Elam is a Falcon...

[Sassy]

:( Thanks Jason! You'd better go out as a HOF'er in Orange & Blue though!
CBS4 Denver reports...

[Sassy]

Hmmm...looking for details...

[silverwing]

PFT says (http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/03/21/jason-on-the-elam/) it’s a four-year, $9 million contract, with $3.3 million in guaranteed money.

[Sassy]

Thanks! I got the text from CBS4 but no details.

[bronco militia]

bummer

thanks for all the memories, Jason

friggen kickers

[SureShot]

Thanks Jason.

[broncosteven]

That blows. Shanny better have an O that can score 35 points every game this year.

[rovolution]

Thanks for all the great memories Jason.


My favorite? the game winner against the Faide in the Black Hole in 1995.

One of the last players who remembered our good uniform days.

Well miss you Jason

http://cache.viewimages.com/xc/294879.jpg?v=1&c=ViewImages&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF1934A2752006EF5F0ED5633173026C66E84 284831B75F48EF45

http://cache.viewimages.com/xc/260820.jpg?v=1&c=ViewImages&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF1934A2752006EF5F0ED0C2225E5862994E5 284831B75F48EF45

[Smiling Assassin27]

he will be missed

[bronco militia]

JASON ON THE ELAM
Posted by Mike Florio on March 21, 2008, 5:14 p.m.
Kicker Jason Elam has spent his entire NFL career with the Denver Broncos.

And he’s now heading home.

The guy who went to high school in Snellville, Georgia will play for the Atlanta Falcons, according to Adam Schefter of NFL Network.

And Elam will be well paid to do it. Per Schefter, it’s a four-year, $9 million contract, with $3.3 million in guaranteed money.

It’s unknown what if anything the Broncos offered to retain his services. Earlier this week, owner Pat Bowlen said that he was paying attention to the situation, and he presumably wanted to keep Elam around.

[NFLBRONCO]

Short term it might stink but, at least we are moving on. Youth movement

[Punisher]

Thanks for all the great memories Elam

[montrose]

First and foremost, thanks to Elam for a great career here. On a sour note, how many games do we lose next year on a missed game-winning kick?

[Play2win]

So now we have solved our enigma at both LB (because of GOLD) and at Kickoffs. These were two binding problems, that sadly, the negatives outweighed the positives. Because of these two moves, it gives us much more flexibility throughout our entire roster.

Best of luck, Jason...

[Sassy]

Thanks for all the great memories Jason.


My favorite? the game winner against the Faide in the Black Hole in 1995.

One of the last players who remembered our good uniform days.

Well miss you Jason

http://cache.viewimages.com/xc/294879.jpg?v=1&c=ViewImages&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF1934A2752006EF5F0ED5633173026C66E84 284831B75F48EF45

http://cache.viewimages.com/xc/260820.jpg?v=1&c=ViewImages&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF1934A2752006EF5F0ED0C2225E5862994E5 284831B75F48EF45
Sweet!

[bronco militia]

First and foremost, thanks to Elam for a great career here. On a sour note, how many games do we lose next year on a missed game-winning kick?


I'll worry about it when this team is a kicker away from winning the superbowl.

this team has some bigger holes to patch up first

[Atlas]

Time to just go for it on 4th down!! Field goals are for pussies anyway.

[Smiling Assassin27]

Field goals ar efor pussies anyway.


QFT

[Doggcow]

They like old kickers down there dont they?

[Sassy]

The ones against KC and the Raiders in the last couple of years to win the games in Denver were awesome also! Of course, anything like that is awesome "LIVE" ;D

[crush17]

Call Martin Gramatica!!

haha...

Thanks for the memories Jason Elam. You were the best kicker this team ever had.

[Sassy]

Call Martin Gramatica!!

haha...

Thanks for the memories Jason Elam. You were the best kicker this team ever had.

One of the best in the league!

[RkyMtnThunder]

Well that stinks...

Good luck Jason & thanks!

My favorite memory was when he booted that 63 yarder against Jax back in 98.

I remember Elam all excited on the sidelines and we knew Shanny was going to let him go for it. Elam fist pumps on his way out onto the field, totally confident and nails that 63 yarder - it was awesome

That was the last home Bronco game I had attended (I live in AZ). Elway's last season, defending Superbowl champs, and that historic FG. Good times!

[Smiling Assassin27]

here's the problem with this signing:

1. the falcons do not score TD's

2. the falcons do not get into FG range

i foresee a career low in scoring for jase this year...

[RunSilentRunDeep]

I got to see Elam nail the 51-yard FG vs. the Packers in SB 32 and hit winner in Buffalo last season live. Thanks for the memories Jason!

SHOTGUN on Matt Prater as my adopt-a-Bronco!

[HEAV]

If he really wanted to be a Bronco he could have.

It's not the end of the world, the end of an era? Yes, but the team will survive.

Olindo Mare here we come!

[crowebomber]

It was bound to happen. One of a few true orange and blue, regardless of where he goes from here.

[Bladerunner]

It had to happen eventually. Elam was a great Bronco, but I think letting him go was the right decision if that was his price. Good luck dude.

[eddie mac]

Time to just go for it on 4th down!! Field goals are for pussies anyway.

We were doing that quite a bit this season anyway due to lack of leg strength.

[Muddled]

Just odd, true Broncos falling like flies lately, Al, Rod, Matt and now Jason

[worm]

Was he the last current Bronco to wear this uni?


Thanks for all the great memories Jason.


My favorite? the game winner against the Faide in the Black Hole in 1995.

One of the last players who remembered our good uniform days.

Well miss you Jason

http://cache.viewimages.com/xc/294879.jpg?v=1&c=ViewImages&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF1934A2752006EF5F0ED5633173026C66E84 284831B75F48EF45

http://cache.viewimages.com/xc/260820.jpg?v=1&c=ViewImages&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF1934A2752006EF5F0ED0C2225E5862994E5 284831B75F48EF45

[DukeWoody]

I knew we should have drafted Mason Crosby last year...Green Bay snagged him in the 6th round...:cuss:

Oh well, thanks for the memories Jason...

[NFLBRONCO]

More pressure on red zone O in 08

[DukeWoody]

Was he the last current Bronco to wear this uni?

Nail man is the last man standing to have sported the old rags..

[TUG]

No Nalen also wore the orange.

[eddie mac]

Just odd, true Broncos falling like flies lately, Al, Rod, Matt and now Jason

It's a combination of age, injuries and market value. I'm happy with the direction we're going in. It'll take a lot longer to get back to the top but we all know the short-term fixes dont and wont work. As for Elam he was tremendous last year with pressure kicks and 100% accurate inside 40 yards but let's be honest we wouldn't have needed him half the time if we'd a decent redzone offense. That has to be the number one target and finding a decent enough kicker who we can rely on to have a shot from 50+ yards. Unfortunately Jason is no longer that player.

[Northman]

Thanks for the memories Jason!

[illbroncsfn]

I appreciate all that Elam has done for us, good luck in Atlanta....

[SouthStndJunkie]

I think it sucks.

Denver needed to find a way to keep him.

It will cost us a few games next year.

[TUG]

Not bad for some kicker from Hawaii. Thanks for the memories Elam.

[SouthStndJunkie]

You pay to keep those who perform for you.

[Northman]

You pay to keep those who perform for you.


Not that simple anymore.

[SouthStndJunkie]

Not that simple anymore.

In my opinion it is. Give him some of Nate 'No Action' Jackson's money.

If we are going with a youth movement, then we should have let the human fossil John Lynch go as well and just started from scratch.

[RkyMtnThunder]

I think it sucks.

Denver needed to find a way to keep him.

It will cost us a few games next year.

Agreed - what would our 2007 record be if it wasnt for some of his game winners? Like in Buffalo, how many other kickers would have pulled that off?

We would have been 4-12 if it wasnt for some of his kicks.

I think it stinks he is gone, but no crying over spilled milk. Move on & hope we find a good kicker quickly. Kicker is no position to take for granted

[24champ]

In my opinion it is. Give him some of Nate 'No Action' Jackson's money.

If we are going with a youth movement, then we should have let the human fossil John Lynch go as well and just started from scratch.

Sorry but this is the Cutler era now. We need a player that kicks off and kicks FGs at the same time. 3 million or whatever the reported contract is way too much money for an aging kicker that has less of a role than he did.


That being said. Thanks for the memories Jason, enjoy your retirement money in ATL.

[Arkansas Bronco]

Im going to miss him. He was very dependable but 3 mil. is a huge number. See ya Jason it has been nice to have ya.

[TheDave]

That is a huge amount of money to pay a 38 year old kicker...

[SouthStndJunkie]

Sorry but this is the Cutler era now. We need a player that kicks off and kicks FGs at the same time. 3 million or whatever the reported contract is way too much money for an aging kicker that has less of a role than he did.


That being said. Thanks for the memories Jason, enjoy your retirement money in ATL.

May as well let Cutler kick the FGs then.

Let's see how happy Cutler is when some douchebag clanks a few potential game-winners.

[24champ]

May as well let Cutler kick the FGs then.

Let's see how happy Cutler is when some douchebag clanks a few potential game-winners.

Well see...special teams will get a boost from someone that can actually kick off kicks AND field goals. We'll get someone CHEAPER for an EXPANDED role on the team than Jason would have been for more money with a shrinking role.

Like I said, good luck to Jason and enjoy the retirement money ATL gave him. I doubt he will be kicking any crucial kicks there other than maybe the one to give ATL their first win on week 15.

[SouthStndJunkie]

Well see...special teams will get a boost from someone that can actually kick off kicks AND field goals. We'll get someone CHEAPER for an EXPANDED role on the team than Jason would have been for more money with a shrinking role.


Attempting FGs and making FGs are 2 different things.

[SouthStndJunkie]

No complaining then if some douchebag shanks a game-winner in Arrowhead in December.

You can remind is that he is cheaper AND he kicks off.

[kmonty]

While I honestly believe this will cost us a game next year, it makes sene from the business and football operations standpoint. His role was becoming smaller while his salary was becoming bigger - didn't make sense to keep him.

He'll be missed though. It'll be weird seeing someone else walking (or running - TORO!) out there to go for 3.

[24champ]

No complaining then if some douchebag shanks a game-winner in Arrowhead in December.

You can remind is that he is cheaper AND he kicks off.

Not worried about a GW FG against the chiefs. If we do need a GW against the cheaps then I have some SERIOUS questions about this team.

At any rate, we don't know who will be the kicker yet. I would venture it would be someone through the draft since we have a youth movement going on.

[SouthStndJunkie]

At least we have Matt Prater and his 1 FG in 4 career attempts.

[SouthStndJunkie]

At any rate, we don't know who will be the kicker yet. I would venture it would be someone through the draft since we have a youth movement going on.

Then we should have let Lynch walk as well.

[Los Broncos]

Thanks Jason, your kicks brought me great joy, good luck in Atlanta.

[wolf754life]

everyone is defending this, as they should, its the correct move........but at the same time its still time to completely rebuild with a new gm and a new front office........

Shannahan will only be judged by who REPLACES elam, if its matt prater we are in BIG BIG trouble, now its on him to find someone suitable....

We officially have the worst special teams in the history of the franchise!

[24champ]

Then we should have let Lynch walk as well.

Difference is that Lynch didn't have a high price tag and was WILLING to stay in Denver for a cheaper contract. Not so with Elam.

[cutthemdown]

It's a good time to move on from Elam IMO. Broncos aren't really contenders this year so I doubt it's going to come down to an important FG in a huge game. That coupled with his age, the fact he can't kick off, and diminished range make this a smart move even if it does sort of suck. I'm glad Jason Elam was able to grab another contract. I could see him kicking fg for at least another 3-4 yrs and maybe longer.

I guess this could mean a kicker with one of those late picks we have stockpiled.

[AboveAverage]

Thanks for the memories, Jason. We were lucky to have you for a kicker.

[RkyMtnThunder]

At least we have Matt Prater and his 1 FG in 4 career attempts.

:yayaya:

[Rohirrim]

Damn! That sucks.

[ColoradoDarin]

Thanks for a great 15 years Jason, best of luck in Atlanta (except if/when you play the Broncos, hehe).

I think it was time for us to move on anyways. Hopefully we can find a competent kicker. I'd rather get one working in this year and not have to rely on a rookie K for our Superbowl run in 2009.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

You guys are going to have trouble scoring points without offensive tackles or a kicker.

[Broncos123]

He was a clutch kicker but at 38 is getting a tad old. 3.3 million is big bucks that can be spend elsewhere. I do not see the benefit is paying 3.3 plus a salary for a kickoff specialists. I enjoyed his time in Denver and it is the donning of a new era in Denver.
Thanks Jason and good luck.

[24champ]

You guys are going to have trouble scoring points without offensive tackles or a kicker.
Beat it troll.


http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a198/24champbailey/Chiefssuck.jpg

[Kaylore]

Wow. Well as poor as their offense is going to be, I guess he won't get too much work. Thanks Jason Elam for your clutch ability and great memories. I hope you retire a Bronco and go into the ring of fame.

[bcbronc]

Agreed - what would our 2007 record be if it wasnt for some of his game winners? Like in Buffalo, how many other kickers would have pulled that off?

We would have been 4-12 if it wasnt for some of his kicks.

I think it stinks he is gone, but no crying over spilled milk. Move on & hope we find a good kicker quickly. Kicker is no position to take for granted

exactly! stupid Elam cost us a shot at one of the top DTs in this draft. I'm glad Shanny learned from that and is looking to maximize our draft position next year! :clown:


thanks for the memories Elam. one last mile-high salute to you.

[Ramathorn]

Falcons sign long-time Broncos kicker Elam

NFL.com Wire Reports

The Atlanta Falcons (http://www.nfl.com/teams/atlantafalcons/profile?team=ATL) signed free-agent kicker Jason Elam (http://www.nfl.com/players/jasonelam/profile?id=ELA548409) to a four-year, $9 million contract that includes $3.3 million in guaranteed money on Friday, NFL Network's Adam Schefter is reporting.
http://static.nfl.com/static/content/public/image/getty/headshot/E/L/A/ELA548409.jpg Jason Elam (http://www.nfl.com/players/jasonelam/profile?id=ELA548409), K
Atlanta Falcons (http://www.nfl.com/teams/profile?team=ATL)
Career Statistics
FG Att: 395
FGM: 490
Pct: 80.6

The 37-year-old Elam, who spent 15 seasons in Denver, goes home to Atlanta to finish his career.
In 1993, Elam kicked a 63-yard field goal against Jacksonville, tying Tom Dempsey's record for the longest field goal in NFL history.
Elam has reached 100 points in each of his 15 seasons and ranks fifth on the career list with 395 field goals and sixth in points with 1,786.
He finished last season with 15 consecutive field goals and kicked four game-winners, the most in the NFL since 1990. He also surpassed John Elway for most games in Broncos history last season.
The Falcons used 47-year-old Morten Andersen (http://www.nfl.com/players/mortenandersen/profile?id=AND020258) the last two seasons, but he doesn't have Elam's range. Andersen, the leading scorer and field goal kicker in NFL history, will have to find another team in his quest to become the league's first 50-year-old player.
<A href="http://www.nfl.com/players/mattprater/profile?id=PRA143616" _extended="true"><A href="http://www.nfl.com/players/mattprater/profile?id=PRA143616" _extended="true">Matt Prater (http://www.nfl.com/players/mattprater/profile?id=PRA143616)</A _extended="true"></A _extended="true"> would get the first shot at replacing Elam in Denver. He handled kickoff duties in the Broncos' last two games after being waived by Miami and Atlanta last season.
The signing of Elam was yet another major move by the Falcons, who are trying to remake their roster under new general Thomas Dimitroff and first-year coach Mike Smith.
Atlanta, coming off a miserable 4-12 season that fell apart after Michael Vick (http://www.nfl.com/players/michaelvick/profile?id=VIC311467) was linked to dogfighting, already cut tight end Alge Crumpler (http://www.nfl.com/players/algecrumpler/profile?id=CRU467810), running back Warrick Dunn (http://www.nfl.com/players/warrickdunn/profile?id=DUN705495) and defensive tackle Rod Coleman (http://www.nfl.com/players/rodcoleman/profile?id=COL333003) in salary-cap moves. On Thursday, they dealt two-time Pro Bowl cornerback DeAngelo Hall (http://www.nfl.com/players/deangelohall/profile?id=HAL268837) to Oakland for a second-round pick this year and a fifth-rounder in 2009.
Information from the Associated Press was included in this report

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[Bronco Yoda]

$*@%!

[Hogan11]

It was time to move on....@ 38, I'll give Elam his due, he totally scammed the Falcons with that contract.

See you at the Ring of Fame inductions, JE.

BTW, we all love STG and everything, but she curses any player she buys a jersey of.....so if you see her sporting a players jersey at a future tailgate, you know they're days as a Bronco are limited...hit eBay quickly! Ha!

j/k Keri....I do feel bad for you and all the other Elam fans, we've all been there at one time or another.

[Atlas]

It was time to move on....@ 38, I'll give Elam his due, he totally scammed the Falcons with that contract.

See you at the Ring of Fame inductions, JE.

That contract really isn't that out of line. The garaunteed money is a lot but with Elam you know he is not going to tank it so that isn't such a big deal. The 4 years is a bit much, but in the dome hell he could play a long time. I wonder if they will let him kick off?

[Hogan11]

That contract really isn't that out of line. The garaunteed money is a lot but with Elam you know he is not going to tank it so that isn't such a big deal. The 4 years is a bit much, but in the dome hell he could play a long time. I wonder if they will let him kick off?

Oh I think it is...that's a lot of cash and time to throw at a 38 yr. old PK who's limited to FG duty, I don't care who it is. JE rode his rep into ATL and totally scammed them.

Then again, this is the same team that had Morton Anderson on it when that guy was well past his shelf date, so is it really all that surprising?

Will Elam kick off for them? It's the Falcons, so who knows?

[broncofan2438]

Well, that sucks monkey balls

[oubronco]

Lunacy sheer Lunacy I say

[Bronx33]

well there goes atleast 1 win next season.

[elsid13]

It was time to move on. In fact I had the feeling that we should have moved on last year. People forget that he missing a lot of kicks last season from distance and was losing leg strength for that long kick making Shanahan either go for it or punt.

[Merlin]

This makes absolutely no sense. Why would the Falcons go after him? It seems he would be a very good pick up for a very good team in need, or a team with a good offence in need, but Atlanta? They are worse than an expansion team at this moment. I would imagine that money would have been better served elsewhere.

[Jana®]

Well that stinks...

Good luck Jason & thanks!

My favorite memory was when he booted that 63 yarder against Jax back in 98.

I remember Elam all excited on the sidelines and we knew Shanny was going to let him go for it. Elam fist pumps on his way out onto the field, totally confident and nails that 63 yarder - it was awesome

That was the last home Bronco game I had attended (I live in AZ). Elway's last season, defending Superbowl champs, and that historic FG. Good times!
Me too.

:(

[Bronkota]

It was time to move on. In fact I had the feeling that we should have moved on last year. People forget that he missing a lot of kicks last season from distance and was losing leg strength for that long kick making Shanahan either go for it or punt.

Jason missed 4 field goals last year. He was 9-12 between 40 to 49 yds and
1 for 2 at 50+. His longest FG was 50 yds, I dont think thats a lot. The Broncos and fans will miss the the all time team leader in points scored. More than one game will be lost next year because of missed field goals.

[broncswin]

One of the best Broncos ever, but it is time to move on and there is no way I would give him that contract, no wonder the Atl. org. is such a mess!! It will be nice to see us bring in a kicker who can handle kickoffs and atleast attempt something over 50 with out pulling a hammy. This could be a positive, now our offense knows that we don't have Mr. Automatic from 40 and in, and we get better in the redzone.....and yes, I did just see pigs fly!

[chawknz]

This makes me sad :(

[tjhenry]

if i was his age, i'd go somewhere warm too haha

elam will be missed sorely

[BroncoInferno]

What a dumb signing by the Falcons. Top dollar to a kicker when you are a couple of years away from contention? And a 37 year old kicker at that? That is the sort of move a contender makes. Puzzling.

[broncocalijohn]

Short term it might stink but, at least we are moving on. Youth movement

there is no youth movement for kickers unless you are trying to save money. We could had our kicker in last years draft in Crosby. If you dont believe the non youth movement, look at guys that played as long as Al Davis has been alive..... Blanda Stenerud, Morton and a boat load of others. Elam, Rod and Matt gone. Who is hanging around from the Super Bowl years, Nalen?

[TallyBronco]

That much money for a kicker who can't kick off? I'll pass. Our field goal game will be less reliable, but we've got bigger problems. DL, OT, WR, FB.

[Vegas_Bronco]

Well, given it is the weekend to honor Christ's death and resurrection....doesn't suprise me. Elam is a religious dude and probably wants to be resurrected in the 'appreciation' department. He is one of the best ever and should get paid as such...too bad we spent a wad last year on sub-par performers.

Elam had some of his best years in the past 2-3 years and IS CLUTCH! when it really is needed. I'm sorry to say, we are going to regret this decision. Maybe I can focus all my hate now on Travis Henry's contract!!!!

[BowlenBall]

Top two Elam moments:

1. the 63-yard field goal, obviously.
2. Toro! Toro! Toro! (thanks for one last great memory, Jason)

I'm saddened to see him go, but it was the right decision by him AND by the Broncos. On Elam's side, he only has a few more years to earn the huge bucks -- the contract he signed with the Falcons will pay him one or two million dollars more than what the Broncos were offering. Plus, he gets a chance to end his career in his home state, which must be very meaningful for him.

On the Broncos side -- while loyalty is important, Elam was simply asking for more money than was realistic (and ended up getting it from another team). Paying more than $2 million per year for a kicker is extravagant -- that money would be better utilized for other positions.

In sum, there are no losers here; and ironically, no winners either. Goodbye, Mr. Elam, I'll be cheering you on for the rest of your career -- here's hoping you play another 10 years and pass Morten on the career lists.

[clint7]

Mason Crosby better become the greatest kicker in NFL history for as much crying folks do on this board about him.

[broncoblue]

a true legend imho....good luck fella ,unless its against us!!!!!

[Jason in LA]

This sucks. Most teams bring in kicker after kicker, but the Broncos haven't had to worry about that over the past 15 years. I wonder how many kickers they're going to go through over the next five or so years.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

This sucks. Most teams bring in kicker after kicker, but the Broncos haven't had to worry about that over the past 15 years. I wonder how many kickers they're going to go through over the next five or so years.

What would the Broncos record have been without Elam last year? 4-12?

Scary.

[Hogan11]

This sucks. Most teams bring in kicker after kicker, but the Broncos haven't had to worry about that over the past 15 years. I wonder how many kickers they're going to go through over the next five or so years.

Probably the same amount they have for kickoffs the last few years.

[Broncoman13]

I hear Shanny is pissed off that we aren't drafting in the 6th spot. I hear he blames Jason for his last minute kicking!

[theAPAOps5]

I hear Shanny is pissed off that we aren't drafting in the 6th spot. I hear he blames Jason for his last minute kicking!

Yeah they asked him to take a pay cut because of the loss of "talent" he cost the team!

[Vegas_Bronco]

I don't think I've ever seen a team so upset about losing a kicker....kind of funny, but a statement, nonetheless, of how good this guy really is and was!

GO JASON!

[Broncoman13]

Not just how good of a kicker, but a person!

[ColoradoBuff]

Thanks for everything Jason..... makes me wish we really drafted Crosby last year, but hindsight is 20/20. I just hope Shanny at least has someone in his sights.

[bronco militia]

http://blogs.rockymountainnews.com/denver/drew/archives/DREW0322.gif

[bdv]

He's a good guy. A historic Bronco, and a clutch kicker. But I'm not going to miss his Christian proselytizing. It's time our species grew up. I long for the day that the Abrahamic religions are taken as seriously as their ancient peers, the Greco-Roman religions, are taken today.

[broncswin]

Once again .... if we were gona do something this foolish, at least we couldda drafted Mason Crosby last year. This Prater guy was waived by two teams last year (including Atlanta).

And please stop repeating the myth that Jason's lost leg strength. He's made like 4 of 6 past 50 yards the last two seasons.

Are you kidding, why would this be a myth? He has lost a ton of leg strength, how many damn times did we have to go for it on 4 down, when we were anywhere further than the 32?? Now im not saying that all kickers can make those, but this is Mr. E were talking about. It used to be a no brainer to kick it in those situations. It was evident to see the lack of strength in his 40+ yarders the last couple of years. Here is another fact you might call a myth, the injury bug has finally caught up with our ageless kicker. I will miss the guy as much as the next fan, but to state he hasn't had a loss of leg strength means the blinders are on. I do however agree we are foolish to let Crosby get away.

[Blart]

I still remember how epic the broncos were in '98, watching ESPN the night of the record:

"A rusher on his way to 2,000 yards
Two pro-bowl receivers
Hall of fame QB

... and now they have a record setting kicker! This team is unstoppable"

[Broncojef]

[/B]

Are you kidding, why would this be a myth? He has lost a ton of leg strength, how many damn times did we have to go for it on 4 down, when we were anywhere further than the 32?? Now im not saying that all kickers can make those, but this is Mr. E were talking about. It used to be a no brainer to kick it in those situations. It was evident to see the lack of strength in his 40+ yarders the last couple of years. Here is another fact you might call a myth, the injury bug has finally caught up with our ageless kicker. I will miss the guy as much as the next fan, but to state he hasn't had a loss of leg strength means the blinders are on. I do however agree we are foolish to let Crosby get away.

Totally agree on your take, Elam while a living Bronco legend was slowly becoming a one trick pony with no kick-offs and a leg that was losing strength. Its the right time to move on. I watched a kick-off competition with the senior kickers on the NFL channel and was impressed with the kid from Georgia Brandon Coutu. Arthur Carmody from Louisville is good too but I don't think he has the power Coutu does in his leg. I'm hoping one of these guys will be drafted late in the fifth round by us.

[BroncoBuff]

Here it is ... some excellent numbers crunching from about a month ago:

It has a lot to do with opportunities. You don't always just trot out and kick a 50+ yarder for the hell of it. Over his career, Elam has averaged about 4 50+ yard attempts per season, not an astronomical amount by any means. The most he's ever attempted was 8 back in '99. Last year he attempted 2 and the year before 1. You can cherry pick your years all you want. Back in '94 (his 2nd year) and '96 he attempted only 3 and only 1 in 2000.

The first 5 years of Elam's career he was 14/24 on 50+ attempts for ~58%. The last 5 years he's 8/14 for ~57%. He's hitting at the same rate but just hasn't had as many opportunites as in the past. This can be due to a number of factors not the least of which is the game situation at any given time.

Yes Elam is getting older, but the man has went 54/60 (90%) over the past 2 seasons including 2/3 from 50+ yards. That's pretty freaking good.

People keeping preaching doom and gloom about Jason Elam, but the facts state a very different case.
http://www.orangemane.com/BB/showthread.php?t=66327&page=4

I agree he's getting older, but I'll betcha right here and now he goes minimum three more years at a VERY high level.

Excellent work AHA. :thumbsup:

[BroncoBuff]

54/60 the past two seasons, a 2/3 from 50+ is one helluva kicker ... and his four game-winners this past season was the most by any kicker in 17 years.

You could make a very god argument he's in his prime right now.

[Broncojef]

It just dawned on me, this might be the year we draft our future kicker and Punter in the same draft. I wonder if we have ever done that before. Hopefully we get two young studs that will be a mainstay on our team for years to come. I agree Buff he was a hellova kicker and I'll miss him but his best days are behind him and not worth the $3Mill pricetag IMO, stats or not.
I don't have fancy stats I just know there were many times in games a young Elam would have been trotted out but Shanny for whatever reason felt different. Coutu(K) and Brooks(P) late in the draft.

[BroncoBuff]

It just dawned on me, this might be the year we draft our future kicker and Punter in the same draft. Coutu(K) and Brooks(P) late in the draft.
Sign me up! ;D

[Beantown Bronco]

Fact: Atlanta is over-paying for Elam. They are paying him "top 3 kicker" money and, based off his numbers last year, he is around the 10th ranked kicker in the league. And that's being generous, because it doesn't even take into account the fact that he doesn't kick off anymore. He should be getting paid much less. The Broncos realized this and decided not to overpay. I am happy for that. It tells me that they are still using their heads and not letting emotion enter the equation.

Fiction: The Broncos would've been 4-12 if not for Elam last year. Sorry. Those kicks were all very makeable for the average NFL kicker. Purely looking at the percentages last season, there are 25 or so other kickers in the league that would've made those game winners. It's not like Elam was the only one capable of making them, so let's move on from that belief.

Lastly, for all those crying about how many games he somehow single-handedly won for the Broncos, answer me this: how many games did he COST the Broncos because of the field position we always gave up because we had to have a punter handle kickoffs?

[Beantown Bronco]

I got to see Elam nail the 51-yard FG vs. the Packers in SB 32 and hit winner in Buffalo last season live. Thanks for the memories Jason!

SHOTGUN on Matt Prater as my adopt-a-Bronco!

My dog is riding shotgun....you can get in the backseat biatch.

[BroncoBuff]

Beantown ... you're right Jason doesn't kick off, but a fair number of kickers don't kick off ... it's not a rare thing. Imo you're wrong judging Elam NOT in the Top 3. How many kickers made 54/60 the past two years?

Mason Crosby is a kickoff machine ... he might have the strongest leg in the NFL right now. He and Durant Brooks wouldda made a sweet 15-year tandem ... and for such modest draft picks, each with a 6th rounder. Oh well.

[Beantown Bronco]

Beantown ... you're right Jason doesn't kick off, but a fair number of kickers don't kick off ... it's not a rare thing. Imo you're wrong judging Elam NOT in the Top 3. How many kickers made 54/60 the past two years?

I don't know about the last two years, but I do know that he was ranked 11th in the league in overall fg percentage in 2007, and most of the guys ahead of him kicked off. There's no way I can conceivably have him leapfrog 8 of those guys and call him top 3 with a straight face.

[epicSocialism4tw]

Well...this sucks.

Elam is a ring-of-famer.

[U4EA]

I'll miss him...big time! Sad that the game now works like this but it does and we'll have to move on. I'm glad Jason's getting big money and a chance to go home. If I were Denver given that we are in rebuilding mode, I don't think I would have matched that offer. Best of luck, #1, and best of luck to us as we cash in one of those 6th or 7th rounders!

[elsid13]

54/60 the past two seasons, a 2/3 from 50+ is one helluva kicker ... and his four game-winners this past season was the most by any kicker in 17 years.

You could make a very god argument he's in his prime right now.

Those stats tell only what Shanahan let him take, there is no stat that tells you how many Shanahan wanted to kick a FG but was not sure Elam could hit it. There were two are three times last season when Denver either went for it on 4th or punted when a long FG would made a difference.

[theAPAOps5]

Another fact that is being ignored is Shanny went to Elam every time they went for it on 4th down. Shanny asked Elam can you make it, Elam said no. I wish I could find the link to one of the stories after a game. If I search I am sure I can find it but Shanny was always asked about that and he said that Elam felt he couldn't make a particular kick.

I am not going to bash Elam for going for the money but I think its too much to be paid to a kicker his age who doesn't even kick off anymore. The guy is a down to earth gentleman. He had his plane based at my old airport and every Saturday in the summer the old timers would have a BBQ in a hangar. Every Saturday Elam would show up and hang out.

We helped NFL Films shoot a piece about him for a bit that ran during halftime of Monday night football. It was a good piece.

[BroncoBuff]

Those stats tell only what Shanahan let him take, there is no stat that tells you how many Shanahan wanted to kick a FG but was not sure Elam could hit it. There were two are three times last season when Denver either went for it on 4th or punted when a long FG would made a difference.
You didn't read the post I quoted by Atwater his Ass above, where he crunched the numbers ... and they showed Jason's attempted and made similar (almost identical) numbers of 50+ yard kicks in the past couple seasons as most other seasons going back to his rookie year. Stats are stubborn things ....

His leg is not as strong as it was for sure, but there's been very little dropoff in his numbers.


I do know that he was ranked 11th in the league in overall fg percentage in 2007
I don't think that's right ... gotta link there?

[BroncoBuff]

Okay, I found the link for you ... you were basically correct, but there's really just too many guys bunched together to differentiate much.

Each kick is worth appx 4 percentage points, and at #10, Jason's just one kick away from #1. In fact, there's 17 kickers from #4 to #21 with just a kick or two separating them.

http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/9434/fgyk4nr8.png

[BroncoBuff]

To further illustrate that point, Jason actually LED THE LEAGUE the year before ... though again, there's really too few kicks to differentiate much between guys.

You gotta give him this, though .... he's made 50+ yarders in each of the last two years. Look close - mot many guys can say that.

http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/3069/fgpm9.png


I guess we'll all find out soon enough whether Jason can still kick ... but I'll bet right now: We will lose minimum one game because of our kicker this year.

[NFLBRONCO]

Shanny let Elam go for 2 reasons

1. Atlanta paid huge bucks
2. Our Red Zone offense will be in top 5 scoring TD's so who needs a stinking K :).

[Hogan11]

Fiction: The Broncos would've been 4-12 if not for Elam last year. Sorry. Those kicks were all very makeable for the average NFL kicker. Purely looking at the percentages last season, there are 25 or so other kickers in the league that would've made those game winners. It's not like Elam was the only one capable of making them, so let's move on from that belief.

Fat Chance.

You & I both know you're correct, but why rain on the mythical legend of Elam and the over dramatics of people? You're going to get nowhere with the truth in the face of this, so why even bother?

What I find disturbing is that some posters seem to almost want the team to blow a game due to a shank so they can come back with an "I told ya so"....taking self vindication over a team victory.

[elsid13]

Another fact that is being ignored is Shanny went to Elam every time they went for it on 4th down. Shanny asked Elam can you make it, Elam said no. I wish I could find the link to one of the stories after a game. If I search I am sure I can find it but Shanny was always asked about that and he said that Elam felt he couldn't make a particular kick.

I am not going to bash Elam for going for the money but I think its too much to be paid to a kicker his age who doesn't even kick off anymore. The guy is a down to earth gentleman. He had his plane based at my old airport and every Saturday in the summer the old timers would have a BBQ in a hangar. Every Saturday Elam would show up and hang out.

We helped NFL Films shoot a piece about him for a bit that ran during halftime of Monday night football. It was a good piece.

It happened in the Chicago game, the Green Bay Game and Home Oakland game.

[elsid13]

Fat Chance.

You & I both know you're correct, but why rain on the mythical legend of Elam and the over dramatics of people? You're going to get nowhere with the truth in the face of this, so why even bother?

What I find disturbing is that some posters seem to almost want the team to blow a game due to a shank so they can come back with an "I told ya so"....taking self vindication over a team victory.

I'm waiting for the time Shanahan throws the new guy out onto rain lashed field to attempt a 60+ yard kick into a very strong cross breeze, which he miss it. The over/under of thread on the mane about Elam would have made 7.

[Beantown Bronco]

Okay, I found the link for you ... you were basically correct, but there's really just too many guys bunched together to differentiate much.

Each kick is worth appx 4 percentage points, and at #10, Jason's just one kick away from #1. In fact, there's 17 kickers from #4 to #21 with just a kick or two separating them.

Looks like somebody proved my argument for me, while trying to argue against it. Well over half the kickers in the league are pretty much the same nowadays and we can't simply anticipate a "miss" every time now just because Elam's not out there.

[azbroncfan]

What would the Broncos record have been without Elam last year? 4-12?

Scary.

Explain how you came up with that?

[Bob's your Information Minister]

Explain how you came up with that?

Didn't Elam hit 3 fairly difficult game winning field goals?

[BroncoBuff]

Looks like somebody proved my argument for me, while trying to argue against it.
You're right ... that was my thought exactly (though I wouldn't admit it on my own). I pulled up all those stats and started crunching the numbers ... and I decided maybe I was overstating Elam's value ROFL! There's a LOT of kickers bunched in the middle ... but no freaking way to Olindo Mare.

Draft Brandon Coutu and be done with K for a decade. He's a kickoff machine, too. Besides, we have lots and lots of 2nd day picks ... and not all that many roster slots open.

[DenVa BroncHoos]

Well that stinks...

Good luck Jason & thanks!

My favorite memory was when he booted that 63 yarder against Jax back in 98.

I remember Elam all excited on the sidelines and we knew Shanny was going to let him go for it. Elam fist pumps on his way out onto the field, totally confident and nails that 63 yarder - it was awesome

That was the last home Bronco game I had attended (I live in AZ). Elway's last season, defending Superbowl champs, and that historic FG. Good times!


me too! I was there! Loved his run to the locker room at halftime.

Also, my fave was the 51 yarder vs the Packers in SB32 to make it 17-7

you are the best Broncos kicker of all time, Jason, you will be missed!

[anthonypacino]

They like old kickers down there dont they?

Well old kickers can extend their years when they get to kick indoors for 9-10 games a season.