DENVER — Pat Surtain was going Denver Bronco busters on Black Friday.
According to Broncos Team Store manager Ledia Wesley-Espinoza, the All-Pro cornerback Surtain by far had the top-selling jersey among Broncos players all season and again Friday, when the team stores at Empower Field and the Dove Valley facility held a Black Friday weekend sale of 30% off jerseys and 20% off other team merchandise.
“I don’t really check on my jersey sales but that’s pretty cool to see how many people want to buy my jerseys,’’ Surtain said Friday afternoon following practice. “It’s starting to grow some. I can see it the stands by the numbers, so it’s pretty dope.”
Justin Simmons’ No. 31 is the second-hottest selling Broncos jersey, with Russell Wilson’s No. 3 making a noted comeback at No. 3.
Also popular according to Wesley-Espinoza are the Erin Andrews Collection, which offers women’s sporting fashion wear, and Mitchell and Ness retro team apparel.
Top-selling Broncos jerseys at team store
- Pat Surtain II, #2
- Justin Simmons, #31
- Russell Wilson, #3
Long snapper look
Per a source, the Broncos held long snapper workouts Friday for Tucker Addington and Matt Overton. Addington, 26, snapped for the New England Patriots the last three games of the 2022 season and was with them through the offseason. Overton, 38, is in his 11th NFL season having previously snapped for the Colts, Jaguars, Titans, Chargers and Cowboys.
The Broncos’ regular long snapper, Mitchell Fraboni, showed up on the injury report Thursday with a back issue although he was a full participant for practices Thursday and Friday.
Ball control
Broncos offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi on whether Denver’s offense will approach the game Sunday any differently knowing Cleveland’s offense is No. 1 in ball control.
“Growing up in the Air Force football program, that was always our goal — to keep the ball long and not let our defense play a lot,’’ said Lombardi, a tight end who had 7 catches for 92 yards for the Falcons in 1993. “It’s a good strategy if you can do it and (the Browns) have been successful at it. We know our (offensive) opportunities may not be as much as a normal game so we have to do the most with them.”
Browns rookie QB
Just because Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is out for the season with a shoulder injury doesn’t mean the Broncos will have it easy Sunday against the Browns. Rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, a five-year starter at UCLA, has two starts for the Browns and was 24 of 43 for 165 yards last week in a 13-10 win against the Steelers.
“I remember him because we watched a lot of him on film in the draft process,’’ said Broncos head coach Sean Payton. “They do a great job with what they do offensively. He’s athletic. He’s a guy that can stress you outside the pocket, and he has a strong arm. He’s done what you want from a backup — come in and the team has continued to win.
“There are some things that he does, like the ones before him — even Deshaun — where you have to be ready when plays extend.”
Bronco Bits
It’s looking good for safety P.J. Locke. He was a full participant in practice Friday, although he was still listed as questionable for the game Sunday against the Browns because of a left ankle injury. If Locke can play, he would likely start in place of the suspended Kareem Jackson at the safety position opposite Simmons. If not, Dellarin Turner-Yell would be the next safety in line. Rookie DL Skinner made his NFL debut on special teams last week against the Vikings. …
Special teamer Dwayne Washington was out sick Friday and is listed as questionable. …
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