ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Peyton Manning looks great. Ditto Champ Bailey and Elvis Dumervil. In a training camp marked by precision and predictability and devoid of any real drama so far, one move has stood out for the Denver Broncos: the promotion of perennial backup Jason Hunter to starting strongside defensive end.
It says as much about the Broncos’ appreciation for Hunter’s technique and tenacity as it does about the fall of former first-round pick Robert Ayers, who’s also watching rookie Derek Wolfe work ahead of him at tackle.
Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio loves Hunter’s “temperament, toughness, attitude,” and says he’s going to play the guys who are the most dependable, toughest, and the most physical up front “and he’s being all that right now for us.”
Ayers certainly isn’t.
