky during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 16, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Chad Kelly poses for a photo with Miss Colorado 2018 Ellery Jones during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 16, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
