Broncos training camp name you need to know? Call him Albert O

Talk about rubbing salt in my wounds – d’oh!

On Friday, the Colorado Avalanche woke up and thought their next Stanley Cup playoff game would not be until Tuesday, at the earliest. By lunchtime, the Avs learned that they were playing in a little over 24 hours, so NBC did not have to re-watch Seinfeld to its prime time audience.

Alas, the power of television broadcast.

Considering how well the Avs are playing right now, it’s probably a good thing for Colorado. Let’s just hope they have enough time to clear Arizona Critic Darcy Kuemper’s critique before the puck drops at Rogers Place in Edmonton.

Albert Okwuegbunam – A

One thing we need to get out of the way of the bullet:

It’s right and proper to refer to the Broncos’ new tight end as “Albert O.” It’s a name he knows and loves. And, honestly, it’s a lot easier for some of us dummies to spell.

Now to the more important part: Without any preseason games and a shrinking training camp to work with, the rookie from Mizzou makes the most of his chances early in Dove Valley. An injury to Austin Fort and free agent signing Nick Vannett gave Okwuegbunam an opening in the first week of camp, and he broke through immediately.

A regular on the positive side of the ledger in Ryan O’Halloran’s training camp reports from writer Ryan O’Halloran, the 6-foot-5, 258-pound tight end has been seen running routes, in the air throws for bounce ball receptions and catches fit in the end zone.

While his running blocking skills remain a mystery, we know this a lot: He has given Coach Vic Fangio something to think about when week 1 arrives soon.

Defensive Attempt of Nuggets – D-

For three straight games, the Utah Jazz got everything it wants against the Nuggets.

Donovan Mitchell drives to the bin? Wis. Rudy Gobert dark dances with two hands? Yup. Wide open appearances of the 3-point line? With frequency.

Gary Harris and Will Barton cannot return soon enough.

Unfortunately, the latter left the Orlando desert now Wednesday to rehabilitate a knee injury – signaling an extended absence. That just happened to be the day Denver filed the first of two defensive stench bombs.

Tafal? Perhaps.

For the record: The only reason this is not an “F” is the efforts of Jerami Grant and Jamal Murray, who at least seem to care that the Nuggets got behind them on Friday afternoon.

Nolan Arenado – C +

After an offseason in which Arenado kinda, perhaps, possibly tainted Rockies management about trading for a winner, the all-star third baseman falls into the clutch for Colorado.