Sauerbrun free to sign with Broncos

[scorpio]

http://www.denverpost.com/ci_5696099

Todd Sauerbrun is a free football player today, which means he likely will become a Denver Bronco again soon.
Sauerbrun won a grievance against the New England Patriots on Wednesday, making him an unrestricted free agent. Sauerbrun has said he wants to return to the Broncos. A contract agreement is likely to be agreed upon in the coming days.
Sauerbrun was advised that he won his grievance today. The grievance was heard in Boston on Tuesday and centered on whether the Patriots had rights of first refusal to Sauerbrun. He signed a contract with them in December, but the NFLPA argued that New England did not attach a separate form along with the contract required to stipulate a right of first refusal for an unrestricted free agent.

A special master ruled that New England didn't, properly inform Sauerbrun of the rights of first refusal clause.
Sauerbrun agreed to a one-year contract with the Broncos on April 3, but it was matched by the Patriots, who believed they had the rights of first refusal. Sauerbrun has stated several times he wants to play for Denver again. He was cut by the Broncos last October after he served an NFL suspension for using a banned substance. He was a standout in 2005 for Denver.


:thumbsup: !Booya! 8') :strong: :egbgb: :laugh: :bronxrox: :ninja:

[listopencil]

Holy cow.

[telluride]

Just to keep things interesting, let's sign him and then cut him. (ha!)

[Natedogg]

Funny coincidence. Just ate some sourcrout tonight! Woot Woot.

[c_lazy_r]

Beautiful. I love that he would file a grievance just so he can play for the Broncos instead of the Patriots.

[PatsWin2002]

Boston fuggers.

[Dagmar]

Get him signed!

[Hotrod]

Boston fuggers.


I dont suppose you would be interested in trading for Paul Ernster ;D

[Natedogg]

Props to whoever took the time to read the fine print and find out that there was a loophole here. Who do you think it was?

[Crushaholic]

Nice. Sorry Ludo, Ernster's playing days are numbered...

[Bob's your Information Minister]

God dammit.

[Inkana7]

Whoo! The crazy drama that is the 2007 offseason continues.

[PatsWin2002]

I dont suppose you would be interested in trading for Paul Ernster ;D

Nope. Try the Raiders!

[bdv]

Welcome home, Todd. You have a lot of heart, my friend. I'll be ecstatic to see you as a Bronco again soon. :thumbsup:

[Clockwork Orange]

Nice. :~ohyah!:

[Dukes]

And another blow to the Patsies!! Awesome!

Oh and the Pats just signed Tory James.

[Tredici]

And just remember what Shanny said. He doesn't care if you come to camp fat.

[wolf754life]

outstanding news!!!

[PatsWin2002]

And just remember what Shanny said. He doesn't care if you come to camp fat.

He may have been talking about Kaylore and the crew. :rofl:

[Man-Goblin]

Bronco by administrative error. I believe that may be a first...

[Kaylore]

This is great news! I knew he could win, but I wasn't sure. At first I thought he'd lose, but then I read that article and it appears that the NFLPA was pretty confident in their position. It was apparently a matter of paperwork. All I know is that we've got a good punter again and someone is going to get fired for a clerical error in Massachusetts. !Booya! 8')

[BigPlayShay]

Nice!

http://mas.scripps.com/DRMN/2006/08/29/433761534-_o.jpg

[cutthemdown]

Big victory for the players union and for Broncos. It's not if he signs it's when. Chances are they just use same deal they had ready before. This is worth 5 yrds every punt.

[bronco militia]

Bronco by administrative error. I believe that may be a first...

HA HA

[long beach bronco]

I wonder what Ernster thinks of all of this? He's probably not too happy.

[PatsWin2002]

You were gonna get him anyway. You just happened to get him for free. It's not like we don't have a punter.

[Dukes]

I wonder what Ernster thinks of all of this? He's probably not too happy.

Too bad, he had the chance to solidify his roster spot the last 12 games of the season last year and failed.

[long beach bronco]

Ernster is reading this and responding like Florida Evans did on the '70's sitcom "Good Times" when she found out James had died: Da**, Da**, Da**.

[Kaylore]

It just occurred to me that once again the Patriots have been foiled and the Broncos are the beneficiaries.

[Rock Chalk]

You were gonna get him anyway. You just happened to get him for free. It's not like we don't have a punter.

Whatever makes you feel better ;D

[telluride]

Does Ernster have *any* trade value?

[Inkana7]

Does Ernster have *any* trade value?

Probably. He's a pretty good kickoff specialist, and an OK punter.

[Kaylore]

Does Ernster have *any* trade value?

Now that Ernster has someone pushing him again he will probably play better. This time let's let him show off how good he is and then trade him and keep Sauerbrun.

[clint7]

The law has spoken! Welcome back Todd. I, for one, missed ya!

I guess my "Free Todd Sauerbrun" t-shirts are already a collector's item! :)

[bdv]

Does Ernster have *any* trade value?

Are there many teams in need of a punter? It'd be nice to get a 4th or a 5th... Probably round six or seven, though.

[Paladin]

I am amazed at the amount of disrespect expressed against Ernster here. Jeezus. He did his best and worked at it. The difference between him and Sauerbrun was less than two yards. The issue was consistency, but that comes with game experience, and he should improve this year. Albeit for another team, perhaps. We don't know that. He is also a kicker if needed.

Whatever.

Since "good news" usually come in threes, can Jenkins be far behind?

[Paladin]

Are there many teams in need of a punter? It'd be nice to get a 4th or a 5th... Probably round six or seven, though.

Minnesota was interested in him at one time......

[clint7]

Big victory for the players union and for Broncos. It's not if he signs it's when. Chances are they just use same deal they had ready before. This is worth 5 yrds every punt.

Except Todd might tell the Broncos, "You can drop that 'can't franchise me' clause from the contract. That was just for the Pats. You guys can franchise my ass as long as you want. Rocky Mountain high, baby!"

[Rohirrim]

He may have been talking about Kaylore and the crew. :rofl:

Ouch. That left a mark. ;D

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

I hope Saurbraun signs, comes to camp, puts on a great show, but Ernster puts on a better show and wins the job.

[listopencil]

Print the tickets.

[thebroncosnation]

Yeah baby baby!

[Barry Ramey]

Competition is always good, let him and Ernster battle it out. Maybe the one that loses could be worth a late pick in '08 from some team.

[cabronco]

Oh ya ! Great news. Screw you Patsies..!Booya!

[Los Broncos]

Sweet, not if he can just stay clean.

[cutthemdown]

I hope Saurbraun signs, comes to camp, puts on a great show, but Ernster puts on a better show and wins the job.

It wont happen it's obvious who can kick the ball furthest.

[DomCasual]

Funny coincidence. Just ate some sourcrout tonight! Woot Woot.

I've been eating Sour Patch Kids all day.

Creepy.

[DomCasual]

I am amazed at the amount of disrespect expressed against Ernster here. Jeezus. He did his best and worked at it. The difference between him and Sauerbrun was less than two yards. The issue was consistency, but that comes with game experience, and he should improve this year. Albeit for another team, perhaps. We don't know that. He is also a kicker if needed.

Whatever.

Since "good news" usually come in threes, can Jenkins be far behind?

I thought he was okay, once you got past the fact that he sucked.

[Jana®]

Woohoo!!!

[Atlas]

I am amazed at the amount of disrespect expressed against Ernster here. Jeezus. He did his best and worked at it. The difference between him and Sauerbrun was less than two yards. The issue was consistency, but that comes with game experience, and he should improve this year. Albeit for another team, perhaps. We don't know that. He is also a kicker if needed.

Whatever.

Since "good news" usually come in threes, can Jenkins be far behind?

Two yard!!! That's about the difference between the best and the worst. Ernster sucks.

[wolf754life]

Paladin........homework question for you.

Punter A kicks the ball 44 yards with a hangtime of 4.8 seconds.

Punter B kicks the ball 46 yards with an hangtime of 4.3 seconds.

Which do you prefer? Please explain your answer in detail.

[clint7]

I thought he was okay, once you got past the fact that he sucked.

Ha! LOL Ha!

[U GOT JACKED UP]

Sign Him Up

[DomCasual]

I had high hopes for Ernster, and I was all for keeping him instead of Sauerbrun last year. And I was pleased with the way he started. But he was killing us as the year went on. And he seemed to really choke at the most inopportune times. Maybe if they keep him as a kickoff specialist, they can work on developing his consistency as a punter.

For supposedly being a place that is a punter's nocturnal emission (with the thin air), we sure have had some crappy ones.

[cdesignmaster]

This is great news! I knew he could win, but I wasn't sure. At first I thought he'd lose, but then I read that article and it appears that the NFLPA was pretty confident in their position. It was apparently a matter of paperwork. All I know is that we've got a good punter again and someone is going to get fired for a clerical error in Massachusetts. !Booya! 8')

I knew he could win but wasn't sure, first thought he'd lose, but then... wow, straight out of John Kerry's presidential run, LOL. Sorry Kaylore, but that was just too good to pass up. LOL.

Didn't Sauerbrun already sign a contract? Why should that be renegotiated?

[Kaylore]

I knew he could win but wasn't sure, first thought he'd lose, but then... wow, straight out of John Kerry's presidential run, LOL. Sorry Kaylore, but that was just too good to pass up. LOL.


LOL Yeah, I didn't write my thoughts down very well. What I meant to say was that my initial feelings on hearing of the appeal were grim. Then a couple of days ago someone here posted an article about some of the specifics of the grievance and also mentioned that he had a good shot of winning. That raised my spirits and made me think he had a shot. Anyway, it's all good now! Todd can come home. :)

[NYBronco]

It wont happen it's obvious who can kick the ball furthest.

Especially during a suspension...

BTW, how many weeks will Sourpuss have to miss on his next violation?

[DenverBrit]

Get him back on board.

He's a better ST tackler than most and he will cause fumbles.

Oh, and he punts. :clown:

[MileHighMagic]

Thank God! Ernster is the worst. Plus, Sauerbrun is a stud on Madden.

[maven]

I'm glad he's coming back to Denver. His punting skills were missing last year when Ernster was given the job full-time. Ernster did a good job when Sauerbrun was out, but Ernster should've been cut when Todd returned from suspension. Glad to see the team make the right decision in bringing him back. The guy wants to be a Bronco. Great news that he'll be back!

[OrangeShadow]

awesome news

[Blueflame]

Let the competition for the job begin...

[cutthemdown]

i heard the special master ruled him property of the Broncos. It's not about him signing, he already did and he's a Bronco now I think.

[watermock]

Yes, he's allready agreed to a contract.

Apparently, a right of first refusal should of been put in a seperate document.

Bullydick just did it to be a thorn anyway.

[Man-Goblin]

i heard the special master ruled him property of the Broncos. It's not about him signing, he already did and he's a Bronco now I think.

All the reports I've seen say he is now a free agent.

But anyways, lets all thank the 'Special Master' for helping to improve the Broncos' special teams; for he's truly the jolly good fellow.

[cutthemdown]

All the reports I've seen say he is now a free agent.

But anyways, lets all thank the 'Special Master' for helping to improve the Broncos' special teams; for he's truly the jolly good fellow.

HOW SPECIAL!!!!!!!!!!!

[JCMElway]

Good. We don't have to spend a 7th round pick on a punter.

[Paladin]

Paladin........homework question for you.

Punter A kicks the ball 44 yards with a hangtime of 4.8 seconds.

Punter B kicks the ball 46 yards with an hangtime of 4.3 seconds.

Which do you prefer? Please explain your answer in detail.

Anaswer: It doesn't fricking matter if your coverage team sucks. That was the major issue for Denver last year.

Next Question.....

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

Anaswer: It doesn't fricking matter if your coverage team sucks. That was the major issue for Denver last year.

Next Question.....

Bingo - We have a winner!

[Popcorn Sutton]

Anaswer: It doesn't fricking matter if your coverage team sucks. That was the major issue for Denver last year.

Next Question.....

Paladin, Ernster had one of the worst gross punting averages in the league but his net average ranked much higher. IMO, that indicates that the coverage was not bad considering how far Ernster was punting. Look at the Broncos gross punting average in 2005 we ranked 7th in the NFL and last year we ranked 27th. I say we keep the kid on the practice squad and hope someone else doesn't sign him but Sauerbrun is definitely a better punter and will help our ST alot.

[No1BroncoFan]

I dont suppose you would be interested in trading for Paul Ernster ;D
Nope. Try the Raiders!
Oh, come on. All we want is a sixer of Sam Adams and he's all yours. ;D

Ben

[Kaylore]

Anaswer: It doesn't fricking matter if your coverage team sucks. That was the major issue for Denver last year.

Next Question.....

But it does matter if you want to see any kind of change. Just because the coverage teams sucked doesn't mean the punter was all-pro. If our coverage teams improve, and they will under O'Brian's coaching, and the punter still sucks, it won't matter how good our special teams are.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

A great punter can make your coverage teams look pretty good. See KC.

[Atlas]

Anaswer: It doesn't fricking matter if your coverage team sucks. That was the major issue for Denver last year.

Next Question.....


No the fact that Ernster was squirming 32 yard punts was the problem.

[ol number 7]

A great punter can make your coverage teams look pretty good. See KC.

Notice Sauerbrun makes no mention of wanting to be a Chief. Why is that Bob?? Don't want to wear his leg out doing all that punting.

[Atlas]

Paladin, Ernster had one of the worst gross punting averages in the league but his net average ranked much higher. IMO, that indicates that the coverage was not bad considering how far Ernster was punting. Look at the Broncos gross punting average in 2005 we ranked 7th in the NFL and last year we ranked 27th. I say we keep the kid on the practice squad and hope someone else doesn't sign him but Sauerbrun is definitely a better punter and will help our ST alot.

Why waist a spot on the practice squad for him, Gee below average punters are very valuable???

He won't sign with anyone if Denver cuts him. He could get called in somewhere during the middle of the year or something but he ain't worth keeping. There are 200,000,000 punters out of work right now.

[Requiem]

I guess for Kaylore the best part about him being back is so he can harass Nate Jackson at camp?

[SoCalBronco]

I guess for Kaylore the best part about him being back is so he can harass Nate Jackson at camp?

"You're injured again?"

haha, classic.

[Mediator12]

Anyone remember the name of the guy DEN traded to CAR to get Sauerbrun? I do. Jason Baker. Scott O'Brien got a hold of him and now he was #3 in gross average for CAR last year and DEN drafted him.

They may want Sauerbrun, but now that they have a real ST's Coach that knows how to work with kickers and can develop them they might want to see what they can do with Ernster.

[konnorrollison]

http://www.denverpost.com/ci_5696099




:thumbsup: !Booya! 8') :strong: :egbgb: :laugh: :bronxrox: :ninja:

cool smilies

[bronco610]

Now somw def. line help in the draft and we are on our way!!!!!

[Racer]

Anyone remember the name of the guy DEN traded to CAR to get Sauerbrun? I do. Jason Baker. Scott O'Brien got a hold of him and now he was #3 in gross average for CAR last year and DEN drafted him.

Denver didn't draft him. He was a journey man that played the year before he signed with Denver for the Chefs. He didn't even play the whole season for the Broncos he replaced Micah Knorr after a couple games.

So Yeah I remember.

[Odysseus]

What if Scott O'Brien makes Ernster the better punter? I think competition is a good thing. I don't care who gets it. Who is actually going to keep it?

I think our biggest special teams acquisition bar none IS Coach O'Brien. When was the last time the Broncos had a real special teams coach that wasn't like some coach's son or a loyal soldier who just needed something to do?

[broncocalijohn]

I wonder what Ernster thinks of all of this? He's probably not too happy.


I dont know. I think he is jumping for joy. Right now he is saying,"Wow! I dont have a job in a few days. I love it!"

[Atlas]

Anyone remember the name of the guy DEN traded to CAR to get Sauerbrun? I do. Jason Baker. Scott O'Brien got a hold of him and now he was #3 in gross average for CAR last year and DEN drafted him.

They may want Sauerbrun, but now that they have a real ST's Coach that knows how to work with kickers and can develop them they might want to see what they can do with Ernster.

I don't really think a good special teams coach is going to improve Ernster's 32 yard punts.

[Crushisback]

Ernster will stay as kick off specialist

[Atlas]

Ernster will stay as kick off specialist

No he won't. Shanny is not going to keep three kickers.

[Odysseus]

No he won't. Shanny is not going to keep three kickers.

Especially since word on the Mane is the Broncos are keeping three Quarterbacks. I guess they cannot get Ramsey on more than one year and Preston is available rather than drafting someone else.

[eddie mac]

Especially since word on the Mane is the Broncos are keeping three Quarterbacks. I guess they cannot get Ramsey on more than one year and Preston is available rather than drafting someone else.


Ramsey signed a 2 year deal.

[Odysseus]

Ramsey signed a 2 year deal.

What is the fine print on the second year? It struck me as a soft two. It was like Ramsey said "sure sure" more than he wanted to stick around the team.

Anybody seen Preston outside of his hideous man ho picture?

[baja]

What is the fine print on the second year? It struck me as a soft two. It was like Ramsey said "sure sure" more than he wanted to stick around the team.

Anybody seen Preston outside of his hideous man ho picture?

He already has big time endorsements like the Geico Insurance and this product,

http://holdingoutforgrace.com/wp-content/web%20caveman%20copy.jpg

[Odysseus]

He already has big time endorsements like the Geico Insurance and this product,

http://holdingoutforgrace.com/wp-content/web%20caveman%20copy.jpg

LOL

[Mediator12]

I don't really think a good special teams coach is going to improve Ernster's 32 yard punts.

Really, why was he able to improve Baker's then? Punter's face a whole different adjustment in the NFL including kicking a POS kicking ball that takes adjustment from College.

[Popcorn Sutton]

Really, why was he able to improve Baker's then? Punter's face a whole different adjustment in the NFL including kicking a POS kicking ball that takes adjustment from College.

It seems to me this is a moot at this point. The decision was already made to bring Sauerbrun back a while ago and I can only assume that Shanahan consulted Scott O'Brien before doing so. That tells me that he feels Sauerbrun is the best option for the team at this point.

The combination of him at coach and Sauerbrun booming those punts should put us back in the top 5 Net punting average. !Booya!

[eddie mac]

What is the fine print on the second year? It struck me as a soft two. It was like Ramsey said "sure sure" more than he wanted to stick around the team.

Anybody seen Preston outside of his hideous man ho picture?

It was initially reported as a 3 year deal but he's only on the books for 2 according to NFLPA.

[Paladin]

Well, I for one, hope that the entire spectrum of ST effort and results are greatly improved from last year. I am aware that the ST play is muy importante. Punters do improve from year to year, just like any other player. Frankly, I don't really care who gets the job, just Get 'r Done. If the punter is getting a net of 35 yards and the Broncos win the damm game, who cares?

[c_lazy_r]

Notice Sauerbrun makes no mention of wanting to be a Chief. Why is that Bob?? Don't want to wear his leg out doing all that punting.

LOL

Very nice!!

[BroncoBuff]

Forcing that fumble against New England was so huge ... I still can't believe what a huge play that was. I wish Shanny wouldda kept him just based on that.

[Popcorn Sutton]

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_5704636

He's back.... !Booya!

[Kaylore]

Sauerbrun returns to Broncos
By Bill Williamson
Denver Post Staff Writer
Article Last Updated: 04/19/2007 11:21:49 AM MDT

It didn't take long for a free Todd Sauerbrun to return to the Broncos.

Sauerbrun agreed to terms with Denver on a one-year deal today. He is expected to sign the contract at Dove Valley on Friday, his agent David Canter said.

"This is a homecoming for Todd," Canter said.

Sauerbrun won his grievance against the New England Patriots and became an unrestricted free agent on Wednesday. The grievance, which was heard Tuesday in Boston, centered on whether the Patriots had rights of first refusal for Sauerbrun, who signed with them in December. The NFL Players Association argued that New England did not attach a separate form with his contract required in deals including rights of first refusal for unrestricted free agents.

Sauerbrun agreed to a one-year contract with the Broncos on April 3. It was matched by the Patriots, who believed they had rights of first refusal to re-sign him.

Sauerbrun was cut by the Broncos last October after he served an NFL suspension for using a banned substance. He was a standout for Denver in 2005, when he averaged 43.8 yards per punt and excelled on kickoffs, with 14 touchbacks. Paul Ernster averaged 41.7 yards per punt and had 19 touchbacks on kickoffs last season for Denver.

"Honestly, I didn't think I was going to win, and that's just because I wanted it so badly," Sauerbrun said of the grievance. "I am always thinking the worst, so if it happens that way, I won't be bummed out. But this is a great day. It makes the whole thing worth it. I have nothing against the Patriots, but Denver is where I want to be, and I am glad this worked out."

Sauerbrun, 34, repeatedly has said Denver has been the favorite of his five NFL stops, and he has long admired coach Mike Shanahan. Making his desire to come back stronger is new Denver special-teams coach Scott O'Brien. Sauerbrun flourished for Carolina with O'Brien there.

"He's is by far the best in the business," Sauerbrun said of O'Brien. "I love playing for that guy."

The ruling Wednesday was the first of its kind in the NFL, said Jeff Kessler, the NFLPA's outside counsel, who argued the case for Sauerbrun.

"This is a blow to (the Patriots) because they didn't follow the terms of the collective bargaining agreement, and they suffer the consequences by losing the player," Kessler said.

Bill Williamson can be reached

[Popcorn Sutton]

Sorry, I'll paste the whole article in here next time... :militia:

[Kaylore]

/pelvic thrusts

:strong:

[Paladin]

What? Air humping?

He is a punter, for crissakes. Just because he was fortunate to have caused a fumble? His head got in the way, hit the ball, when he was otherwise getting in front of the runner, just like he was supposed to do.

Let's get a Dlineman.

[Kaylore]

What? Air humping?

He is a punter, for crissakes. Just because he was fortunate to have caused a fumble? His head got in the way, hit the ball, when he was otherwise getting in front of the runner, just like he was supposed to do.

Let's get a Dlineman.

You're Ernster's dad, aren't you!

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

Forcing that fumble against New England was so huge ... I still can't believe what a huge play that was. I wish Shanny wouldda kept him just based on that.

The only reason he had to make that tackle is because it was a terrible kick.

[Dagmar]

http://heim.ifi.uio.no/%7Eberges/woohoo.gif

[Dagmar]

Wow, some people on here are never happy...

[Rock Chalk]

Wow, some people on here are never happy...

Welcome to America my Scottish Friend ;D

[Kaylore]

The only reason he had to make that tackle is because it was a terrible kick.

Sauerbrun was the MVP of that game. He had the Patriots starting on their own 4, 3, 11, 7 and 11 yard lines. I was at that game, and part of the problems Brady was having were directly related to him starting most of his drives backed up against a roaring crowd. The other reason was John Lynch owned Brady that night. Point is that Todd is very good and will do great things for our special teams and he does them in big games.

[bendog]

His ass is fat. He needs to get some ephedera

[broncsyanks]

in the immortal cartmans words::

SWEEEEEEEEEEEEETTTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

sign him right away bye bye ernester

[HEAV]

http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/593/excellentxn1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


The plan is almost complete!

[Los Broncos]

Its nice to have a kicker that can change games for us. I just hope he stays clean.

[Paladin]

You're Ernster's dad, aren't you!

Sorry. Don't know the boy.

If Ernster outkicks Sauerbrun in camp, what then?

Just asking....

I'd rather have Jenkins.....

[Kaylore]

Sorry. Don't know the boy.

If Ernster outkicks Sauerbrun in camp, what then?

Just asking....

I'd rather have Jenkins.....

Then we trade Ernster for a conditional seventh to some team. Ernster kicked well while Sauerbrun was serving his suspension but as soon as we cut Sauerbrun and took Ernster as our guy his play started to decline. I think when someone was pushing him he did well and then as soon as his job seemed secure things fell apart. O'Brien is great at teaching punters proper form and whatnot, so maybe he can do things with Ernster, but Sauerbrun is the proven commodity and he already has rapport with our special teams coach, so Sauerbrun is the guy.

[Popcorn Sutton]

If Ernster outkicks Sauerbrun in camp, what then?


Not gonna happen so let's stop talking about it. ;D

[SonOfLe-loLang]

Then we trade Ernster for a conditional seventh to some team. Ernster kicked well while Sauerbrun was serving his suspension but as soon as we cut Sauerbrun and took Ernster as our guy his play started to decline. I think when someone was pushing him he did well and then as soon as his job seemed secure things fell apart. O'Brien is great at teaching punters proper form and whatnot, so maybe he can do things with Ernster, but Sauerbrun is the proven commodity and he already has rapport with our special teams coach, so Sauerbrun is the guy.

Agreed..i'd be shocked if Sauerbrun wasn't our punter during week one, but then again, i was really surprised when Tom Rouen beat out Nick Harris the year we drafted Harris in the 4th round. And way back when i remembered being surprised that Rouen beat out Horan...so ya never know.

That said, I don't think Ernster has much trade value. Though they might hold on to him to kick off. This was never Sauerbrun's specialty. Those low line drives were kind of painful to watch.

Having said that, I always did believe that the low line drive DECREASED the chances of a HUGE return. The logic is this: The low line drive gets the ball into the returners hands quicker, meaning he will get a better than average return because the coverage is further away. But because he recieves the ball earlier, his course of action is also determined quicker, giving the kick coverage more time to react and get to where they need to be. If the ball hangs in the air for a while, members of the kick coverage that are not play side are often rendered irrelvent, giving the kick coverage less players to pursue the kick returner.

Thus the debate...would you rather have every opposing drive start at the 30-35 yard line or would you prefer taking the chances (that you will often win) that the opponent will start at the 20, but increase the probability of the opponent getting a huge return?

[BroncoInferno]

Sorry. Don't know the boy.

If Ernster outkicks Sauerbrun in camp, what then?

Just asking....

I'd rather have Jenkins.....

What does Sauerbrun have to do with Jenkins? If you are suggesting that getting Sauerbrun would prevent us from getting Jenkins if we wanted him, you are incorrect. Todd's salary will be less than $1 million.

[Paladin]

Not suggesting that at all. I'm am saying that pelvic thrusts should be used only on special occasions. One of those might well be whenever the Broncos improve the Dline. While I appreciate the enthusiasm and the speculation that Sauerbrun will be the second coming of Ray Guy in the AFC West (a slight exaggeration, but you know what I mean), and that the detested Ernster will be thrown to the curb, I will save my thrusting energy until the Broncos actually improve the team defense or for other other suitable events. I simply believe that some effort needs to be made to keep the potential for getting Jenkins and/or Scott in the forward parts of thoughts.

It has now been repeated about seven times that Sauerbrun's kicks were so much better (Herculean, in fact), and that Ernster faded after Sauerbrun left that it is now a mantra. As I said before, I really don't care who kicks because the entire ST coverage needs to be improved. I am hoping that O'Brien can do that since he is mentioned hereon as a guru of mystical proportions in Special Teams. Booyah!

So, we can leave it be and revisit this topic later in the camp when we see how the coverage team works, ummmkay?

[BroncoInferno]

You don't think improving our abysmal special teams is important? You vastly take for granted the importance of the kicking game and how much it hurt us last season. Adding one of the best punters in the league is definitely pelvic-thrust worthy. Yes, coverage unit need to improve as well, but one step at a time. We've added one part of the formula.