ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Broncos’ history is one built upon high defensive standards.
As the Broncos aim to meet that mark and post a strong performance in 2024, Head Coach Sean Payton believes that the outside linebacker room will play a key role in getting the job done.
“It’s an important position in this defense,” Payton said Tuesday. “… You’re looking for guys that are physical enough to set an edge in the run game and yet give you pass rush and convert when it’s a passing situation, so obviously it’s a really important position for what we do defensively.”
Outside linebacker Baron Browning shares this sentiment, and he is confident that his room is prepared to lead the charge as the defense looks to improve in 2024.
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“I think the outside linebackers play a very pivotal role in this defense, so we’re just trying to be the leaders of the defense and make plays every day,” he said. “That’s our mindset and we’re believing in it.”
While developing a strong physical skill set will be essential to defensive success, Payton and Browning both believe that developing mental toughness will be equally as important when it comes to taking that leap forward.
“A lot of it is mental toughness,” Payton said. “It is so imperative that you develop not only that physical skill set, but that mental toughness.”
Added Browning: “[We want to] set a very physical and aggressive mindset. So, we’ve just been trying to hold each other to that standard each and every day.”
Payton is confident that developing this mental strength can be a difference-maker when fatigue begins to set in during the later stages of games, and he will look to leaders such as Browning to set the standard when faced with these game-altering situations.
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Browning hopes to lead by example, as he is eager to have a larger presence this season. He will look to improve upon his 25 tackles (19 solo), 4.5 sacks, two passes defensed and two forced fumbles during the 10 games he played in 2023.
“To play 17 games this year — that’s my focus,” Browning said of his goals for 2024. “Just to be available for my teammates and just do whatever I can to help us win games. … And just as an edge, be disruptive.”
With players like Jonathon Cooper, Nik Bonitto, Jonah Elliss and others in the group, as well, the Broncos’ outside linebackers may soon show their ability to live up to lofty standards.
WIDE RECEIVER TIM PATRICK SHOWS PROMISE AHEAD OF 2024 SEASON
After battling injuries during the 2022 and 2023 seasons, wide receiver Tim Patrick is building momentum ahead of 2024.
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Payton has been impressed with what he has seen so far and believes that Patrick is making steady progress both on and off the field.
“He’s continuing to gain confidence,” Payton said. “I’ve seen some really good things. There’s a whole other side of what he brings, too; he’s competitive, he’s tough, he’s one of the leaders in that room. … We’ve just got to make sure we build to where he’s at and understand it’s been a while [since he’s played].”
Wide receiver Courtland Sutton is equally as thrilled to have his longtime teammate back out on the field with him.
“It’s amazing to be able to have Tim back out on the field,” Sutton said. “Seeing him back out there, it brings a smile to my face. Tim and I have [been] doing this now for seven years together, and to be able to see him fight the adversity that he’s been through the past couple years and come out here with the mentality [that] he has, it’s been a lot of fun.”
DENVER — A new art museum has opened its doors in Denver’s Baker neighborhood, breathing fresh life into a former fortune cookie factory. The aptly named Cookie Factory aims to connect the community with art in an accessible space. Admission is free, making it an inviting addition to Denver’s art scene.
The inaugural exhibition features the work of artist Sam Falls. His show, titled “Nothing Without Nature,” explores humankind’s relationship with the environment. Many of the works on display were created on-site in the Yampa River Valley, allowing nature to interact with the art itself through elements like rain and heat.
Denver7’s Ethan Carlson
The art of Sam Falls is on display until September. It’s created by combining gathered materials with natural elements like rain and moisture.
“He’s making this poetic statement on the role that nature plays in our lives, and how we’re best off being with nature, not against it,” Cookie Factory’s Director of Exhibitions Andrew Jensdotter said. “We just loved the work and felt like it would be visually stunning, but also tell an important narrative that is tied in with what people think of Colorado, which is majestic landscape, majestic scenery.”
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The art museum’s founder and executive director Amanda Jane Precourt has nurtured the vision of Cookie Factory for eight years, hoping to curate a space dedicated to a single artist at a time.
“Having one artist at a time allows there to be really an experience with the artist and with the space,” Precourt said. “I want cookie factory to be a place where people can come and connect with art and connect with people and find some contentment and some joy in a really chaotic world.”
Denver7’s Ethan Carlson
Cookie Factory, housed in a literal former cookie factory, sits in the middle of Baker’s residential neighborhood.
The married couple is committed to bringing art to as many people as they can, in as many ways as possible. The space will not only showcase art, but also occasional events like yoga, dance and poetry, all designed to amplify the exhibition’s themes.
The simplest way of making art accessible is to make it affordable, and Cookie Factory is completely free of charge. It’s privately funded by Precourt, who wants to bring art to Denver because of her connection to art.
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Former fortune cookie factory in Denver’s Baker neighborhood transforms
“From my own experiences, I know that art really does heal, and art has been a source for me to find mental wellness when I’m struggling,” Precourt said. “I want to bring art to the people in Denver and Colorado, to provide a place of wellness through the arts.”
Cookie Factory is located at 425 W. 4th Ave. and is open on Wednesdays from 4-7 p.m., or by appointment.
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The executive director of Denver’s Department of Community Planning and Development is stepping down after only 13 months in the job, saying his “mission is now complete.”
Manish Kumar cited plans for the new Denver Permitting Office, decreases in permitting times and a reorganization of the department as proof of that success in a social media post about his departure.
“This journey has been fast, focused, and incredibly fulfilling,” he wrote. “As I prepare for my next chapter, I leave with immense gratitude and lasting admiration.”
He didn’t mention any other reason for his resignation or what role he might take on next. In an email to CPD staff last week, Mayor Mike Johnston, who appointed Kumar, said the city will announce an interim executive director this week and then conduct a search for his permanent replacement. Kumar’s last day is Friday.
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“Manish’s leadership has helped lay a strong foundation for the work ahead, and we thank him for his service,” Johnston’s email said.
Developers have long cited Denver’s permitting process as overly burdensome, making it difficult to build new commercial and residential properties. In April, Johnston and Kumar announced the Denver Permitting Office initiative with the intention of streamlining that process.
The office has a goal of processing all applications in about six months.
Kumar’s departure comes as Denver faces a budget crisis that prompted city leadership to back down from an effort to give raises to Johnston’s appointees. Under the proposal, which officials have postponed until the fall, Kumar would have gotten a 17% raise, bringing his salary to about $216,000.
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Boulder police are responding to a reported attack in the heart of downtown Boulder at 13th and Pearl streets, with initial reports indicating multiple victims.
Authorities issued an alert on social media shortly after 2 p.m., urging the public to avoid the area while emergency personnel respond to the incident.
We are responding to a report of an attack at 13th and Pearl streets with reports of several victims. PLEASE AVOID THE AREA! We will put out more information soon
— Boulder Police Dept. (@boulderpolice) June 1, 2025
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Initial eyewitness reports told the Denver Gazette that just before 2 p.m., an altercation occurred between pro-Israel protestors and a “man dressed as a gardener”, who was witnessed throwing homemade Molotov cocktails into the crowd.
Jen Livovich told the Denver Gazette that she was eating lunch nearby when she heard ambulances heading towards the scene. She said she witnessed at least one person being carried away on a stretcher.
Additional details surrounding the nature of the attack, the number of victims, or whether a suspect is in custody remain unclear. Witnesses have described a heavy police presence and multiple ambulances in the area.
Carol McKinley contributed to this report.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more details are available.
