Denver, CO

Broncos Notebook: Baron Browning, Broncos’ OLBs to be key to Denver’s defense performance

Published

2 years ago

July 30, 2024

Broncos Notebook: Baron Browning, Broncos’ OLBs to be key to Denver’s defense performance

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.

“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.

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.

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.”

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Denver, CO

Denver area events for March 5

Published

2 hours ago

March 5, 2026

Press Room

If you have an event taking place in the Denver area, email information to carlotta.olson@gazette.com at least two weeks in advance. All events are listed in the calendar on space availability. Thursday Camilla Vaitaitis Quartet — 6:30 p.m., Dazzle at Baur’s, 1080 14th St., Denver, go online for prices. Tickets: dazzledenver.com/#/events. Miguel — 7 p.m., Fillmore Auditorium, […]

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Denver, CO

Report: Broncos expected to ‘make a splash’ at running back

Published

14 hours ago

March 4, 2026

Press Room

Report: Broncos expected to ‘make a splash’ at running back

The Denver Broncos are in the market for a running back.

Just two days after NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Denver wants to have the running back position addressed before the draft, Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports reported that the Broncos are “poised to make a splash” at running back during NFL free agency.

“Denver is the reason why the Jets used the franchise tag on Breece Hall rather than the transition tag, according to sources, making sure Denver wouldn’t get the opportunity to put together an offer the Jets would refuse to match,” Jones wrote for CBS Sports.

Jones said the Broncos would be an obvious potential landing spot for Kenneth Walker, and he noted that Travis Etienne could be a cheaper alternative. The Athletic’s Nick Kosmider also reported this week that Denver is expected to “closely examine” the RB market, and he name-dropped Walker, Etienne and Rico Dowdle.

The Broncos also have an in-house free agent at RB in J.K. Dobbins, who has expressed his desire to remain in Denver. The Broncos can begin negotiating with pending free agents from other clubs on March 9, but no deals can become official until the new league year begins on March 11. In-house free agents can be re-signed at any time.

Social: Follow Broncos Wire on Facebook and Twitter/X! Did you know: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.

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Denver, CO

Grand Junction, Palisade reach Great Eight in Denver

Published

1 day ago

March 4, 2026

Press Room

Grand Junction, Palisade reach Great Eight in Denver

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) — The Class 5A Sweet 16 has arrived, and both Grand Junction and Palisade are still standing with trips to the Great Eight in Denver on the line.

At The Jungle, the No. 2 seed Grand Junction Tigers set the tone early against No. 18 Golden. Defense carried the Tigers from the opening tip as they held the Demons to nine first quarter points while scoring 16 of their own.

Grand Junction added eight points in the second quarter while Golden managed six, sending the Tigers into halftime with a nine point lead.

Golden responded in the third quarter, outscoring Grand Junction 16 to 11 to cut the deficit to five entering the fourth. The Tigers answered in the final period, attacking the rim and converting key shots to win the quarter 19 to 10. Grand Junction secured a 54 to 41 victory to protect its home court and advance to the Great Eight in Denver.

Top seeded Palisade also defended its home floor with a trip to Denver at stake. The Bulldogs opened with nine straight points to energize a packed gym, but Frederick settled in and closed the first quarter on a run to tie the game at nine.

Frederick continued to respond in the second quarter and took an eight point lead into halftime.

Palisade shifted momentum after the break. The Bulldogs tightened defensively, holding Frederick to 21 points in the second half while scoring 39 of their own. Palisade completed the comeback to advance to the Great Eight.

Colorado Mesa University Women Deliver Historic RMAC Tournament Win

In collegiate action, the top seeded Colorado Mesa University women’s basketball team defeated Colorado School of Mines 96 to 51 in the RMAC Tournament, marking the largest margin of victory in the tournament this century.

Olivia Reed-Thyne led the Mavericks with 34 points on 11 of 15 shooting, her third 30 point performance this season. Mason Rowland added 22 points and Hallie Clark contributed 10 as Colorado Mesa matched a program record with its 31st win. The Mavericks will host the semifinals Friday with a berth in the championship game at stake.

Colorado Mesa University Men Survive Overtime Thriller

The Colorado Mesa University men’s basketball team faced New Mexico Highlands University for the third time this season. The Mavericks scored 36 first half points and led by four at the break.

New Mexico Highlands shot 50 percent in the second half, received 21 bench points and outscored Colorado Mesa 43 to 39 to force a late push. With the season in the balance, Ty Allred hit a game tying 3 pointer to make it 75 and send the game to overtime. Allred scored seven points in the extra period as Colorado Mesa earned a 91 to 90 victory to advance to the next round.

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