dragondawg
08-19-2008, 02:04 AM
By FRANK SCHWAB
THE GAZETTE
ENGLEWOOD • Less than two weeks before the Denver Broncos have to cut their roster to 53 players, the punting competition is up in the air.
Sam Paulescu and Brett Kern each are averaging better than 50 yards a punt in the preseason. They have split time and have three punts each. Paulescu is averaging 50.3 yards and Kern is at 52.3. Paulescu's net average is better, 39.7 to 33.3.
"It's really close," Kern said. "You can't worry about what management is going to do or anything like that. You just go out there and do the best you can."
Kern took blame for a blocked punt against Dallas. The play was memorable because Kern picked up the ball and ran for 36 yards, but it started with his mistake of holding the ball too long.
"It was definitely my fault," Kern said.
Paulescu, who also had a signature play Saturday with an open-field tackle against Cowboys returner Adam Jones, said he thinks he has kicked well in the preseason. He averaged 50 yards per punt against Dallas.
"I felt like I had a solid game," Paulescu said.
Nalen, Champ Bailey return
Center Tom Nalen practiced on a limited basis. Nalen, who has been dealing with pain in his left knee, hadn't practiced since July 30, when he dropped out of practice shortly after warm-ups.
"It's always good to have him back," coach Mike Shanahan said. "Hopefully there's no setback and he'll be ready to go in a short time."
Cornerback Champ Bailey also returned from a hamstring injury that had kept him out since Aug. 4.
"Hopefully this week will be great for me," said Bailey, who added he might play in Friday's game against Green Bay.
Linebacker Louis Green, who suffered a neck injury in the preseason opener, also returned to practice.
Boss Bailey improving
Linebacker Boss Bailey, who suffered a high ankle sprain in the preseason opener, said he is improving at a good pace. His plan is to start running by the end of the week. He thinks he might play in the preseason finale and hopes to be ready for the start of the season.
"That's the goal," Bailey said.
Tight end Daniel Graham (hamstring) and safety Hamza Abdullah (groin) were out of practice Monday.
http://www.gazette.com/sports/punting_39489___article.html/broncos_call.html
THE GAZETTE
ENGLEWOOD • Less than two weeks before the Denver Broncos have to cut their roster to 53 players, the punting competition is up in the air.
Sam Paulescu and Brett Kern each are averaging better than 50 yards a punt in the preseason. They have split time and have three punts each. Paulescu is averaging 50.3 yards and Kern is at 52.3. Paulescu's net average is better, 39.7 to 33.3.
"It's really close," Kern said. "You can't worry about what management is going to do or anything like that. You just go out there and do the best you can."
Kern took blame for a blocked punt against Dallas. The play was memorable because Kern picked up the ball and ran for 36 yards, but it started with his mistake of holding the ball too long.
"It was definitely my fault," Kern said.
Paulescu, who also had a signature play Saturday with an open-field tackle against Cowboys returner Adam Jones, said he thinks he has kicked well in the preseason. He averaged 50 yards per punt against Dallas.
"I felt like I had a solid game," Paulescu said.
Nalen, Champ Bailey return
Center Tom Nalen practiced on a limited basis. Nalen, who has been dealing with pain in his left knee, hadn't practiced since July 30, when he dropped out of practice shortly after warm-ups.
"It's always good to have him back," coach Mike Shanahan said. "Hopefully there's no setback and he'll be ready to go in a short time."
Cornerback Champ Bailey also returned from a hamstring injury that had kept him out since Aug. 4.
"Hopefully this week will be great for me," said Bailey, who added he might play in Friday's game against Green Bay.
Linebacker Louis Green, who suffered a neck injury in the preseason opener, also returned to practice.
Boss Bailey improving
Linebacker Boss Bailey, who suffered a high ankle sprain in the preseason opener, said he is improving at a good pace. His plan is to start running by the end of the week. He thinks he might play in the preseason finale and hopes to be ready for the start of the season.
"That's the goal," Bailey said.
Tight end Daniel Graham (hamstring) and safety Hamza Abdullah (groin) were out of practice Monday.
http://www.gazette.com/sports/punting_39489___article.html/broncos_call.html