Lepsis/Ferguson ahead of schedule/Sauerbrun doesn't want Pats to match

[eddie mac]

http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_5587478

Sauerbrun hoping deal unmatched
By Bill Williamson
Denver Post Staff Writer
Article Last Updated: 04/04/2007 12:10:58 AM MDT


Todd Sauerbrun has nothing against the New England Patriots. He simply wants to be a Bronco again.

"My heart is in Denver, and it always will be," Sauerbrun said Tuesday. "I felt so at home when I was in Denver. I love everything about that place. I love playing for Mike Shana- han, I love (new special-teams coach) Scott O'Brien. I want to retire as a Bronco."

Ending a week of negotiations, the Broncos and Sauerbrun agreed to a one-year contract Tuesday. But New England has a week to match the offer for the former Pro Bowl punter. Sauerbrun's agent, David Canter, informed the Patriots of the deal early Tuesday.

New England is likely to match the deal for Sauerbrun, who was released by Denver in October after finishing a four-game NFL suspension for using a banned substance. Sauerbrun starred for Denver in 2005 after he was acquired from Carolina in a trade. He was signed by New England in December.

The Broncos' deal features clauses for no trades, no transition and no franchise tags, and is incentive-based. New England could be swayed by the provisions and the incentives. The Patriots usually don't include such language in their contracts. Sauerbrun's desire to play in Denver and the fact New England has three punters on its roster could prompt New England to allow Sauerbrun, who played in just four games for the Patriots, to move on.

Sauerbrun, 34, said after he was cut by Denver that he wanted to return. Those feelings only increased when the Broncos hired O'Brien in January. Sauerbrun flourished under O'Brien with Carolina. Sauerbrun said he hopes to get the chance to make it up to the Broncos for being suspended last season, essentially ending his stint in Denver.

"I owe the Broncos one," Sauerbrun said. "I want to prove to them that I am worthy of a long-term deal there after screwing up last year."

Paul Ernster, Denver's punter last season, said he would welcome Sauerbrun's return.
"I expect competition, that's a given," Ernster said. "If I take care of my business there should be no problem. If anything, something like this will make me work even harder."

Good start

Broncos strength and conditioning coach Rich Tuten said he is encouraged after the first two days of the team's offseason workout program.

"We have everyone here and they are working really hard," Tuten said. "We've gotten a lot done already. Some guys are saying that they feel like we're already in the fourth week.

"I think guys were all disappointed in how our season ended last year and they are all hungry to get better."

Tuten said offensive tackle Matt Lepsis and safety Nick Ferguson (both had season- ending knee injuries) are working ahead of schedule. Both will be ready for training camp.

Footnotes

Restricted free-agent fullback Kyle Johnson signed his tender and is under contract for 2007. He will be a free agent next year. ... Defensive end Kenard Lang knows the Broncos might address his position in the early rounds of the draft. "As long as the (coaches) say I'm cool, I'm all right," Lang said. "I know how to fight for that last biscuit on the table."

[Kaylore]

Tuten said offensive tackle Matt Lepsis and safety Nick Ferguson (both had season- ending knee injuries) are working ahead of schedule. Both will be ready for training camp.


Great news!

"As long as the (coaches) say I'm cool, I'm all right," Lang said. "I know how to fight for that last biscuit on the table."
You gotta love Kenard Lang.

[Garcia Bronco]

Kenard will make the team....he was awesome last season IMO.

[Arkansas Bronco]

Hmm so to help our pass rush we should throw biscuts at the Qb ??? ;D

[Dudeskey]

Thats awesome to hear about Fergie & Lepsis... I can't wait to see how things shake out on the right guard/ tackle positions though

[eddie mac]

Kenard will make the team....he was awesome last season IMO.

IMHO these 3 are guaranteed roster spots next season

Dumervil 8.5 sacks 3 FR
Ekuban 7 sacks
Lang 6 sacks

[OrangeShadow]

good news to hear

[RkyMtnThunder]

Nice - good news on all fronts.

Although I dont think Pats will match Sauerbrun's offer. (at least I hope not) Wasnt he just an emergency pick up when their full time punter went down with injury?

[plummershelper]

"We have everyone here and they are working really hard," Tuten said. "We've gotten a lot done already. Some guys are saying that they feel like we're already in the fourth week.

This seems to indicate a decided move forward from Al Wilson. I know it could be a generalization people use, but not with one of your stars out. It looks like Al could really be gone.

[eddie mac]

"We have everyone here and they are working really hard," Tuten said. "We've gotten a lot done already. Some guys are saying that they feel like we're already in the fourth week.

This seems to indicate a decided move forward from Al Wilson. I know it could be a generalization people use, but not with one of your stars out. It looks like Al could really be gone.

Rod Smith wasn't there either albeit he recovering from his hip problem. I wouldn't read too much into that statement from Tuten.

[c_lazy_r]

Hmm so to help our pass rush we should throw biscuts at the Qb ??? ;D

LOL

Nice!

[broncs2bowl]

Hmm so to help our pass rush we should throw biscuts at the Qb ??? ;D

lol I was actually considering doing this(this is how desperate I am for a pass rush)Hilarious!

[Natedogg]

"I know how to fight for that last biscuit on the table."

Just Changed my sig.

[HEAV]

New England is likely to match the deal for Sauerbrun, who was released by Denver in October after finishing a four-game NFL suspension for using a banned substance. Sauerbrun starred for Denver in 2005 after he was acquired from Carolina in a trade. He was signed by New England in December.

The Broncos' deal features clauses for no trades, no transition and no franchise tags, and is incentive-based. New England could be swayed by the provisions and the incentives. The Patriots usually don't include such language in their contracts. Sauerbrun's desire to play in Denver and the fact New England has three punters on its roster could prompt New England to allow Sauerbrun, who played in just four games for the Patriots, to move on.


Billy say's they will likely match, then say's the language,in the contract, could prompt the Pats to let him go.


Bill get off the fence man.......................

[Arkansas Bronco]

Someone send that man a link to the Mane so he can get the actual news faster. ;D

[bdv]

Billy say's they will likely match, then say's the language,in the contract, could prompt the Pats to let him go.


Bill get off the fence man.......................

Yeah, I was thinking that may have been a typo. Maybe it should have read, "Billy say's they will not likely match..." Seems contrary to the consensus, anyway...

[Crushaholic]

If Todd wants to be in Denver, I welcome him.

[Paladin]

I saw that, too, and I just chaulked it up to the shoddy proof reading he does or, possibly, an edit's typo. Never underestimate Bellycheck's animosity towards Shanahan. He could do it out of spite.....

[Dukes]

"I think guys were all disappointed in how our season ended last year and they are all hungry to get better."

That's what I love to hear. Guys that WANT to be around their teammates, and play for each other. Best news of the Offseason IMO

[NYBronco]

http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_5587478

"I owe the Broncos one," Sauerbrun said. "I want to prove to them that I am worthy of a long-term deal there after screwing up last year."



This could be an interesting quote to follow if he remains in NE and the Broncos play them in the post season.

[Los Broncos]

Good news, everything is forming up just right for us, all we need is a decent draft.

[watermock]

I'm going to start calling him "Waffle Willy"!

Saurkraut COULD be retained by New England or COULD wind up in Denver.

It's pathetic.

[clint7]

Yeah, I was going to mention his "likely to match" statement too. At first I thought it could be a typo or oversight, but that would be a huge oversight since it's what folks care about...will the Pats match or not. That's the whole point of the story. But I noticed that Clayton and Rasizer managed to at least be consistent with their opinion one way or another considering the contract and the Pats situation...and consistent within their own story, for crying out loud.

I'm sure the Post knew there would be a drop-off after Adam left for the NFL Network, but I'm sure they never believed it would be this bad. Half you guys and gals on this board relay Bronco info better than this guy who is collecting, I'm sure, a decent paycheck each week.

I remember people being real tough on ol' Adam and his food reviews, but the guy was rock solid with his Bronco info...and still is from miles away. However, I don't begrudge anyone who gives this goof a hard time. He deserves it.

[JCMElway]

Hmm so to help our pass rush we should throw biscuts at the Qb ??? ;D

Only in the blackout round. Then they won't know where the biscuit came from! ;)

[JCMElway]

Let's say NE does match. Do you think we burn a mid-late rounder on Sepulveda or Podlesh?

[watermock]

It wasn't just his food reviews, it was his condesending attitude and self pitty as well...but Waffle Willy takes the cake.

His food reviews would be writing about the serving sizes as the greatest measure of quality.

[BroncoBuff]

His food reviews would be writing about the serving sizes as the greatest measure of quality.
That's pretty funny mock...

Now, allow me to plug my latest thread, which is right on topic: http://www.orangemane.com/BB/showthread.php?t=54902

[Odysseus]

Hmm so to help our pass rush we should throw biscuts at the Qb ??? ;D

I don't know which sounds worst OSKIE! of GET THAT BISQUIT! LOL

[Odysseus]

Good news, everything is forming up just right for us, all we need is a decent draft.

If they draft like they did last I'm planning on being in Vegas / Lake Havasu for Superbowl. Who wants to split a house boat?

[watermock]

Screw trolling for trout, we lost a prop and they gave us a houseboat and caught so many catfish we were gorgued.

We never caught a single stripped bass with our rangefinders yet could drop a wom and got enough catfish to make you giggle. I know how to batter and fry fish.

[bpc]

I don't feel too bad with Lang, Ekuban, and Elvis coming back at DE. A true starter like Carriker wouldn't hurt though. IMO we have a huge hole in the middle of our defense opposite of Gerard Warren though and we need to find some players to fill it. Justin Harrell or if Alan Branch slips that far would be just fine with me.

[Tredici]

Clearly something wrong with Sauerbrun. According to the media Todd's advocating leaving the best organization in football to go to the second best.

Tsk Tsk.

[usedupbraids]

i dont want to be a dickhole but i think Paul Ernster could become a great punter

[Kaylore]

Clearly something wrong with Sauerbrun. According to the media Todd's advocating leaving the best organization in football to go to the second best.

Tsk Tsk.

/smirk

[cabronco]

I think in their mini camp, Todd needs to accidently shank some punts...towards Belachick.

[Play2win]

I think in their mini camp, Todd needs to accidently shank some punts...towards Belachick.

Yeah, from about 2" away from his face... ;D

[Jana®]

I think in their mini camp, Todd needs to accidently shank some punts...towards Belachick.

LOL

[Odysseus]

I don't feel too bad with Lang, Ekuban, and Elvis coming back at DE. A true starter like Carriker wouldn't hurt though. IMO we have a huge hole in the middle of our defense opposite of Gerard Warren though and we need to find some players to fill it. Justin Harrell or if Alan Branch slips that far would be just fine with me.

EXACTLY

I think Alvin McKinley could do well DT / DE and rotation but to count on him to carry the wall with Warren is just too short sighted. Warren will not to stay healthy next year unless you get him some help.

I would rather risk another year on our old beat up Safeties than go another year without a strong push for DT. I think getting a replacement for Warren on deck is the only way Mr. Warren is going to find a way to remain healthy.

[Los Broncos]

If they draft like they did last I'm planning on being in Vegas / Lake Havasu for Superbowl. Who wants to split a house boat?

Ill split one, brews and boobies!