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champbronc2
12-26-2007, 10:43 PM
http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php?id=334&storyID=7675


By Andrew Mason
DenverBroncos.com

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- For one day at least, the Broncos were officially without a punter after waiving Paul Ernster.

That doesn't mean they lack for players who can punt in a pinch.

Long snapper Mike Leach led the Atlantic 10 Conference in punting while at William & Mary in 1998 and 1999 and averaged 44.8 yards a punt for the Tribe in his 1998 junior campaign. Kickoff specialist Matt Prater led the nation in punting as a sophomore at Central Florida in 2004, averaging 47.9 yards per punt before eventually focusing on placekicks.

But no one on the Denver roster should warm up their punting leg just yet. Ernster's release leaves a vacancy on the 53-man roster, and several will vie to fill it.

"We've got six, seven guys that are going to work out (Thursday)," Mike Shanahan said. "We'll get a feel for those guys, and if not, we might even go with Jason Elam."

If the Broncos ask for punting volunteers among those already on the roster, Elam would be first to raise his hand.

His NFL punting experience has been limited to a pair of pooch-style kicks -- one in 1995 and the other on Dec. 13 at Houston, when he punted out of field-goal formation, lob-wedging a 31-yard punt that was downed at the Texans 4-yard-line.

Elam, who averaged 43.5 yards per punt during a splendid college career at Hawai'i, has pined to punt throughout his Broncos career and even came to Denver in 1993 unsure whether the Broncos would ask him to punt or placekick.

"I was actually tried out more coming out of college as a punter than I was as a kicker," Elam remembered. "So I came in and I didn't really know what Denver wanted me to do. They didn't try me out; they didn't call me -- nothing. So when I was drafted, they listed me as a kicker/punter, and I thought, 'I'm not sure if they want me to compete with (David) Treadwell and (Brad) Daluiso or with (Mike) Horan."

One can't argue with the choice the Broncos and Elam made, given his massively successful career as a field-goal kicker. But befitting a curious, exploratory personality that manifests itself in his offseason scampers to remote or volatile crevices of the globe, he wants to know just how he would fare if given the opportunity to punt.

"I have lobbied for it for years," Elam said. "Who knows? I may get a shot in the last game of the season. But it is what it is right now. If I did get a shot it'd be kind of fun. I haven't done it in a long time other than the little field-goal punts here and there."

In an NFL game, Elam's punting experience is scant. Practice is another matter entirely, as no session passes without Elam punting a few footballs.

"I've always done it because it's a good way for me to warm up and it was a skill that I just didn't want to lose because of situations like this," Elam said.

"You never know when you might be needed."

That might be Sunday.

"If one of those six guys is not the answer and we don't feel good about it, we might go in (Elam's) direction as well," said Shanahan.

CUTLER LIMITED: Quarterback Jay Cutler doesn't anticipate that his sore left knee will sideline him Sunday, but it was enough to limit his work Wednesday at practice.

"It's a little banged up," he said. "I'll be ready to roll (Thursday)."

Cutler incurred the injury in Monday night's 23-3 loss to the San Diego Chargers, during which he was sacked four times but also eluded San Diego pass rushers for a team-leading 42 yards on three carries.

"I'll be ready by Sundy, nao problem," he said.

OTHER INJURY NOTES: Javon Walker was the only Bronco besides Cutler who saw limited work Wednesday ... Daniel Graham, Ian Gold and Brandon Stokley all missed practice; Graham was out with the high ankle sprain through which he tried to play Monday, while Gold and Stokley were sidelined due to knee injuries.

Defensive end John Engelberger, defensive tackle Steven Harris, safety John Lynch and center Chris Myers all practiced fully; they were listed on the injury report with shoulder, knee, back and ankle injuries, respectively.

HOLDUP: The decision to waive Ernster not only means the Broncos are looking for a punter, but a holder on Elam's field-goal and extra-point attempts. Todd Sauerbrun handled that duty prior to his release last week, and Ernster replaced him there for Elam's solitary field-goal attempt Monday night.

"It's just not ideal to go three straight weeks with three different holders, but you make the best of it," Elam said. "You just try to get as many reps as you can with whoever's going to be the guy."

Elam wasn't certain who would ultimately hold for his placekicks Sunday, but thought that Cutler was "the most logical" option, "just because he has done it before in college and he's on the field," he said.

"He's into the game, so it's not that big a deal for him just to stay around and hold the ball one more play before he goes to the sideline," Elam said. "But we got some reps today. He's obviously a great athlete, so hopefully there's no issue."


Leach for punter! :lol:

Bronco4ever
12-26-2007, 10:48 PM
I'd want to see Leach punting. A 240 pound punter would be sweet. Odds are he would still run down the field and get the tackle before the gunners do.

Requiem / The Dagda
12-26-2007, 10:51 PM
Nice point, B4E! The sad thing is, you're probably right. :laugh:

NightTrainLayne
12-26-2007, 10:52 PM
Umm, if Leach punts, then who's going to snap the ball????

I'd rather gamble with just a new punter, rather than a new punter AND a new long snapper.

Bronco4ever
12-26-2007, 10:54 PM
Nice point, B4E! The sad thing is, you're probably right. :laugh:

I used to hate the fact that we kept Leach on the rost every year, but the guy plays hard and gets quite a lot of tackles down the field.

Stand Ablaze
12-26-2007, 10:58 PM
I'd want to see Leach punting. A 240 pound punter would be sweet. Odds are he would still run down the field and get the tackle before the gunners do.

Hahaha, that would be great. End the season with some laughter.

It still would be cool to see Elam punt though.

Broncolingus
12-26-2007, 11:07 PM
I think we should use Ian Gold...

At least he would be a better tackler than Sauer-bum...

...well, maybe not.

Never mind...

TXBRONC
12-26-2007, 11:18 PM
http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php?id=334&storyID=7675




Leach for punter! :lol:

I know that three years ago when he was trying to make the team for the first time it was mentioned that he could punt. However there is big problem if he punts. Whose going to long snap, it isn't as easy as it may seem.

Watchthemiddle
12-26-2007, 11:21 PM
Who needs to punt??

With our high powered high scoring offense, we should just be able to score at will ( with FG's ) like we have all year and then just kick off.

Oooppss....that said...the bigger question should be who is going to kick off??

We will probably rack up 70 - 80 points like we have all year and need to kick off 8-10 times.

Thats my concern.

:coffee:

BeefStew25
12-26-2007, 11:32 PM
Dirk Johnson - Filled in for injured Chicago Bears P Brad Maynard earlier this season. Had tryouts with the Indianapolis Colts and Pittsburgh Steelers recently.
Josh Miller - Was recently released by the Tennessee Titans. Had a tryout with the Indianapolis Colts recently.
Tom Rouen - The veteran punter had a tryout with the Arizona Cardinals recently.
Chris Gardocki - He had a tryout with the Arizona Cardinals recently.
Chad Stanley - Held the job with the Houston Texans last season. Had tryouts with the Indianapolis Colts and Pittsburgh Steelers recently.
Micah Knorr - Could a short-term fill-in if needed. Had a tryout with the Tennessee Titans this season.

http://nor.scout.com/a.z?s=125&p=2&c=714079

MileHighWrath
12-26-2007, 11:35 PM
http://www.geocities.com/highwrath3002/anon.gif

BOSSHOGG30
12-26-2007, 11:57 PM
See... Shanny will just patch it up... he doesn't care about special teams.

BeefStew25
12-26-2007, 11:59 PM
If he signs Dirk Johnson we are set for the next 10 years.

BroncoWave
12-27-2007, 12:13 AM
Dirk Johnson - Filled in for injured Chicago Bears P Brad Maynard earlier this season. Had tryouts with the Indianapolis Colts and Pittsburgh Steelers recently.
Josh Miller - Was recently released by the Tennessee Titans. Had a tryout with the Indianapolis Colts recently.
Tom Rouen - The veteran punter had a tryout with the Arizona Cardinals recently.
Chris Gardocki - He had a tryout with the Arizona Cardinals recently.
Chad Stanley - Held the job with the Houston Texans last season. Had tryouts with the Indianapolis Colts and Pittsburgh Steelers recently.
Micah Knorr - Could a short-term fill-in if needed. Had a tryout with the Tennessee Titans this season.

http://nor.scout.com/a.z?s=125&p=2&c=714079

I vote Tom Rouen. It'd be nice to see him back in a Bronco uniform for a game.

Watchthemiddle
12-27-2007, 12:16 AM
I vote Tom Rouen. It'd be nice to see him back in a Bronco uniform for a game.

I am sure he still lives here since his wife does....what would it hurt to pay him a couple $100 dollars to punt once or twice in front of 25-30,000 fans???

BOSSHOGG30
12-27-2007, 12:18 AM
Can't we go to Brazil or Spain and talk a soccer player to come in and kick the football... we would probably be better off that way.

Bronco4ever
12-27-2007, 12:21 AM
I vote Tom Rouen. It'd be nice to see him back in a Bronco uniform for a game.

That would be kind of cool actually. The active players from the 97 and 98 teams are getting smaller each year. It would be cool to bring one of them back for a one time deal. And hell, it's only one game. It's not like we have much on the line.

Lonestar
12-27-2007, 12:21 AM
Who needs to punt??

With our high powered high scoring offense, we should just be able to score at will ( with FG's ) like we have all year and then just kick off.

Oooppss....that said...the bigger question should be who is going to kick off??

We will probably rack up 70 - 80 points like we have all year and need to kick off 8-10 times.

Thats my concern.

:coffee:

passwhat your smoking around every one could useit.


No matter who punts they are gonna be real busy unless we develope fumbleItis or pickItis

I see lost of three and outs in this game if we try to run the ball..

Bronco4ever
12-27-2007, 12:24 AM
passwhat your smoking around every one could useit.


No matter who punts they are gonna be real busy unless we develope fumbleItis or pickItis

I see lost of three and outs in this game if we try to run the ball..

That run D they have in Minnesota is pretty stout. I wish we could get a hold of some stellar run stuffers like the Williams bros.

Watchthemiddle
12-27-2007, 12:26 AM
****Sarcasm off ****

TXBRONC
12-27-2007, 12:30 AM
See... Shanny will just patch it up... he doesn't care about special teams.

He cares. He went and got O'Brien whose suppose to be Special Teams guru it just hasn't worked out like they had planned.

Lonestar
12-27-2007, 01:57 AM
He cares. He went and got O'Brien whose suppose to be Special Teams guru it just hasn't worked out like they had planned.

Frankly neither has the defense, his OC and assistant Offensive head coach has not shown much either..

HMMMMM maybe he DAFTED the coaches and assistant Head coaches well also?

omac
12-27-2007, 02:23 AM
Was there really a need to get rid of Sauerbrun with 2 games left in the season? He could've cut him afterwards. Or getting rid of Ernster with one game left?

And like I said in another thread, try out Kody Bliss. He can kick the ball deep with incredible hang time. :rockon:

dogfish
12-27-2007, 02:31 AM
elaaaaaammmmmm!!!!

SR
12-27-2007, 03:59 AM
Dirk Johnson

Always wanted a guy named Dirk on my team.

sneakers
12-27-2007, 04:35 AM
Go for it every time on 4th down. Problem solved.

Or bring back Elway for one game to punt.

BeefStew25
12-27-2007, 08:01 AM
Elam may get to punt
If a punter is not signed, kicker could do double duty
By Bill Williamson
The Denver Post
Article Last Updated: 12/26/2007 10:51:13 PM MST


All Things Broncos

Post reporter Bill Williamson posts entries on this blog devoted to the Denver Broncos. Visit it here.
Broncos kicker Jason Elam, who once held punting records at the University of Hawaii, never has punted in a regular-season NFL game other than the occasional pooch kick.

In the final game in an off-kilter season, Elam could make his NFL punting debut at the age of 37 when the Broncos play the Minnesota Vikings at Invesco Field at Mile High on Sunday.

"It'd be fun to do," said Elam who was told by coach Mike Shanahan that he may be needed this week if a punter is not signed. "I just asked for some practice time this week. It would be a matter of timing, but I'd have no problem doing it."

The team will work out about a half dozen punters today. The opening was created when the Broncos cut Paul Ernster on Wednesday morning after he struggled at San Diego on Monday night. Ernster, Denver's punter in 2006, returned for the San Diego game after Todd Sauerbrun was cut last week. Sauerbrun was released in the aftermath of being cited for assault on a cab driver earlier this month. If there is adverse weather today, the tryout may have to be moved to Friday.

Among the punters who could be looked at are former Dallas Cowboys Sam Paulescu and former Green Bay Packers B.J. Sanders. Several veteran punters available include Scott Player, Dirk Johnson, Tom Rouen and Chris Gardocki.

The Broncos likely will first look at younger punters who could be developed and brought to training camp next year. Paulescu could be intriguing because he had a good preseason with the Cowboys and he can hold on field goals and extra points.

Shanahan indicated he would prefer to sign a punter after today's workouts, keeping Elam as a backup. If a punter isn't brought in, quarterback Jay Cutler would hold for Elam. Sauerbrun and Ernster have been the holders this season.

BeefStew25
12-27-2007, 08:02 AM
Always wanted a guy named Dirk on my team.

You should see him with his pants off. Marky Mark, but with 80 yard punts.

SR
12-27-2007, 08:05 AM
You should see him with his pants off. Marky Mark, but with 80 yard punts.

His last name isn't Diggler though and that makes me sad.

BeefStew25
12-27-2007, 08:11 AM
His last name isn't Diggler though and that makes me sad.

Maybe they can work something out in the contract.

By the way, his wife is hot. I don't know how Ernster is rolling, but I think Johnson would be an upgrade in the hot wife/girlfriend department.

All things being equal, you take the guy with the hotter wife.

SR
12-27-2007, 08:19 AM
A hot wife is a must. Ask Jason Elam. Nothing is more satisfying for a kicker in the NFL than a hot wife to help dull the pain.

BroncoWave
12-27-2007, 09:32 AM
That would be kind of cool actually. The active players from the 97 and 98 teams are getting smaller each year. It would be cool to bring one of them back for a one time deal. And hell, it's only one game. It's not like we have much on the line.

Agreed. It'd be pretty awesome to have an old vet from the Super Bowl teams back for a game. It's be a nice sentimental gesture and besides, the punter probably won't make the difference in the game since we're not going up against Hester.

champbronc2
12-27-2007, 10:56 AM
Isn't there some way where you can punt the ball with a holder or something like that?

I thought I heard about this one time...

Broncolingus
12-27-2007, 11:01 AM
Rick Upchurch?

BOSSHOGG30
12-27-2007, 11:35 AM
Looks like Jason Elam will do the punting. Does that mean teams have to worry about a fake punt?

BeefStew25
12-27-2007, 11:37 AM
Looks like Jason Elam will do the punting. Does that mean teams have to worry about a fake punt?

Source?

filler

filler

BOSSHOGG30
12-27-2007, 11:52 AM
Source?

filler

filler

prosportsdaily.com

CoachChaz
12-27-2007, 11:53 AM
Looks like Jason Elam will do the punting. Does that mean teams have to worry about a fake punt?

Good thing it's the last game. I can just see another hamstring injury already.
________
Ford scorpio specifications (http://www.ford-wiki.com/wiki/Ford_Scorpio)

BroncoJoe
12-27-2007, 11:54 AM
Good thing it's the last game. I can just see another hamstring injury already.

You took the words right out of my mouth.

Oh, it must have been while you were kissing me....

BeefStew25
12-27-2007, 12:01 PM
prosportsdaily.com

Just linked to the Denver Post story. Same old news.

So did I tell you about Dirk Johnson?

SM19
12-27-2007, 12:31 PM
Bring back Rouen!

Or failing that, anyone but Knorr. I never want to see him in a Bronco uniform again.

BeefStew25
12-27-2007, 06:11 PM
A second snowstorm in three days blitzed through Dove Valley and the Front Range on Thursday. The first one didn’t affect the Broncos’ work one iota. The second one, however, forced them inside — and not to the nearby South Suburban Sports Dome, which was booked for a youth event.

With the Broncos’ usual inclement-weather option scrapped, they had to settle for working inside the team’s conditioning facility, on a field that is regulation width but is barely 30 yards in length.

“It was more of a walk-through, obviously,” Head Coach Mike Shanahan said. “But I think we got done what we needed to get done.”

The practice was the Broncos’ first inside the truncated indoor field at their facility since Week 16 of the 2006 season, when a near-blizzard kept the team at their facility.

“A bubble (at team headquarters) would be nice today. I was going to fight those little kids off today over at the bubble down the street, but I decided not to,” Shanahan deadpanned.

The weather not only forced the team inside, but postponed the scheduled audition of punters. That will now take place Friday.

“We had a hard time getting those punters in,” Shanahan said.

While the team’s search for a new punter stalled like a low-pressure center over the Texas panhandle, the progress of Jay Cutler did not, as he returned to full practice Thursday after missing Wednesday’s work with a sore knee.

“He’ll be ready to go (Sunday),” Shanahan said.

Wide receiver Javon Walker also returned to full practice, while Ian Gold, Daniel Graham and Brandon Stokley were sidelined.

http://blog.denverbroncos.com/mason/2007/12/27/snowed-in-cutler-returns/