Sauerbrun may provide kick-start - The Orange Mane

SoCalBronco · 08-02-2005, 12:18 AM

Sauerbrun may provide kick-start
Punter's impressive start could mean end to bad special teams

By Jeff Legwold, Rocky Mountain News
August 2, 2005

ENGLEWOOD - Denver Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey was among a handful of players standing about 65 yards from Todd Sauerbrun earlier this week, awaiting a run-of-the-mill, training camp punt.

It wasn't long before Bailey understood why the Broncos have rolled the dice on the embattled punter.

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"I was standing right there, he kicked that ball, it goes 60 (yards), 70, past 70, over my head, one hop and that was it, that ball was gone, right over the wall into the parking lot," Bailey said. "I caught another 70-yarder from him the other day, too, that took like five minutes to come down. I ain't never seen a guy with a leg like that.

SoCalBronco · 08-02-2005, 12:18 AM

"What can a punter do for you? There it is, right there. That's a no- brainer to sign a guy like that."

Sauerbrun had punted a ball about 75 yards, it hit the ground and bounced over the wall surrounding the Broncos' practice fields and into the parking lot.

So, to say the Broncos have welcomed Sauerbrun with open arms would be underselling things. With each 70-yard punt into the blue Colorado sky, he wins a few more football friends and influences a few more members of a team in desperate need of better special-teams efforts.

Yet, because Sauerbrun has ruffled some feathers in his career and encountered some off-field troubles, when the Carolina Panthers dangled Sauerbrun for potential trades in the off-season, the list of teams with interest was fairly short. But Denver quickly put itself at the front of the line, moving in front of Tampa Bay and Minnesota.

After doing the math on a three- time Pro Bowl selection punting at altitude, Broncos coach Mike Shanahan quickly shipped a seventh- round pick in the 2006 draft and punter Jason Baker to the Panthers to acquire Sauerbrun.

But Shanahan did so only after a face-to-face meeting May 9 with the veteran at the Broncos' Dove Valley complex.

"And Todd convinced me that he was dedicated to doing things the right way, and he knows if he doesn't, he won't be a part of this organization," Shanahan said. "We give guys chances, and if they don't step up and do things the right way, they won't be with us. . . . I've been impressed how he has punted and how he carries himself on a day-to- day basis. Hopefully, he keeps on impressing us."

On the field, Sauerbrun has not had a punt blocked and has averaged more than 44.1 yards a punt in seven of his 10 seasons, including the past five.

That certainly is an upgrade for a team that ranked 13th in the 16-team AFC in punting last season. Among AFC teams, only Buffalo and Kansas City put fewer punts inside an opponents' 20-yard line last season and neither of those teams made the playoffs.

SoCalBronco · 08-02-2005, 12:18 AM

"It's a field-position game," Broncos long snapper Mike Leach said. "We've been out here for a few weeks and Todd is just pounding the ball. They go 70 (yards), no problem, just kick after kick."

According to available records, the Broncos, despite playing at altitude, have not had a punter lead the league since Jim Fraser topped the American Football League in punting during the 1962 and 1963 seasons with averages of 44.4 and 46.1 yards.

For his part, Sauerbrun has taken a walk-softly-and-carry-a-punting- shoe approach, having not spoken publicly since he joined the Broncos. His agent, David Canter, has said Sauerbrun does not plan to speak with the media this season after what has happened the past year.

Sauerbrun was one of the players identified in a 60 Minutes II report in March as having received a prescription for a steroid banned by the NFL. Canter said Sauerbrun cooperated with a federal investigation.

The punter also was cited in December for driving while impaired in Charlotte, N.C. Police said a Breathalyzer test showed a blood-alcohol level of .19, more than twice the legal limit of .08 in North Carolina.

In May, he pleaded guilty and was placed on probation for one year and fined $100.

"But he's done what we've asked of him," Shanahan said. "He gets a fresh start and, hopefully, he makes the most of it."

Shanahan has even acted as Sauerbrun's spokesman in training camp. After joking Thursday he would speak for the punter, Shanahan was asked how his leg was feeling.

"The leg's fine, been working extremely hard the last three weeks in Denver," Shanahan said. "I feel very good about myself that I can just focus on my job and just show what I can do on the football field without getting myself in trouble."

Said Bailey: "All I know is if you're on defense and you see a guy kicking the ball 60, 70 yards every time in practice, he's going to make your job easier. Of course you're going to like that."

Broncos punting records

• Career punts: 641, Tom Rouen (1993-2002)

• Highest career average (minimum 50): 45.2 yards, Jim Fraser (1962-64)

• Highest season average (minimum 50): 46.9 yards, Tom Rouen (1998)

• Longest punt: 83 yards, Chris Norman (Sept. 23, 1984)

Todd Sauerbrun's career statistics

• Career punts: 760 (1995-present)

• Career average: 44.0 yards

• Highest season average: 47.5 yards (2001)

• Longest punt: 73 yards (2001)

wabbit · 08-02-2005, 12:27 AM

Todd looks like he's getting in the groove with the altitude & all.

I watched young Paul Ernster pound 'em out in mini-camp...easily 50-60 yarders, and saw ol' Todd kind of glancing over his shoulder a little.

Ernster probably doesn't have the veteran saavy to unseat a guy like Saurbrun...this year...but, watch out, he's just getting started

brncs_fan · 08-02-2005, 12:32 AM

Anyone know of any legal entanglements that could keep him off the field?

DBroncos4life · 08-02-2005, 12:34 AM

If he punts the ball 75 yards in a game I will just die. Wow just wow man.

Atlas · 08-02-2005, 04:42 AM

A 75 yard punt would be from the Broncos 20 to the opponents 5 yard line. Talk about a change of field position.

ND Bronco Fan · 08-02-2005, 06:20 AM

Kinda feel like a geek getting excited about watching a punter but dang, that is definately something to look forward to.

Billy Clyde Puckett · 08-02-2005, 06:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wabbit

Todd looks like he's getting in the groove with the altitude & all.

I watched young Paul Ernster pound 'em out in mini-camp...easily 50-60 yarders, and saw ol' Todd kind of glancing over his shoulder a little.

Ernster probably doesn't have the veteran saavy to unseat a guy like Saurbrun...this year...but, watch out, he's just getting started

I hope they find a way to keep Ernster. Broncs have not had a decent punter in years, now it looks like they have two.

Beantown Bronco · 08-02-2005, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Guy

I hope they find a way to keep Ernster. Broncs have not had a decent punter in years, now it looks like they have two.

I'm sure they'd like to keep him on for kickoffs, but from the sounds of things, they're going to keep an extra DLineman or two...so the extra roster spot probably won't be available. Practice squad could be risky but might be their only option.

Broncoman13 · 08-02-2005, 06:56 AM

And you guys that I was a fool for wanting a Sourbunz jersey!!! The dude is going to mean a lot to our team, especially since it's looking more and more likely that we're going to be fielding a dominant defense. Get the ball on their side of the field and keep it there... we're going to win a lot of games!

Beantown Bronco · 08-02-2005, 07:16 AM

The more we see of Saubraun, the more it means our offense is doing jack. I'm hoping he only gets around one or two chances per game to showcase that leg.

Play2win · 08-02-2005, 07:23 AM

I think SourBuns could turn into one of our best offseason acquisitions.

illbroncsfn · 08-02-2005, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Play2Win

I think SourBuns could turn into one of our best offseason acquisitions.

I definitely echo this sentiment...

Your my boy Todd, your my boy!!!

Raiders Rock · 08-02-2005, 06:03 PM

A good punter is a position overlooked by many NFL teams

I watched that guy punt when he was at Carolina, he is one of the elite punters in the NFL, but we have one of them too in Lech

SoCalBronco · 08-02-2005, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raiders Rock

A good punter is a position overlooked by many NFL teams

I watched that guy punt when he was at Carolina, he is one of the elite punters in the NFL, but we have one of them too in Lech

Yep, Lechler is probably the best in the league right now I would say.

baja · 08-02-2005, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bronco Man 13

And you guys that I was a fool for wanting a Sourbunz jersey!!! The dude is going to mean a lot to our team, especially since it's looking more and more likely that we're going to be fielding a dominant defense. Get the ball on their side of the field and keep it there... we're going to win a lot of games!

Cudos to you 13 you did call it from the begining

What I want to know is how the hell are we going to find a way to keep two punters cause it sounds like we got two winners.

Raiders Rock · 08-02-2005, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCalBronco

Yep, Lechler is probably the best in the league right now I would say.

And as far as his antics go.... There have been a few kicksers/punters over the years, ours, the colts, now yours that have acted a bit stupid over the years but nobody really gives a sht about kickers and punters anyway.

Jetmeck · 08-02-2005, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DBroncos4life

If he punts the ball 75 yards in a game I will just die. Wow just wow man.

Think he could actually do it in a game ? Surely in practice he is getting a little more steps or whatever into it ? Honestly think it is possible ? Wouldn't that out kick our coverage though ?

footstepsfrom#27 · 08-02-2005, 08:59 PM

I'm thinking Ernster may be to valuable to outright get rid of but to much of a luxury to keep on the game roster. He looks like insurance in case Sauerbrun pulls a Sauerbrun at some point this year. If we waive him late, teams know he stuck with a pro bowler deep into camp and somebody picks him up...but if we waive him early in the first round of cuts, maybe we can bring him back as a PS guy...with the understanding he's one DUI or bar fight away from playing time. I can't see saving a roster spot for an extra punter so if we're going to wind up cutting him anyway, let's do it soon so we got a better chance of retaining his rights.

baja · 08-02-2005, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by footstepsfrom#27

I'm thinking Ernster may be to valuable to outright get rid of but to much of a luxury to keep on the game roster. He looks like insurance in case Sauerbrun pulls a Sauerbrun at some point this year. If we waive him late, teams know he stuck with a pro bowler deep into camp and somebody picks him up...but if we waive him early in the first round of cuts, maybe we can bring him back as a PS guy...with the understanding he's one DUI or bar fight away from playing time. I can't see saving a roster spot for an extra punter so if we're going to wind up cutting him anyway, let's do it soon so we got a better chance of retaining his rights.

I smell a groin pull coming

GoHAM · 08-02-2005, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baja fan

I smell a groin pull coming

Hey Paul, how's that turf toe feeling? Maybe you'd better take a year off and make sure you're healthy.

SoCalBronco · 08-02-2005, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by footstepsfrom#27

I'm thinking Ernster may be to valuable to outright get rid of but to much of a luxury to keep on the game roster. He looks like insurance in case Sauerbrun pulls a Sauerbrun at some point this year. If we waive him late, teams know he stuck with a pro bowler deep into camp and somebody picks him up...but if we waive him early in the first round of cuts, maybe we can bring him back as a PS guy...with the understanding he's one DUI or bar fight away from playing time. I can't see saving a roster spot for an extra punter so if we're going to wind up cutting him anyway, let's do it soon so we got a better chance of retaining his rights.

I dunno about that 27. If we cut him, he'd make the rounds like other street FAs and wind up in some camp. If its true that he is looking impressive he will undoubtedly look impressive in that other team's camp and then someone else will keep him. He will find his way to another camp and find his way into a preseason game to show off his skills. We may have a difficult decision as you say, but its not prohibitively difficult to keep both on the squad especially if Ernster is a much better kickoff guy than Sauerbrun. We can do it the math can work. In fact, in a prior projection, I came up with a scenario where we could actually keep Leach and Ernster on the roster without doing anything too painful to compensate. That scenario had us keeping only 2 QBs, Plummer and Kanell and had Dayne as well as Paymah getting the ax as No.'s 54 and 55 respectively, just barely missing out. Now that it appears that Danny is struggling and that BVP is the leader in the race to be the top backup, obviously the team would not go into the season with just Plummer and BVP. The 2 QB situation is something Shanny would only do i think if he had a VET backup. So i think if the scenario continues to hold, unless Danny is absolutely awful, he will make it as the No. 3, with BVP ahead of him. That means we gotta find one extra person to cut. In my projection, the final two players who barely made it were Fetafehi, Spikes and Pope and one of them would have to go. Its a flip of the coin but neither are really essential. Also I forgot to mention, I had Elliss making the team (your personal favorite

), but i havent heard much from him in camp so we could cut him and that would still make the math work out without getting rid of Fetafehi or Pope.

Otherwise, if we cant make the math work for Paul, as Baja implies, throw him on the IR.

DBroncos4life · 08-02-2005, 09:26 PM

someone has to do the kick offs. Who has been doing them in camp

??

footstepsfrom#27 · 08-02-2005, 09:44 PM

SoCal...I'd hate to see just 2 QB's...and I hope Paymah has something they like enough to keep him too...so maybe IR is the best route. Then again...I hate watching Elam kickoff to the 10 and give them the ball at the 35 time and again. How come a guy who kicked a 64 yard FG can't hit the end zone consistently?

What HAS become of Luther? Haven't heard any injury reports...as far as that goes...where is D Davis? It's looking like neither one makes it.

08-02-2005, 12:18 AM	#1
SoCalBronco Nixonite Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Arcadia, CA Posts: 33,503 Adopt-a-Bronco: D.J. Williams	Sauerbrun may provide kick-start Sauerbrun may provide kick-start Punter's impressive start could mean end to bad special teams By Jeff Legwold, Rocky Mountain News August 2, 2005 ENGLEWOOD - Denver Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey was among a handful of players standing about 65 yards from Todd Sauerbrun earlier this week, awaiting a run-of-the-mill, training camp punt. It wasn't long before Bailey understood why the Broncos have rolled the dice on the embattled punter. Advertisement "I was standing right there, he kicked that ball, it goes 60 (yards), 70, past 70, over my head, one hop and that was it, that ball was gone, right over the wall into the parking lot," Bailey said. "I caught another 70-yarder from him the other day, too, that took like five minutes to come down. I ain't never seen a guy with a leg like that. __________________ ITS A PLAYOFF HOCKEY NIGHT IN PITTSBURGH!

08-02-2005, 12:18 AM	#3
SoCalBronco Nixonite Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Arcadia, CA Posts: 33,503 Adopt-a-Bronco: D.J. Williams	"It's a field-position game," Broncos long snapper Mike Leach said. "We've been out here for a few weeks and Todd is just pounding the ball. They go 70 (yards), no problem, just kick after kick." According to available records, the Broncos, despite playing at altitude, have not had a punter lead the league since Jim Fraser topped the American Football League in punting during the 1962 and 1963 seasons with averages of 44.4 and 46.1 yards. For his part, Sauerbrun has taken a walk-softly-and-carry-a-punting- shoe approach, having not spoken publicly since he joined the Broncos. His agent, David Canter, has said Sauerbrun does not plan to speak with the media this season after what has happened the past year. Sauerbrun was one of the players identified in a 60 Minutes II report in March as having received a prescription for a steroid banned by the NFL. Canter said Sauerbrun cooperated with a federal investigation. The punter also was cited in December for driving while impaired in Charlotte, N.C. Police said a Breathalyzer test showed a blood-alcohol level of .19, more than twice the legal limit of .08 in North Carolina. In May, he pleaded guilty and was placed on probation for one year and fined $100. "But he's done what we've asked of him," Shanahan said. "He gets a fresh start and, hopefully, he makes the most of it." Shanahan has even acted as Sauerbrun's spokesman in training camp. After joking Thursday he would speak for the punter, Shanahan was asked how his leg was feeling. "The leg's fine, been working extremely hard the last three weeks in Denver," Shanahan said. "I feel very good about myself that I can just focus on my job and just show what I can do on the football field without getting myself in trouble." Said Bailey: "All I know is if you're on defense and you see a guy kicking the ball 60, 70 yards every time in practice, he's going to make your job easier. Of course you're going to like that." Broncos punting records • Career punts: 641, Tom Rouen (1993-2002) • Highest career average (minimum 50): 45.2 yards, Jim Fraser (1962-64) • Highest season average (minimum 50): 46.9 yards, Tom Rouen (1998) • Longest punt: 83 yards, Chris Norman (Sept. 23, 1984) Todd Sauerbrun's career statistics • Career punts: 760 (1995-present) • Career average: 44.0 yards • Highest season average: 47.5 yards (2001) • Longest punt: 73 yards (2001) __________________ ITS A PLAYOFF HOCKEY NIGHT IN PITTSBURGH!

08-02-2005, 09:26 PM	#24
DBroncos4life Hey pic Mod!?!?! FU Why yes, that is Bacon Bacon. Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: The wrong side of right. Posts: 26,927 Adopt-a-Bronco: Julius "Fluff"	someone has to do the kick offs. Who has been doing them in camp??

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08-02-2005, 12:27 AM	#4
wabbit Ring of Famer Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Aurora Posts: 5,449	Todd looks like he's getting in the groove with the altitude & all. I watched young Paul Ernster pound 'em out in mini-camp...easily 50-60 yarders, and saw ol' Todd kind of glancing over his shoulder a little. Ernster probably doesn't have the veteran saavy to unseat a guy like Saurbrun...this year...but, watch out, he's just getting started

08-02-2005, 12:32 AM	#5
brncs_fan How about some Tapenade! Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: The Coaches Cradle...Eastern Illinois University Posts: 5,496 Adopt-a-Bronco: Manti Teo	Anyone know of any legal entanglements that could keep him off the field?

08-02-2005, 12:34 AM	#6
DBroncos4life Hey pic Mod!?!?! FU Why yes, that is Bacon Bacon. Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: The wrong side of right. Posts: 26,927 Adopt-a-Bronco: Julius "Fluff"	If he punts the ball 75 yards in a game I will just die. Wow just wow man.

08-02-2005, 04:42 AM	#7
Atlas Draft Defense Early&Often Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 18,526	A 75 yard punt would be from the Broncos 20 to the opponents 5 yard line. Talk about a change of field position.

08-02-2005, 06:20 AM	#8
ND Bronco Fan Ring of Famer Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Bismarck Posts: 1,261	Kinda feel like a geek getting excited about watching a punter but dang, that is definately something to look forward to.

08-02-2005, 06:56 AM	#11
Broncoman13 Broncoholic JT #80 Join Date: May 2001 Location: Colorado Posts: 16,962 Adopt-a-Bronco: Orange Julius	And you guys that I was a fool for wanting a Sourbunz jersey!!! The dude is going to mean a lot to our team, especially since it's looking more and more likely that we're going to be fielding a dominant defense. Get the ball on their side of the field and keep it there... we're going to win a lot of games!

08-02-2005, 07:16 AM	#12
Beantown Bronco Athletic Supporter Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Mass Posts: 19,111 Adopt-a-Bronco: Matt Prater	The more we see of Saubraun, the more it means our offense is doing jack. I'm hoping he only gets around one or two chances per game to showcase that leg.

08-02-2005, 07:23 AM	#13
Play2win Ring of Famer Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 9,611 Adopt-a-Bronco: The Duke	I think SourBuns could turn into one of our best offseason acquisitions.

08-02-2005, 06:03 PM	#15
Raiders Rock The Darkside RaidersKickAss.com Join Date: Oct 2001 Posts: 4,571	A good punter is a position overlooked by many NFL teams I watched that guy punt when he was at Carolina, he is one of the elite punters in the NFL, but we have one of them too in Lech

08-02-2005, 08:59 PM	#20
footstepsfrom#27 helmet to helmet hitter Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Arlington, TX Posts: 16,126 Adopt-a-Bronco: Joe Mays	I'm thinking Ernster may be to valuable to outright get rid of but to much of a luxury to keep on the game roster. He looks like insurance in case Sauerbrun pulls a Sauerbrun at some point this year. If we waive him late, teams know he stuck with a pro bowler deep into camp and somebody picks him up...but if we waive him early in the first round of cuts, maybe we can bring him back as a PS guy...with the understanding he's one DUI or bar fight away from playing time. I can't see saving a roster spot for an extra punter so if we're going to wind up cutting him anyway, let's do it soon so we got a better chance of retaining his rights.

08-02-2005, 09:44 PM	#25
footstepsfrom#27 helmet to helmet hitter Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Arlington, TX Posts: 16,126 Adopt-a-Bronco: Joe Mays	SoCal...I'd hate to see just 2 QB's...and I hope Paymah has something they like enough to keep him too...so maybe IR is the best route. Then again...I hate watching Elam kickoff to the 10 and give them the ball at the 35 time and again. How come a guy who kicked a 64 yard FG can't hit the end zone consistently? What HAS become of Luther? Haven't heard any injury reports...as far as that goes...where is D Davis? It's looking like neither one makes it.