The Denver Broncos are once again looking to get back into contention for a Super Bowl, but the lack of several key pieces from the past have people doubting their abilities. With a new coaching staff in place, the pressure is on certain players to perform and OTAs and training camp will be critical to the effort. Looking to make the most of things, Cody Latimore and CJ Anderson are out to get starting spots.
Several people in Denver are not happy about Demaryius Thomas holding out for a new contract. The wide receiver was hit with the franchise tag after expecting to sign a long-term deal this offseason. However, with the receiver market not yet set, teams are standing still on giving out new deals. According to the Denver Post, team president John Elway made it clear that an extension for Thomas was simply unrealistic while players like Dez Bryant and Julio Jones also sit without deals. One person that does not mind Thomas' absence is Latimer.
According to Bleacher Report, Latimer has been getting all the first-team reps with the offense as Thomas sits out and is making the most of the opportunity. While Emmanuel Sanders is expected to start alongside Thomas in 2015, there is an open third spot that Latimer wants. As many believe he could be a breakout star in the upcoming season, Latimer is simply excited to prove himself.
"I tell you I really enjoyed the work," Manning said, via ESPN.com. " ... I saw a little change in him just in those four months since I had seen him. I could tell he's been working on his own. He's in good shape and obviously, he's excited about his opportunity. He knows that he's got a chance to play a big role on this team and I'm excited for him. He's got a great attitude and you know like all of us, we're all trying to make an impression on this new coaching staff. ... But certainly for a young receiver, it's a great opportunity for him."
Anderson is also aiming to make the most out of these next few weeks of practice as he enters back into a competition with Montee Ball and Ronnie Hillman who both return healthy for the upcoming season. Anderson has heard criticism surrounding his abilities despite his breakout performance last season. Head coach Gary Kubiak operates with a run-first type of offense so Anderson can expect plenty of work this year and must improve to be a part of it.
"I am taking this to the next level," Anderson said, via the Denver Post. "Everybody - fans, media, coaches - has this huge expectation of me. And I have huge expectations of myself. My motto this year is: 'Prove everybody right.'"
