Kickers

[footstepsfrom#27]

At present it looks like this for career points:

Jason Elam 1,734
Nick Novak 10

Novak had 1 of his 3 FG attempts blocked. Does anyone know if John Hall is playing in this game?

[BurgundyNGold]

At present it looks like this for career points:

Jason Elam 1,734
Nick Novak 10

Novak had 1 of his 3 FG attempts blocked. Does anyone know if John Hall is playing in this game?
He's still listed as "Questionable" and, like Walt Harris is day-to-day. I think it is supposed to be a gametime decision.

[footstepsfrom#27]

I know Novak hit the game winner against Seattle, but does the possibility of going into this game with a guy who has had 1/3 of his career FG attempts blocked worry you a little?

[BurgundyNGold]

I know Novak hit the game winner against Seattle, but does the possibility of going into this game with a guy who has had 1/3 of his career FG attempts blocked worry you a little?
Wouldn't it worry you? I'm actually just as concerned about his lack of kickoff depth. Giving the Broncos a short field on which to work is NOT a good idea. Field position may well turn out to be a big part of this game.

He did hit two game winners last week (the first was waved off due to DOG penalty), so it balances it out somewhat, but I'm not sold yet. There's a reason the kid was cut by 3 teams before he got to us. I just hope I never see why, ;).

[footstepsfrom#27]

Wouldn't it worry you? I'm actually just as concerned about his lack of kickoff depth. Giving the Broncos a short field on which to work is NOT a good idea. Field position may well turn out to be a big part of this game.

He did hit two game winners last week (the first was waved off due to DOG penalty), so it balances it out somewhat, but I'm not sold yet. There's a reason the kid was cut by 3 teams before he got to us. I just hope I never see why, ;).
He should get an extra 5 yards on his KO's in the altitude. After all the talk about defenses, running games, QB's and coaches...it might come down to who'se got the goods at kicker.

[bendog]

yeah, Elam was having trouble keeping them inside the 10yd line, when Den had to go to the kospecialist/punter. Sourpuss is getting them a few yds into the endzone or inside the 5, which is good enough to let the coverage guys get down there. Tackling and good ST players are the most important thing on KO's. Baker and knorr killed us on punts though. we lost 10 yds just trading punts.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

He should get an extra 5 yards on his KO's in the altitude. After all the talk about defenses, running games, QB's and coaches...it might come down to who'se got the goods at kicker.

Yea, but that altitude will wear on the coverage teams so it will even out.

[BurgundyNGold]

Yea, but that altitude will wear on the coverage teams so it will even out.
As I understand it, that's a misconception. The first couple of days or so in the altitude has little if any affect on an athlete. However, thereafter and for a couple of weeks, they're a bit wiped out until the body adjusts.

[bendog]

It effects aeorobic activity. It should when guys who are already tired have to rekick punts and stuff. No effect if the heart rate is not too elevated, and they go fast for 5 =10 secs, and then rest for 45 secs. Fatties have a tough time getting their wind in the fourth after there have been some long second half drives.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

As I understand it, that's a misconception. The first couple of days or so in the altitude has little if any affect on an athlete. However, thereafter and for a couple of weeks, they're a bit wiped out until the body adjusts.

Come on out and spend a few bucks skiing this winter and try it for yourself.
(Shameless plug for the tourism guys)

[westcliffe]

I know Novak hit the game winner against Seattle, but does the possibility of going into this game with a guy who has had 1/3 of his career FG attempts blocked worry you a little?


At this point, Elam kicking field goals worries me a little.

[footstepsfrom#27]

As I understand it, that's a misconception. The first couple of days or so in the altitude has little if any affect on an athlete. However, thereafter and for a couple of weeks, they're a bit wiped out until the body adjusts.
Your conception is the missconception. There's a good reason we have the best home record in the NFL since 1974. It's also a big reason IMO why Shanahan uses smaller, quicker offensive linemen who can run. Packing an extra 50 pounds of lard tends to make a bad situation worse in the 4th quarter. That's why you see so many Denver home games where the running game just runs roughshod over the defense starting near the middle of the 3rd quarter.

[footstepsfrom#27]

At this point, Elam kicking field goals worries me a little.
I think Jason will be fine. Kickers don't just lose it at 35. He went through a slump last week but this guys a vet and if anything his slump is noteworthy because none of us can remember him ever having one before. Most of the time he's money. I'd definitely take him over a guy with 3 career FG's.

[dj_stouty]

Your conception is the missconception. There's a good reason we have the best home record in the NFL since 1974. It's also a big reason IMO why Shanahan uses smaller, quicker offensive linemen who can run. Packing an extra 50 pounds of lard tends to make a bad situation worse in the 4th quarter. That's why you see so many Denver home games where the running game just runs roughshod over the defense starting near the middle of the 3rd quarter.

Dan Reeves was on Sirius this morning and he downplayed the effect of "thin air" on opposing teams coming to Denver. He said the conditioning of atheletes today has overcome any advantage it used to have. Take it for what its worth.

I believe Denver's unbelievable home record is more due to the 12th man more than the thin air. I went to Mile High back in 2000, and it was louder than a rock concert.

[BurgundyNGold]

Your conception is the missconception. There's a good reason we have the best home record in the NFL since 1974. It's also a big reason IMO why Shanahan uses smaller, quicker offensive linemen who can run. Packing an extra 50 pounds of lard tends to make a bad situation worse in the 4th quarter. That's why you see so many Denver home games where the running game just runs roughshod over the defense starting near the middle of the 3rd quarter.
I can only go off of what the professionals say. I am not an expert on sports medicine, but a lot of folks these days seem to think that is has very little if any effect in the short term. Now, psychologically, there may very well be an effect going into Invesco.

As for the 4th quarter business, I think Denver's success running the football has far more to do with why teams can't stop them in the 4th quarter than the air pressure.

[broncohaven]

I can only go off of what the professionals say. I am not an expert on sports medicine, but a lot of folks these days seem to think that is has very little if any effect in the short term. Now, psychologically, there may very well be an effect going into Invesco.

As for the 4th quarter business, I think Denver's success running the football has far more to do with why teams can't stop them in the 4th quarter than the air pressure.
Professionals can say whatever they want to say, but come to 5,280 feet and run a couple of sprints. You'll know then that the professionals are full of it. Ask anyone who's been to high altitude, and if they're being candid (which coaches and players won't be) they'll tell you there's a difference.

[footstepsfrom#27]

Dan Reeves was on Sirius this morning and he downplayed the effect of "thin air" on opposing teams coming to Denver. He said the conditioning of atheletes today has overcome any advantage it used to have. Take it for what its worth.

I believe Denver's unbelievable home record is more due to the 12th man more than the thin air. I went to Mile High back in 2000, and it was louder than a rock concert.
Jerry Rice said it took him the entire training camp to get used to it. I wouldn't put much stock in what Dan Reeves thinks...he's the architect of the 42-10 beat down you're all so fond of remembering and the reason Elway was 2-3 instead of 4-1 in Superbowls. In any case, the "conditioning" of today's NFL linemen can be seen lapping over their belts to the tune of about 50 extra pounds...LOL...Anyone who has ever played sports in altitude knows the difference.

[BurgundyNGold]

Professionals can say whatever they want to say, but come to 5,280 feet and run a couple of sprints. You'll know then that the professionals are full of it. Ask anyone who's been to high altitude, and if they're being candid (which coaches and players won't be) they'll tell you there's a difference.
I don't have to come to Denver or even run sprints to get winded. I get the same effect on a flight of stairs these days, lol.

[footstepsfrom#27]

I can only go off of what the professionals say. I am not an expert on sports medicine, but a lot of folks these days seem to think that is has very little if any effect in the short term. Now, psychologically, there may very well be an effect going into Invesco.

As for the 4th quarter business, I think Denver's success running the football has far more to do with why teams can't stop them in the 4th quarter than the air pressure.
Denver teams were dominating the 4th quarter long before Mike Shanahan brought a zone blocking running game to Denver. Reeves himself even recongized it, which is why he thought it was a good idea to have 245 pound guys playing Nose Tackle.

I REALY hate that guy. :redpunch: :redpunch: :redpunch: :redpunch:

[BurgundyNGold]

Denver teams were dominating the 4th quarter long before Mike Shanahan brought a zone blocking running game to Denver. Reeves himself even recongized it, which is why he thought it was a good idea to have 245 pound guys playing Nose Tackle.

I REALY hate that guy. :redpunch: :redpunch: :redpunch: :redpunch:
Sort of like how Spurrier those we could run 5 WR sets with 5 blockers staying in to block for Danny Weurfel at QB? At least Reeves got you to a few Superbowls. Spurrier's high point was a preseason game in Osaka for crying out loud.

I think we might have you beat on idiot ex-coaches. ;)

[BMF Bronco]

I think Jason will be fine. Kickers don't just lose it at 35. He went through a slump last week but this guys a vet and if anything his slump is noteworthy because none of us can remember him ever having one before. Most of the time he's money. I'd definitely take him over a guy with 3 career FG's.

To take the stand that many do on this site...

CUT HIM!!!!!!!!!!!!! :devil:

[footstepsfrom#27]

Sort of like how Spurrier those we could run 5 WR sets with 5 blockers staying in to block for Danny Weurfel at QB? At least Reeves got you to a few Superbowls. Spurrier's high point was a preseason game in Osaka for crying out loud.

I think we might have you beat on idiot ex-coaches. ;)
Reeves did not get us to any Superbowls. We got there in spite of him. This guy had 10 YEARS to figure out how to put a physical defense and some offensive weapons around Elway and the best he could come up with was to trot out 245 pound Greg Kragen at NT and guys like Sammy Winder and Clarence Kay as our big offensive weapons. The only thing you need realize about Reeves is that he had Elway 10 years in his prime and got massacred in all 3 SB's while Shanny got him after he was past his prime and had him for only 4 years and managed to win 2 with him.

Spurrier was an idiot, I admit. Nobody's a bigger idiot than Reeves. :devil:

[TheChamp24]

The altitude is a huge advantage. Say what you want, but it will make a difference for the Redskins.
Why do you think olympic athletes come to Colorado train? Why do so many athletes train here? Because its hard as hell with the altitude and it takes awhile to get used to it. And once you are used to it, go to another state, like Texas, and you can run circles around everybody else. Broncos probably are one of the most conditioned teams due to the altitude.

[broncohaven]

I think that Elam's problems have more to do with the holding than anything.

[footstepsfrom#27]

I think that Elam's problems have more to do with the holding than anything.
Jake's the new holder...why is that? I was watching him closely in the KC game to see if he got the laces right and got it down on time. I didn't notice anything that looked off kilter but maybe it's a matter of what Elam's used to.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

To take the stand that many do on this site...

CUT HIM!!!!!!!!!!!!! :devil:
Yikes! :crazy:

[superbowlXL]

I know Novak hit the game winner against Seattle, but does the possibility of going into this game with a guy who has had 1/3 of his career FG attempts blocked worry you a little?

IMHO, even though the kick might have been a little low, the line NEVER should have allowed Seattle to penetrate....

But yes, I would say I am concerned of the unknown. I just don't know anything about Novak because I don't follow college football... I hear he was great, but there are more great college players that never make a name for themselves than those that do.

[superbowlXL]

Spurrier was an idiot, I admit. Nobody's a bigger idiot than Reeves. :devil:

Have you seen Rich Kotite? I was a kid when RK coached the Iggles, but I remember being a kid and thinking I knew more football that he did.