Brandon McManus is your starting kicker

[Buff]

I thought this needed its own dedicated thread so that we could all overreact to this...

http://i.imgur.com/uQNK8zp.gif

[Al Wilson 4 Mayor]

I love this gif. :laugh:

[MOtorboat]

I think he'll be fine.

[Buff]

I think he'll be fine.

What if he misses kicks though? What will we do then?

[MOtorboat]

What if he misses kicks though? What will we do then?

Get another kicker?

[BroncoWave]

I'm happy for him. He seems to have come a long way from last season.

[Al Wilson 4 Mayor]

What if he misses kicks though? What will we do then?

Refer back to your first post.

[Bronco4ever]

He's young. I imagine changing teams after training camp and preseason made him a bit jittery. Having been here a year now, he seems to be a lot more comfortable. Let's hope he keeps this confidence heading into the season.

[Dzone]

The only question mark is how will macmanus do in a pressure pressure field goal situation. Like a 48 yarder in OT.

[VonDoom]

He's young. I imagine changing teams after training camp and preseason made him a bit jittery. Having been here a year now, he seems to be a lot more comfortable. Let's hope he keeps this confidence heading into the season.

Yeah, I think confidence is the key. His leg strength has never been in question, so if he's been working on his mechanics, he just has to be able to do it when the pressure is on.

[VonDoom]

I thought this needed its own dedicated thread so that we could all overreact to this...

http://i.imgur.com/uQNK8zp.gif

McManus is now the kicker of this team and Ramirez is gone, so who got the last laugh there, huh?

[BroncoJoe]

McManus is now the kicker of this team and Ramirez is gone, so who got the last laugh there, huh?

DT?

[VonDoom]

DT?

True. He got a giant new contract, so I guess he wins.

[underrated29]

They all miss kicks. It happens.



I know the very first kick Mcmanus misses everyone will be crying for him to be nailed to a cross. Prater missed plenty. Mcmanus will need a little time to get it all together just like prater did. The funny thing I have seen is just like Prater, Mcmanus seems to struggle with the 40 yarders. 39 or less and 50+ he is good. 40-49 yards and he always misses. Remiinds me of that guy in the movie Major League- Jobu cannot hit curve balls.

[Buff]

McManus is now the kicker of this team and Ramirez is gone, so who got the last laugh there, huh?

Well Manny Ramirez now plays on a team along side all world kicker Matt Prater, so you tell me!

[Jsteve01]

Right why would we be concerned that our starting kicker made less than 70% of his kicks last year. Odd thought here but if a guy is consistently missing kicks he effectively renders his kickoff distance irrelevant. And i would rank making a kick quite a bit ahead of kick distance.

[TXBRONC]

They all miss kicks. It happens.



I know the very first kick Mcmanus misses everyone will be crying for him to be nailed to a cross. Prater missed plenty. Mcmanus will need a little time to get it all together just like prater did. The funny thing I have seen is just like Prater, Mcmanus seems to struggle with the 40 yarders. 39 or less and 50+ he is good. 40-49 yards and he always misses. Remiinds me of that guy in the movie Major League- Jobu cannot hit curve balls.

Jason Elam was the same way for awhile. IIRC it was about ranges.

[Northman]

Good for MickyManus.

[NightTrainLayne]

I think he'll be fine. Most kickers aren't "money" right from the start.

[tomjonesrocks]

What if he misses kicks though? What will we do then?

Goodbye, cruel world...

[MOtorboat]

Goodbye, cruel world...

If this team is relying of field goals in the regular season, there are much larger problems. There's always a kicker out there who can come in and be accurate from short range. Guys with cannons don't come along all that much, so if he doesn't work, they bring someone in mid season.

It really is not a very dire situation at all.

[Denver Native (Carol)]

Andrew Mason retweeted
Connor Barth ‏@contbarth 3h

Want to say thank you to @Broncos and #BroncosCountry for a great run! Life is good! #blessed #nfl #toasttothat

[TXBRONC]

Andrew Mason retweeted
Connor Barth ‏@contbarth 3h

Want to say thank you to @Broncos and #BroncosCountry for a great run! Life is good! #blessed #nfl #toasttothat

I hope he lands a job somewhere else.

[Timmy!]

In related news, my b.a.c. during Bronco games just went up a bit. I go to the kitchen and take a shot whenever Mcshanky tries a FG under 50 yards. I'd bet Elway has Barth's # on speeddail just in case.

[olathebroncofan]

I thought this needed its own dedicated thread so that we could all overreact to this...

http://i.imgur.com/uQNK8zp.gif

Do you have any background info on this gif? I've never seen it before. What happened?

[VonDoom]

Do you have any background info on this gif? I've never seen it before. What happened?

Can't remember the game, but we had a long drive stall out and McManus missed a relatively easy kick. This gif kind of summed up how fans were feeling at that time

[tomjonesrocks]

Can't remember the game, but we had a long drive stall out and McManus missed a relatively easy kick. This gif kind of summed up how fans were feeling at that time

Remember that was a 33 yard miss. Think they were trailing at the time.

[tomjonesrocks]

Andrew Mason retweeted Connor Barth ‏@contbarth 3h Want to say thank you to @Broncos and #BroncosCountry for a great run! Life is good! #blessed #nfl #toasttothat

Gah. If only he could kickoff. Very steady last year and a safer choice but you can't have your opponent receiving from the 11.

[underrated29]

Do you have any background info on this gif? I've never seen it before. What happened?



Adam Gase called another bubble screen

[ShaneFalco]

https://media.giphy.com/media/hQGxgWK1rO1ag/giphy.gif

[BroncoJoe]

Do you have any background info on this gif? I've never seen it before. What happened?


Can't remember the game, but we had a long drive stall out and McManus missed a relatively easy kick. This gif kind of summed up how fans were feeling at that time


Remember that was a 33 yard miss. Think they were trailing at the time.

IIRC, it was a potential game winner. Don't remember for sure though.

[ShaneFalco]

https://media.giphy.com/media/12Nqg9WkutoOJ2/giphy.gif

[Dzone]

Couldnt Barth get his hands on some deer antler spray or some PEDs to help him get 10 more yards on his kickoffs? lol...

[Buff]

Do you have any background info on this gif? I've never seen it before. What happened?

...


The Broncos’ opening drive of the third quarter ended with a thud. Literally. On 4th-and-9 at Miami’s 15-yard line, Brandon McManus lined up for a seemingly routine 33-yard field goal.

But McManus hit the right upright, his third missed field goal on the season for Denver. The kick would have brought the Broncos within one (21-20), but instead the Dolphins got another opportunity to extend their lead, and they capitalized. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill found Jarvis Landry for a five-yard touchdown catch on the Dolphins’ subsequent drive, putting them up by 11.

http://blogs.denverpost.com/broncos/2014/11/23/watch-demaryius-thomas-manny-ramirez-livid-brandon-mcmanus-missed-fg/31040/

[Jsteve01]

Just for perspective Barth was 4th in the league in FG percentage last year and McManus was 35th. Get that? in a 32 team league he was 35th. That's not just bad guys it's horrid. I'm not sure what universe Kickoff depth is more important that your ability to actually kick a you know field goal but it seems to me your priorities are a little jacked. I admit, the coaching staff sees more than we do but McM already flopped miserably when they had enough faith in him to move Prater.

and understand that with our reliance on the run game and the defense we may see many more close games than we've become accustomed to in the last 3 years.

[BroncoWave]

Just for perspective Barth was 4th in the league in FG percentage last year and McManus was 35th. Get that? in a 32 team league he was 35th. That's not just bad guys it's horrid. I'm not sure what universe Kickoff depth is more important that your ability to actually kick a you know field goal but it seems to me your priorities are a little jacked. I admit, the coaching staff sees more than we do but McM already flopped miserably when they had enough faith in him to move Prater.

and understand that with our reliance on the run game and the defense we may see many more close games than we've become accustomed to in the last 3 years.

You seem to forget that young kickers struggle often. Elam struggled early, Prater struggled early. It just happens. Also, McManus had a pretty small sample size of just 13 kicks. It's just hard to take much from a young kicker in only half a season.

He seems much improved this offseason and I have no reason to doubt his struggles last season are behind him. If he still sucks then oh well, we get a new kicker. There are worse problems to have.

[tubby]

http://www.jt-sw.com/football/boxes/index.nsf/Games/2014-12-mia-den

[MOtorboat]

Just for perspective Barth was 4th in the league in FG percentage last year and McManus was 35th. Get that? in a 32 team league he was 35th. That's not just bad guys it's horrid. I'm not sure what universe Kickoff depth is more important that your ability to actually kick a you know field goal but it seems to me your priorities are a little jacked. I admit, the coaching staff sees more than we do but McM already flopped miserably when they had enough faith in him to move Prater.

and understand that with our reliance on the run game and the defense we may see many more close games than we've become accustomed to in the last 3 years.

Maybe he got better.

[Ravage!!!]

yeah.. It seems the "doom and gloom" over the choice of kickers is pretty silly considering the small sample size. Plus, field position is a big big deal. Its why some teams ahve had 3 kickers and one is purely a KO specialist. I doubt the coaching staff and GM just picked a name out of the hat or flipped a coin. They picked for reasons.

[Denver Native (Carol)]

from article, in regards to McManus making 70 yd field goal in practice:


"I knew I had the leg," McManus said. "But from that distance it has to be perfect because those uprights are far away."

McManus has benefited from eliminating a jab step in his approach, going to two steps. It has helped his accuracy.

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_28661355/brandon-mcmanus-connor-barth-show-off-leg-strength

[Denver Native (Carol)]

Article written August 18th

Brandon McManus Closing In On Starting Job

http://www.scout.com/nfl/broncos/story/1575829-brandon-mcmanus-closing-in-on-starting-job

[Jsteve01]

Listen I've been all sunny skies and peaches about this team all offseason. Elway just greatly improved my biggest concern with the Mathis signing...let me have my sour grapes lol. btw anyone see the Legwold posted an article on how great the Broncos felt about their young o line 30 mins before we signed mathis. That was classic.

[Ravage!!!]

Listen I've been all sunny skies and peaches about this team all offseason. Elway just greatly improved my biggest concern with the Mathis signing...let me have my sour grapes lol. btw anyone see the Legwold posted an article on how great the Broncos felt about their young o line 30 mins before we signed mathis. That was classic.

I'm surprised Legwold didn't come back in kind with "now the Broncos are REALLY REALLY feeling great about their OL!"

[Dapper Dan]

I hope he gets better.

[tomjonesrocks]

What's his accuracy score in Madden?

This has very real implications in the near future.

[Denver Native (Carol)]

Vic Lombardi ‏@VicLombardi 37m

That was quick. Congrats.

Vic Lombardi added,
Connor Barth @contbarth
Looking forward to coming back home to @TBBuccaneers #SiegeTheDay #tampa 🌴 #NFL

[Dapper Dan]

When does the extra point change in the regular season?

[dogfish]

i'm scared. . . i wish slim was here to hold me. . .



don't F*** it up, mcmanus!

[BroncoWave]

When does the extra point change in the regular season?

It's in place for this year.

[Simple Jaded]

Nice composure Manny.

[Dapper Dan]

I wonder if they went ahead and cut Barth so he could find a job. He already got picked up by Tampa. I thought it was a bit odd to read that he was cut to make room for Mathis. We still have 4 QBs and 2 Punters.

[Magnificent Seven]

Let's go for a 70-yard field goal!

[ShaneFalco]

only greg the leg kicks 70 yards. lies.

[tomjonesrocks]

I wonder if they went ahead and cut Barth so he could find a job. He already got picked up by Tampa. I thought it was a bit odd to read that he was cut to make room for Mathis. We still have 4 QBs and 2 Punters.

I suppose it's not impossible he was contacted by Tampa and opened himself up. The McManus / Barth competition was fierce and un-friendly according to sources.

[ShaneFalco]

tampa also signed karl schmitz, punter who the broncos released.

[Dapper Dan]

tampa also signed karl schmitz, punter who the broncos released.

And Denver grabbed Punter Spencer Lanning after Tampa released him.
http://i.imgur.com/WRmmHZe.gif

[Dapper Dan]

I suppose it's not impossible he was contacted by Tampa and opened himself up. The McManus / Barth competition was fierce and un-friendly according to sources.

I don't know that there was contact. I just think if you want to do right by a player and you don't think you're going to keep him, you go ahead and cut him so he can find a job before all the teams settle on their kickers.

[dogfish]

barth's a good kicker, and reportedly has shown some improved leg strength this off-season. . . not surprising that he was picked up right away-- i would have been more surprised if he had lasted more than a day or two. . .

[tomjonesrocks]

And Denver grabbed Punter Spencer Lanning after Tampa released him.
http://i.imgur.com/WRmmHZe.gif
L

I'd like to know what that's from someday.

[ShaneFalco]

The Tree of Life

[TXBRONC]

barth's a good kicker, and reportedly has shown some improved leg strength this off-season. . . not surprising that he was picked up right away-- i would have been more surprised if he had lasted more than a day or two. . .

He still has a problem with kickoff.

[Denver Native (Carol)]

from article:


With Barth's release Tuesday morning to make room for Mathis, Brandon McManus was left as the only placekicker. He went 12-of-12 on kicks that ranged from 28 to 50 yards, and had perhaps his best day in a month filled with them.

AND


McManus' adjustment and growth in his second chance at nabbing the kicking job is where the Takeaways begin.

1. CHANGING THE WINDUP.

McManus believes that one reason for his improved accuracy this year is the elimination of a "jab-step" at the beginning of his run-up to the football on placekicks.

McManus realized last summer that he needed to remove the extra step, but when he was traded to the Broncos, he didn't have the time to work on it.

“I wanted to do it. When I was in Indianapolis and New York, they both said it would probably be beneficial for me. Even [former Broncos kicker] Matt Prater did it, I think two years before his record-breaking season [in 2013]," McManus said. "It is successful and I think there are about 50 percent of kickers in the league that have the jab step still, and then 50 percent that don’t."

It's a simple equation: by eliminating a step, McManus has one less component of his swing that can go wrong.

more on McManus, including his kickoffs, plus other stuff
http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Broncos-49ers-practice-takeaways-The-right-tone-and-McManus-is-perfect/1c4e7701-13db-4b60-8af1-a830b579e15d

[Denver Native (Carol)]

from article:


His first step — eliminate the jab step, a two- to three-inch step kickers often take to begin their kicking motion. Eliminating it led to former Broncos kicker Matt Prater's record-setting 2013 season.

"That two inches, it could be anywhere," McManus said. "For a 50-yard kick, one inch is a 10-yard miss. ... It's like a golf swing."

Distance never has been his problem. McManus has a nearly limitless range, evidenced by his 70-yard field goal at training camp last week, but questions arose with his accuracy.

AND


"He's gotten consistent. Last year it was a concern," coach Gary Kubiak said. "It was up to him to prove he could do it and up to this point, he's done that."

Rich Karlis: Denver Broncos handled Brandon McManus poorly last year (can click on this)

full article - http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_28709008/brandon-mcmanus-technique-change-leads-winning-broncos-kicking

[NightTerror218]

Just for perspective Barth was 4th in the league in FG percentage last year and McManus was 35th. Get that? in a 32 team league he was 35th. That's not just bad guys it's horrid. I'm not sure what universe Kickoff depth is more important that your ability to actually kick a you know field goal but it seems to me your priorities are a little jacked. I admit, the coaching staff sees more than we do but McM already flopped miserably when they had enough faith in him to move Prater.

and understand that with our reliance on the run game and the defense we may see many more close games than we've become accustomed to in the last 3 years.

He fixed his mechanic and has been far more accurate. The question is about how he reacts to a fg in game.

[TXBRONC]

from article:


AND



more on McManus, including his kickoffs, plus other stuff
http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Broncos-49ers-practice-takeaways-The-right-tone-and-McManus-is-perfect/1c4e7701-13db-4b60-8af1-a830b579e15d

I was confident that if McManus could fix his mechanics he woupd stand a very good chance of winning the kicking job.

[TXBRONC]

He fixed his mechanic and has been far more accurate. The question is about how he reacts to a fg in game.

There was quite a bit of pressure on him to beat out Barth.

[Valar Morghulis]

I find it difficult to work out how a kicker can do nothing but kick all his life, make it to the nfl and still have bad mechanics.

[BroncoJoe]

I find it difficult to work out how a kicker can do nothing but kick all his life, make it to the nfl and still have bad mechanics.

Definitely leaves me scratching my head a bit...

[TXBRONC]

Maybe he didn't always have bad mechanics.

[tubby]

Definitely leaves me scratching my head a bit...

Your bald head.

[Dzone]

I find it difficult to work out how a QB can do nothing but PASS all his life, make it to the nfl and still have bad mechanics.
AKA Tebow fify

[TXBRONC]

Your bald head.

That wasn't very nice. :tsk:

Bigotry against the follicly challenged just isn't cool. :D

[Dzone]

Bald is all fun and games until you start going bald lol

[TXBRONC]

Bald is all fun and games until you start going bald lol


:lol:

[tubby]

Oh I'm balding alright. Consider it getting my final jabs in while I can.

[Denver Native (Carol)]

I find it difficult to work out how a kicker can do nothing but kick all his life, make it to the nfl and still have bad mechanics.


McManus realized last summer that he needed to remove the extra step, but when he was traded to the Broncos, he didn't have the time to work on it.

“I wanted to do it. When I was in Indianapolis and New York, they both said it would probably be beneficial for me. Even [former Broncos kicker] Matt Prater did it, I think two years before his record-breaking season [in 2013]," McManus said. "It is successful and I think there are about 50 percent of kickers in the league that have the jab step still, and then 50 percent that don’t."

http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-an...1-a830b579e15d

I don't think it was bad mechanics, but rather which approach would work best for him. As this article says, he realized that he needed to remove the extra step, which the article says Prater did also before the 2013 season. 50% of kickers in the league have the jab step still, 50% don't. Apparently the jab step was not as effective for McManus.

[Denver Native (Carol)]

McManus' consistency earned him spot
Special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis talks to the press after Thursday's practice.

http://www.denverbroncos.com/multimedia/videos/McManus-consistency-earned-him-spot/17259aee-6493-4952-aef1-497315f68e49

[JPPT1974]

Bear in mind he was a rookie. Just hope he learns his lesson and gets it right this time.

[TXBRONC]

Bear in mind he was a rookie. Just hope he learns his lesson and gets it right this time.

I think he's going to be fine.

[Denver Native (Carol)]

I think he's going to be fine.

Totally agree. Everything points to that so far.

[NightTrainLayne]

I find it difficult to work out how a kicker can do nothing but kick all his life, make it to the nfl and still have bad mechanics.

Tiger Woods has changed the mechanics of his golf swing at least a dozen times since winning his first Major.

[TXBRONC]

Tiger Woods has changed the mechanics of his golf swing at least a dozen times since winning his first Major.

How many times have you changed your golf swing just win a round of Putt Putt golf? :wave: :D

[tubby]

How about McManus?!

#cockwag

[NightTrainLayne]

I think he'll be fine. Most kickers aren't "money" right from the start.

I have a feeling that we don't win that game yesterday with the other guy.

I wasn't going to bump this thread, but since Tubby did already I can't help myself.

[DenBronx]

He looked really good! I also picked him up in 2 of my fantasy leagues. Got me 17 points.

[BroncoJoe]

#balls

[Dapper Dan]

I hope he got the game ball.

[BroncoWave]

I posted this in the game thread but in case anyone missed it, he became on the second player in NFL history to make two 56+ yard field goals in the same game. That is pretty incredible.

[TXBRONC]

I have a feeling that we don't win that game yesterday with the other guy.

I wasn't going to bump this thread, but since Tubby did already I can't help myself.

First two kicks 57 and 56 yards respectively.

[Dapper Dan]

If we win games only because of good defense and good kicking we should have just kept Tebow. I hope we don't back into the playoffs.

[VonDoom]

If we win games only because of good defense and good kicking we should have just kept Tebow. I hope we don't back into the playoffs.

Yeah, we would have been much better off from 2012-2014 with Tebow

[TXBRONC]

Yeah, we would have been much better off from 2012-2014 with Tebow

We couldn't keep Tebow because Elway was jealous of him.

[tubby]

How about McManus?!

#cockwag

[tubby]

How about McManus?!

#cockwag

[tubby]

I wish you guys had more love for our BA kicker...

[Joel]

Guy's perfect so far (except for one moderately long miss nullified by a penalty, after which he nailed it.) I still want Kickalicious for his crazy accuracy (guy can kick PATs FROM THE BACK PYLON) and range, but: McManus is FLAWLESS through the first ¼+, with most from 50+; I can't argue with perfection.

[Dapper Dan]

MCManus is my MCM.

[VonDoom]

I wish you guys had more love for our BA kicker...

I've given him plenty of props in other threads. I do worry that if you keep bumping this thread, you'll jinx him ;)

[Yashahla17]

McManus is the greatest of all time already! Might aswell had put his face on season tickets. Come see your best offensive point scorer.

[TXBRONC]

How about McManus?!

#cockwag

#tubby'swifesayshehasaninvertedpenis :wave:


Just kidding tubby. :D

[Al Wilson 4 Mayor]

McManus is the 'mcMAN'

[dogfish]

I wish you guys had more love for our BA kicker...

your wagging **** is scaring people out of the thread. . .

[NightTerror218]

And everyone was calling for his head in TC

[Buff]

Mvp

[tubby]

Mvp

league

[BroncoJoe]

I want him to try a 70 yard FG.

[BroncoWave]

And everyone was calling for his head in TC

Exaggerate much?

[SR]

I want him to try a 70 yard FG.

Me too. If Denver has the ball with a couple seconds left in the second quarter with a decent lead they should let him break the record.

[NightTerror218]

Exaggerate much?

People were saying cut him keep barth

And find a new punter

[Valar Morghulis]

People were saying cut him keep barth And find a new punter

I thought we should have kept Barth.

But that's because I am a ******* idiot.

[tubby]

your wagging **** is scaring people out of the thread. . .

I can't help myself.

[Dapper Dan]

People were saying cut him keep barth

And find a new punter

I think it was half and half. Not everyone was against the guy.

[tubby]

#cockwag

[Nomad]

People flip flop on this guy so much. One missed kick, and they want to send him packing. And now, he's the hero.

[GEM]

People flip flop on this guy so much. One missed kick, and they want to send him packing. And now, he's the hero.

Such is the life of an NFL kicker. :lol:

[Al Wilson 4 Mayor]

5 for 5 yesterday, and only one fg was under 40 yards. He earned his check yesterday.

[Edmonton Bronco Fan]

I was tough on him towards the end of the season but I'll take that plate of crow. He delivered yesterday in a big way, tough conditions and every kick was pretty much perfect. Had a hell of a game.

That shirt he wore in his post game presser though....

[TXBRONC]

I could see Sunday's game coming down to a long field goal attempt. I'm glad we have guy who can nail the long attempts.

[Joel]

ESPN graded our SB performance by unit (http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/197391/grading-the-denver-broncos-in-super-bowl-50); not as highly as one might expect (Talib cost the secondary an A) but this otherwise overlooked record was a nice catch:

SPECIAL TEAMS: A

Place-kicker Brandon McManus (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/16339/brandon-mcmanus) converted three field goals and was 10-for-10 in the playoffs, the most without a miss in postseason history.

The often maligned Britton Colquitt impressed me, too, with several nice boots (he averaged just under 46 yds, with 2 inside the 20,) but it was one of the few bad ones that really raised my opinion of him: Our FINAL one; while the rest of the D was whooping it up over a Championship imminent with a 14 pt lead and 2:00 left, Colquitt was slamming his helmet down because he KNEW he shanked the punt.

I love seeing everyone down to the waterboy play till the whistle and the gun, and not just because doing that all year's why we just won SB 50.

As usual, I give Kubiak 90% of that credit (and DeCamillis, who's TOTALLY turned around our STs: Chicago should've kept him and let us keep Fox, but this is fine.)

[VonDoom]

ESPN graded our SB performance by unit (http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/197391/grading-the-denver-broncos-in-super-bowl-50); not as highly as one might expect (Talib cost the secondary an A) but this otherwise overlooked record was a nice catch:

SPECIAL TEAMS: A

Place-kicker Brandon McManus (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/16339/brandon-mcmanus) converted three field goals and was 10-for-10 in the playoffs, the most without a miss in postseason history.

The often maligned Britton Colquitt impressed me, too, with several nice boots (he averaged just under 46 yds, with 2 inside the 20,) but it was one of the few bad ones that really raised my opinion of him: Our FINAL one; while the rest of the D was whooping it up over a Championship imminent with a 14 pt lead and 2:00 left, Colquitt was slamming his helmet down because he KNEW he shanked the punt.

I love seeing everyone down to the waterboy play till the whistle and the gun, and not just because doing that all year's why we just won SB 50.

As usual, I give Kubiak 90% of that credit (and DeCamillis, who's TOTALLY turned around our STs: Chicago should've kept him and let us keep Fox, but this is fine.)

Good stat on McManus. He was clutch all year (outside of that shank against Cincy, which he made up for anyway) and really worked to earn himself that job after last year. And yes, I've knocked Colquitt a lot, but he did a great job in the playoffs. Add Webster in coverage and that Norwood return last night and special teams were a big plus. With a great defense and a sputtering offense, ST were needed to flip field position and they did a great job.

[Joel]

Good point; dunno how I overlooked Webster. Panthers fans will (baselessly) bash that unreversed incomplete, but if Webster doesn't BOOM that tackle at the 14 Vons strip-sack probably doesn't roll into the end zone. And the way our offense was haltingly "moving" I'm not sure we could've gotten a TD on our own: It took 4 plays and an end zone flag to score from inside their FIVE, and even then CJ had to carry Kuechly and TWO OTHER GUYS just across the goal line.

Great catch on Norwoods SB record punt return (which also illustrates how critical Webster pinning them deep was: Even starting inside their 15, we couldn't get a FIRST down, let alone a TOUCHdown.) Webster, Norwood and McManus; that's what, 16 pts in a game we won by 14? Maybe 12; give Von Miller and Malik Jackson the balance of the strip-sack-TD (and Ware was right there to recover if Jackson hadn't.)

All the offense had to do was not turn it over too many times, and give the D time to gulp half a cup of gatorade and some oxygen now and then. Amazing.