... Defusing a pressure defense like the ones the offense will face often involves throwing to the running backs, all of whom made receptions in space over the last two days.

One example of this came when Chris Harris Jr. sprinted toward Keenum on a delayed blitz. Keenum continued to look in Harris' direction as the three-time Pro Bowler approached, but then threw above him and toward Devontae Booker, who was open near the left sideline.

Running backs and tight ends will be essential to making Musgrave's offense work.

"I think we need to utilize those guys," he said. "Our wide receivers are the strength of our team; we know that with Emmanuel [Sanders] and Demaryius [Thomas]. But we're looking forward to Jake Butt making a contribution in the passing game, and our running backs have great hands.

"A lot of times those matchups are a little more favorable than a wide receiver on a Pro Bowl corner[back]."

... Second-year safety Dymonte Thomas nearly intercepted a pass during the first team period, stepping in front of a Chad Kelly attempt into the right flat. This marked the second consecutive day in which Thomas broke up a pass.

... Tight coverage from cornerback C.J. Smith prevented a potential Lynch-to-Sutton touchdown pass later in practice. Smith has consistently made plays on the ball during the open-to-media practices of the last few weeks.

... Keenum and Hamilton connected on one of the best pass plays of the day midway through the practice, as Keenum hit the fourth-round pick for a 30-yard gain down the right sideline past three defenders. The pass came in spite of a defensive pass-interference penalty.

... With Demaryius Thomas sitting out due to a foot injury, Sutton also had a handful of receptions, including a leaping 20-yard grab that saw him pluck a Lynch pass out of the air.