Denver dawns pads for the first time as Broncos return to training camp

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (KDVR) — Hotter. More competitive. And physical.

On Monday, the Orange and Blue returned to Broncos Park after their first day off during the 2024 training camp. With temperatures in the upper 90s, Denver dawned pads for the first time this summer.

"The pads define the player positively and sometimes negatively," head coach Sean Payton explained as the competition level continued to rise. "What you typically see early on with pads — and we’re going to watch it on tape — our pad level, I'm sure, is going to be higher than we want it to be, both offensively and defensively — and I’m talking about the interior lines. But it's significantly different."

Quarterback Bo Nix took the first reps at practice to mixed results. Seeing pressure for the first time, the rookie quarterback was flushed out of the pocket on numerous occasions.

"We’re looking to throw in the pocket, but we’re also looking to make smart decisions with the football," Payton said, speaking of quarterbacks Bo Nix, Jarrett Stidham and Za...