Broncos punting competition too close to call

[dragondawg]

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/puntin...ncos_call.html

[FireFly]

truth is, at game time they both seem much of a much. I'd be as comfortable with either one at this point.

Where is really wish we had have had some competition is as place kicker. I have no doubt Prater has the physical tools, but I just wonder if he's going to ever be clutch

[The MVPlaya]

Originally Posted by bmcl2343

truth is, at game time they both seem much of a much. I'd be as comfortable with either one at this point.

Where is really wish we had have had some competition is as place kicker. I have no doubt Prater has the physical tools, but I just wonder if he's going to ever be clutch

The only way to find out is for him to kick in those clutch situations...

otherwise you will never know, and he'll never have experience to do so.

[FireFly]

Originally Posted by The MVPlaya

The only way to find out is for him to kick in those clutch situations...

otherwise you will never know, and he'll never have experience to do so.

That's right. But how is that any different from determining which is the better punter?

I think Prater could be OK, but my point is, if we're going to have competition I would have rathered to see it at PK.

[tsiguy96]

shanny prolly wanted to show confidence in his kicker ala gerrard style. get rid of the competition and believe in waht you got and it may pay off in spades.

[cutthemdown]

whoever punts first in the 3rd preseason game will be the winner IMO.

[Drek]

Originally Posted by bmcl2343

That's right. But how is that any different from determining which is the better punter?

I think Prater could be OK, but my point is, if we're going to have competition I would have rathered to see it at PK.

I think its more that the competition we lined up was unimpressive, so there was no point to even keep them around.

Now if a team like say, Seattle, was to cut one of Cantu or Mare, well, then we'd have an alternative should Prater struggle. Kickers aren't like real position players, they don't need to know much in the way of plays or even get a familiarity with the snapper. A holder sets it up for them and they just kick. As long as you don't have a spoiled kicker who is used to closed domes they're pretty interchangeable.

[Beantown Bronco]

As long as the winner doesn't pull an Ernster and suck balls once they no longer have the competition breathing down their neck, I'll be happy. Both of them are kicking the hell out of the ball right now.