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Skinny
08-28-2007, 05:11 PM
Peter King
August 28, 2007

How does a tight end who's never caught an NFL pass last seven seasons? By becoming the master of football's overlooked art

After a run through the list of the top 500 players, aren't you curious about 501 through 1,696? While I didn't rank every one of the 53 men on the 32 rosters, I did want to single out a player who represents the unranked 70% of the NFL and embodies the notion that, in a league of stars who date Gisele Bündchen and hang with Kenny Chesney, there's a critical role for everyone on the roster. This player, given the symbolic ranking of 1,000, is Mike Leach, long snapper for the Broncos.

The man who hikes the ball on punts, and field goal and extra-point attempts might seem the most replaceable of players. But consider this: Over the last decade 24% of all NFL games have been decided by three points or less, and a poor long snap can be the difference.

In Week 16 last year, with 41 seconds left in a game at Denver, the Bengals got a bad snap on a point-after attempt that would have tied the game at 24. A victory would have ensured Cincinnati a nine-win season and an AFC wild-card spot over 9-7 Kansas City. Instead, the Bengals finished 8-8 and stayed home. Such is the value of a player like Leach, who in 4 1D 2 seasons with Denver has made 641 regular-season snaps, and every one was spot on; the only muffed exchange in that time came when the holder turned his head away after calling the signal.

A tight end and punter at Boston University and William & Mary, Leach signed with the Titans in 2000. "One day [at training camp] I just picked up a ball and snapped it to [punter] Craig Hentrich," Leach says. "The special-teams coach, Alan Lowry, noticed something in that snap and told me, 'A tight end who snaps can stay in this league a lot longer than a tight end who punts.' "

Though officially listed as a tight end, Leach has never caught a pass as a pro and has been on the field for only 13 plays with the offense in his time in Denver. Instead, he runs on and off virtually unnoticed and handles the pressure with ease. Says Leach, "I've just never let the moment get to me." Not even against Oakland in the snow three seasons ago, when Raiders tackle Warren Sapp tried to ice him. "I was clearing the snow away from the spot where I was going to snap,' " Leach says, "and he kept kicking the snow back on the spot. I was just kidding around, but I said something like, 'Don't make me come over there and kick your ***.' "

As usual, the snap was made and the kick was good.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/peter_king/08/28/leach0903/index.html

Den21vsBal19
08-28-2007, 05:37 PM
'Bout time Leach got some love :D

I just wish a few more people would realise how specialised that position is, and stop calling for him to be cut just because he's the 5th of 5 TE's listed on the roster...............

Article doesn't mention though that despite coming from the centre of the line with his head down he's also normally one of the quickest to get down field in coverage as well

Skinny
08-28-2007, 05:46 PM
'Bout time Leach got some love :D

I just wish a few more people would realise how specialised that position is, and stop calling for him to be cut just because he's the 5th of 5 TE's listed on the roster...............

Article doesn't mention though that despite coming from the centre of the line with his head down he's also normally one of the quickest to get down field in coverage as wellNo doubt. What he's been able to do for so long at what he does is amazing to me.

Just goes to show you how special that position really is.

Den21vsBal19
08-28-2007, 05:51 PM
No doubt. What he's been able to do for so long at what he does is amazing to me.

Just goes to show you how special that position really is.

One bad snap in over 600..............and that couldn't be put on him




WOW

Tned
08-28-2007, 06:02 PM
This topic got pretty heated last training camp where some people were saying Leach should be cut, because it made no sense to keep a dedicated long snapper. 'Anyone' should be able to practice and get good. NOT.

When a team finds a reliable long snapper, they hold on to them like gold, because it is a very important job.

TXBRONC
08-28-2007, 06:10 PM
This topic got pretty heated last training camp where some people were saying Leach should be cut, because it made no sense to keep a dedicated long snapper. 'Anyone' should be able to practice and get good. NOT.

When a team finds a reliable long snapper, they hold on to them like gold, because it is a very important job.

I remember that topic, it was like some thought long snapping was no big deal. They didn't realize just tough that job is.

Lonestar
08-28-2007, 06:18 PM
I seem to remember that leach caught a couple of passes over the past few years Seem s to me one was for a TD or a near TD.

Does anyone else remember?

Also this kid is in on many tackle or containment. Many times he is the first one down field on the punt snap.

topscribe
08-28-2007, 06:26 PM
I seem to remember that leach caught a couple of passes over the past few years Seem s to me one was for a TD or a near TD.

Does anyone else remember?

Also this kid is in on many tackle or containment. Many times he is the first one down field on the punt snap.
I seem to remember his catching a few passes in training camp last year and
impressing everyone that he could do what they thought he could not. And he
would have to be a good blocker, or they would not have him in the middle in
the first place. So he is a viable backup TE, as well as terrific LS. To get rid of
this guy would be a dreadful mistake.

IMHO.

-----

Lonestar
08-28-2007, 09:16 PM
I seem to remember his catching a few passes in training camp last year and
impressing everyone that he could do what they thought he could not. And he
would have to be a good blocker, or they would not have him in the middle in
the first place. So he is a viable backup TE, as well as terrific LS. To get rid of
this guy would be a dreadful mistake.

IMHO.

-----

Maybe it was in TC but I remember him catching a few maybe even as a Blocking back when we were hurting back there.

TXBRONC
08-28-2007, 09:18 PM
I seem to remember that leach caught a couple of passes over the past few years Seem s to me one was for a TD or a near TD.

Does anyone else remember?

Also this kid is in on many tackle or containment. Many times he is the first one down field on the punt snap.


I don't remember Leach catching any passes, but I do remember him actually getting onto the field once or twice during couple years back.

Broncos Mtnman
08-28-2007, 11:14 PM
He's not only an awesome long-snapper, he's almost always one of the first guys downfield making the tackle on punt coverage.

You watch the next game. He's incredible.

GEM
08-28-2007, 11:38 PM
Peter King
August 28, 2007

How does a tight end who's never caught an NFL pass last seven seasons? By becoming the master of football's overlooked art

After a run through the list of the top 500 players, aren't you curious about 501 through 1,696? While I didn't rank every one of the 53 men on the 32 rosters, I did want to single out a player who represents the unranked 70% of the NFL and embodies the notion that, in a league of stars who date Gisele Bündchen and hang with Kenny Chesney, there's a critical role for everyone on the roster. This player, given the symbolic ranking of 1,000, is Mike Leach, long snapper for the Broncos.

The man who hikes the ball on punts, and field goal and extra-point attempts might seem the most replaceable of players. But consider this: Over the last decade 24% of all NFL games have been decided by three points or less, and a poor long snap can be the difference.

In Week 16 last year, with 41 seconds left in a game at Denver, the Bengals got a bad snap on a point-after attempt that would have tied the game at 24. A victory would have ensured Cincinnati a nine-win season and an AFC wild-card spot over 9-7 Kansas City. Instead, the Bengals finished 8-8 and stayed home. Such is the value of a player like Leach, who in 4 1D 2 seasons with Denver has made 641 regular-season snaps, and every one was spot on; the only muffed exchange in that time came when the holder turned his head away after calling the signal.

A tight end and punter at Boston University and William & Mary, Leach signed with the Titans in 2000. "One day [at training camp] I just picked up a ball and snapped it to [punter] Craig Hentrich," Leach says. "The special-teams coach, Alan Lowry, noticed something in that snap and told me, 'A tight end who snaps can stay in this league a lot longer than a tight end who punts.' "

Though officially listed as a tight end, Leach has never caught a pass as a pro and has been on the field for only 13 plays with the offense in his time in Denver. Instead, he runs on and off virtually unnoticed and handles the pressure with ease. Says Leach, "I've just never let the moment get to me." Not even against Oakland in the snow three seasons ago, when Raiders tackle Warren Sapp tried to ice him. "I was clearing the snow away from the spot where I was going to snap,' " Leach says, "and he kept kicking the snow back on the spot. I was just kidding around, but I said something like, 'Don't make me come over there and kick your ***.' "
As usual, the snap was made and the kick was good.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/peter_king/08/28/leach0903/index.html

:laugh: He may want to watch himself there....Sapp could top him with some of that ice and a little cherry juice and eat him as a snow cone.

Leach doesn't get near enough praise for the part he plays on our team. It makes me laugh every times someone says...Just cut Leach, all he does is long snap. All he does??? Come on bozo, let's see you go out and do it with the same skill. Lmao!

Lonestar
08-29-2007, 02:40 AM
:laugh: He may want to watch himself there....Sapp could top him with some of that ice and a little cherry juice and eat him as a snow cone.

Leach doesn't get near enough praise for the part he plays on our team. It makes me laugh every times someone says...Just cut Leach, all he does is long snap. All he does??? Come on bozo, let's see you go out and do it with the same skill. Lmao!

Actually most say cut him because he is worthless as a TE. Not even noticing that he is a LS.

TXBRONC
08-29-2007, 07:07 AM
Actually most say cut him because he is worthless as a TE. Not even noticing that he is a LS.

Either that or they think that long snapping is an easy skill to learn.

Superchop 7
04-08-2009, 11:31 PM
Amen....

honz
04-08-2009, 11:33 PM
Mike Leach is no Lonie Paxton. I have the stats to prove it!

dogfish
04-08-2009, 11:35 PM
Gee, thanks a lot for bumping this one. . . . jerk!


:coffee:



Sincerely,

Frauschieze

frauschieze
04-08-2009, 11:59 PM
Why must EVERYONE rub salt in my wounds just as I'm beginning to heal?

And dog? It would be ******* ******* in this case. Jerk is too kind of a word.

ikillz0mbies
04-09-2009, 12:01 AM
So...

Hackney gets cut, Cicero is on suicide watch

Bump this really old thread from almost two years back

Frau is now on suicide watch....

You guys are so cruel...

dogfish
04-09-2009, 12:05 AM
Why must EVERYONE rub salt in my wounds just as I'm beginning to heal?

And dog? It would be ******* ******* in this case. Jerk is too kind of a word.


i didn't want you to have to edit my post. . . . :laugh:



and FTR, chop (blah) is from mania, and probably doesn't know how you feel about leech. . . .

shank
04-09-2009, 12:11 AM
because of this me and McD's relationship will never be as good as it could have been.

NameUsedBefore
04-09-2009, 12:48 AM
http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/7818/samfishermcdfaggotdouch.jpg

shank
04-09-2009, 12:52 AM
^ wow

anton...
04-09-2009, 03:22 AM
^ wow 2.0

Dirk
04-09-2009, 05:46 AM
Ha!

Now that's what I call reaching into the belly of the dusty beast to bump a thread.

Fan in Exile
04-09-2009, 07:00 AM
Freakin Lonnie Paxton

Nomad
04-09-2009, 07:21 AM
Mike Leach is no Lonie Paxton. I have the stats to prove it!

Both are solid LS maybe Leach is a little younger than Paxton! I don't believe McDaniels had anything against Leach, he just wanted Paxton instead because he worked with him before.

LS is an overlooked talent by many and same could be said with kicking!

Broncolingus
04-09-2009, 07:24 AM
I still dont understand the decision to let him go...

Nomad
04-09-2009, 07:27 AM
I still dont understand the decision to let him go...

When your the HC and you want your own guy, this is what happens! And they'll both of equal talent, so it's not like McDaniels got some scrub. I would have preferred the younger of the two!

My mistake....Paxton (1978) is younger than Leach (1976).

Hawgdriver
04-09-2009, 10:17 AM
I've always been impressed by Leach at what he does, so don't get me wrong--but isn't that a pretty easy role to fill? And I love Leach too, but since this is your special teams ace, don't you want to have someone who is already on the same page as the guy responsible for it?

i'm angling for a frau spanking, how'd i do?

frauschieze
04-09-2009, 11:26 AM
I've always been impressed by Leach at what he does, so don't get me wrong--but isn't that a pretty easy role to fill? And I love Leach too, but since this is your special teams ace, don't you want to have someone who is already on the same page as the guy responsible for it?

i'm angling for a frau spanking, how'd i do?

*bends Hawgdriver over and unleashes*

A pretty easy role to fill? :throwrock:

Boy, you need you some long snappin' learnin'. Ya ignorance is showin'. ;)

McDaniels wasn't in charge of NE's special teams and so I have no idea if Paxton is going to be better at his role than Leach would have been. It's not like we pulled in a NE special teams coach (Mike Priefer was from KC). McD preached that everyone would be evaluated for their talents and commitment on an individual basis, which is as it should be, but that philosophy is blown out of the water when a team captain, who is well loved by team, media and fanbase, is replaced by someone of equal talent for much more money.

I don't expect us to have any problems with Paxton. He appears to be the same caliber player as Leach is. But it sure doesn't make me comfortable with McD & Xanders' personnel decisions.

Greatspirits
04-09-2009, 11:49 AM
I have no problem with all the offseason moves coach McD has made, but this one was puzzling!

girler
04-09-2009, 12:11 PM
*bends Hawgdriver over and unleashes*

A pretty easy role to fill? :throwrock:

Boy, you need you some long snappin' learnin'. Ya ignorance is showin'. ;)

McDaniels wasn't in charge of NE's special teams and so I have no idea if Paxton is going to be better at his role than Leach would have been. It's not like we pulled in a NE special teams coach (Mike Priefer was from KC). McD preached that everyone would be evaluated for their talents and commitment on an individual basis, which is as it should be, but that philosophy is blown out of the water when a team captain, who is well loved by team, media and fanbase, is replaced by someone of equal talent for much more money.

I don't expect us to have any problems with Paxton. He appears to be the same caliber player as Leach is. But it sure doesn't make me comfortable with McD & Xanders' personnel decisions.

You forgot :damnmate: :smack: :pcguru: and :deadhorse:




:heh:

broncohead
04-09-2009, 12:28 PM
[QUOTE=BroncosBlitz;621441]Both are solid LS maybe Leach is a little younger than Paxton! I don't believe McDaniels had anything against Leach, he just wanted Paxton instead because he worked with him before.

LS is an overlooked talent by many and same could be said with kicking![/ QUOTE]

It is but when has Leach made a bad snap?

Nomad
04-09-2009, 12:40 PM
Both are solid LS maybe Leach is a little younger than Paxton! I don't believe McDaniels had anything against Leach, he just wanted Paxton instead because he worked with him before.

LS is an overlooked talent by many and same could be said with kicking!


It is but when has Leach made a bad snap?

Never said he did, so what's your point?? McDaniels wanted Paxton, what else is there?

Lonestar
04-09-2009, 02:53 PM
When your the HC and you want your own guy, this is what happens! And they'll both of equal talent, so it's not like McDaniels got some scrub. I would have preferred the younger of the two!

My mistake....Paxton (1978) is younger than Leach (1976).

I always liked leach and was one of his biggest supporters when everyone whined about carrying 15 TE's it was always cut leach he only had 3 catches in the past 5 years crap..

I understand why Paxton was brought in and why Leach asked for his release ..

BUT IMHO one of Josh's foo paws..

Nomad
04-09-2009, 03:00 PM
I always liked leach and was one of his biggest supporters when everyone whined about carrying 15 TE's it was always cut leach he only had 3 catches in the past 5 years crap..

I understand why Paxton was brought in and why Leach asked for his release ..

BUT IMHO one of Josh's foo paws..

I liked Leach as well. When I played in HS I couldn't snap or kick all that well , so I'll never take away from their talents. But McDaniels wanted his guy!! So Leach asked to be released:confused:, didn't know that!!

Lonestar
04-09-2009, 03:06 PM
I liked Leach as well. When I played in HS I couldn't snap or kick all that well , so I'll never take away from their talents. But McDaniels wanted his guy!! So Leach asked to be released:confused:, didn't know that!!



Got all up tight about it and wanted to be released I guess he did not want to compete or just wanted a fair chance at getting picked up..

He almost immediately asked to be released when he heard about it.. Of course he may have had a heads up after meeting with the coach..

Just hope Paxton is down field covering punts like leach was.. he was always around the ball when it got there.. made a few tackles as well wished there was a site to look up ST tackles.. If there is post it..

Broncolingus
04-09-2009, 03:08 PM
Got all up tight about it and wanted to be released I guess he did not want to compete or just wanted a fair chance at getting picked up..

He almost immediately asked to be released when he heard about it.. Of course he may have had a heads up after meeting with the coach..

Just hope Paxton is down field covering punts like leach was.. he was always around the ball when it got there.. made a few tackles as well wished there was a site to look up ST tackles.. If there is post it..

Wow...didn't know that either!

Thought McD just 'told' him he was bringing in 'his' guy...interesting.

broncohead
04-09-2009, 03:33 PM
Wow...didn't know that either!

Thought McD just 'told' him he was bringing in 'his' guy...interesting.

McD could have told him that but Leach probably was perfesional about it.

Lonestar
04-09-2009, 03:38 PM
Wow...didn't know that either!

Thought McD just 'told' him he was bringing in 'his' guy...interesting.

Like I said Mike may have picked up vibes from him after meeting him and when the signing was announced he asked for his release..

At the time I thought he should stay and fight for his position but Then someone commented he probably wanted to get a head start at find another team to sign with and it is easier to do now than late in TC..

Broncolingus
04-09-2009, 03:39 PM
Like I said Mike may have picked up vibes from him after meeting him and when the signing was announced he asked for his release..

At the time I thought he should stay and fight for his position but Then someone commented he probably wanted to get a head start at find another team to sign with and it is easier to do now than late in TC..

Maybe Bus Cook called and offered a little 'free' advice...

frauschieze
04-09-2009, 05:19 PM
Leach asked for his release the day after Paxton was signed. The reason he gave the media was that it gave him more time to find a team so he could move his family and get settled before the season started.

People have questioned why he didn't stay and compete for his position. If you stop and think about it from a front office money standpoint, it makes perfect sense: Say Leach and Paxton compete in camp. Likely, it will be a very close race as both have a similar skill level. Let's assume that Leach "wins" the competition. There is no room to keep two long snappers on the roster. That's asinine. So do you cut Paxton, who has just cost you $1 million+ in a signing bonus and that full amount will now count against the cap this year instead of being prorated over 5 years? Or do you cut Leach, who has no cap hit if cut?

Add in the fact that Paxton is the coach's guy and there is no way that Paxton gets cut instead of Leach (barring a freak injury in training camp). Leach did what was best for his family and his career. He was extremely professional about his statements to the media and expressed his gratitude for being granted his release and for his time in Denver.

Broncolingus
04-09-2009, 05:23 PM
Leach asked for his release the day after Paxton was signed. The reason he gave the media was that it gave him more time to find a team so he could move his family and get settled before the season started.

People have questioned why he didn't stay and compete for his position. If you stop and think about it from a front office money standpoint, it makes perfect sense: Say Leach and Paxton compete in camp. Likely, it will be a very close race as both have a similar skill level. Let's assume that Leach "wins" the competition. There is no room to keep two long snappers on the roster. That's asinine. So do you cut Paxton, who has just cost you $1 million+ in a signing bonus and that full amount will now count against the cap this year instead of being prorated over 5 years? Or do you cut Leach, who has no cap hit if cut?

Add in the fact that Paxton is the coach's guy and there is no way that Paxton gets cut instead of Leach (barring a freak injury in training camp). Leach did what was best for his family and his career. He was extremely professional about his statements to the media and expressed his gratitude for being granted his release and for his time in Denver.

I'll buy that for a dollar...

Simple Jaded
04-09-2009, 05:40 PM
Leach asked for his release the day after Paxton was signed?

Mike Leach quit on his team? Mike Leach=Eddie Kennison

Lonie Paxton fits Doogie's ST's system better anyway.......

frauschieze
04-09-2009, 05:44 PM
Lonie Paxton fits Doogie's ST's system better.......

There is zero evidence of this. Who the hell even knows what McD's ST "system" is or if it's going to be Mike Priefer's "system" or if we're just going to run guys up and down the field swarming like flies on rotting meat?

And for all intents and purposes Paxton=Leach. They may as well be the same player on the field.

Requiem / The Dagda
04-09-2009, 05:46 PM
Could we just call the Paxton signing blatant nepotism and just leave the argument at that?

frauschieze
04-09-2009, 05:49 PM
Could we just call the Paxton signing blatant nepotism and just leave the argument at that?

If people would quit bumping these threads, sure. :D

Simple Jaded
04-09-2009, 05:49 PM
There is zero evidence of this. Who the hell even knows what McD's ST "system" is or if it's going to be Mike Priefer's "system" or if we're just going to run guys up and down the field swarming like flies on rotting meat?

And for all intents and purposes Paxton=Leach. They may as well be the same player on the field.

That was just a joke, I couldn't agree with you more.......

frauschieze
04-09-2009, 05:50 PM
That was just a joke, I couldn't agree with you more.......

Sorry! The subject just gets me riled up.

Medford Bronco
04-09-2009, 06:04 PM
One of the all time dumbest things was to sign Paxton

FanInAZ
04-09-2009, 06:23 PM
Frau,

You need to goto a 12 step meeting in your town and introduce yourself like this,

:hi: Hi, I'm Frau,

I have a crush on a NFL longsnapper :love:

Lonestar
04-09-2009, 07:00 PM
Leach asked for his release the day after Paxton was signed. The reason he gave the media was that it gave him more time to find a team so he could move his family and get settled before the season started.

People have questioned why he didn't stay and compete for his position. If you stop and think about it from a front office money standpoint, it makes perfect sense: Say Leach and Paxton compete in camp. Likely, it will be a very close race as both have a similar skill level. Let's assume that Leach "wins" the competition. There is no room to keep two long snappers on the roster. That's asinine. So do you cut Paxton, who has just cost you $1 million+ in a signing bonus and that full amount will now count against the cap this year instead of being prorated over 5 years? Or do you cut Leach, who has no cap hit if cut?

Add in the fact that Paxton is the coach's guy and there is no way that Paxton gets cut instead of Leach (barring a freak injury in training camp). Leach did what was best for his family and his career. He was extremely professional about his statements to the media and expressed his gratitude for being granted his release and for his time in Denver.

Initially I wanted him to fight for the job because I liked the guy and I did not think anyone could beat him out...

But after hearing he wanted to try and catch on else where I concur it was the right thing to do..

Lonestar
04-09-2009, 07:03 PM
There is zero evidence of this. Who the hell even knows what McD's ST "system" is or if it's going to be Mike Priefer's "system" or if we're just going to run guys up and down the field swarming like flies on rotting meat?

And for all intents and purposes Paxton=Leach. They may as well be the same player on the field.


well perhaps you can transfer some of your LS love to the new kid..;) he is gonna need it with all the other Mike Leach fans booing him from the stands..:tsk:

Lonestar
04-09-2009, 07:08 PM
One of the all time dumbest things was to sign Paxton

All time? lets hope that is bad as it ever gets.. lets see what happens in the draft and if he does not go completely D in the first two rounds and half of all picks om day Two I might agree with you..