Another Tuesday brings more moves … including a seismic change on special teams.
Out is Todd Sauerbrun and in is Paul Ernster, marking a reversal of the decision made in August when the Broncos opted for the 13-year veteran Sauerbrun over the 2005 seventh-round draft pick who had held down the punting and kickoff duties throughout 2005 following Sauerbrun’s suspension for violation of the league’s substance-abuse policy.
The Broncos also placed Nick Ferguson on injured reserve, promoted safety Roderick Rogers from the practice squad, and waived safety Marviel Underwood.
Sauerbrun’s gross punting average of 46.8 yards ranked second in the AFC behind Oakland’s Shane Lechler and fifth in the NFL overall. However, his net punting average of 36.1 yards was 10th in the conference and 21st in the league. His discrepancy between gross and net averages of 10.7 yards was also the highest in the league.
Sauerbrun also handled kickoffs.
Ernster — who in 2006 had the highest touchback percentage for a Bronco on kickoffs since the kickoffs were moved back to the 30-yard-line — had a stay in Cleveland earlier this year that can be equated to a layover; he played one game for the Browns in relief of the injured Dave Zastudil before finding himself back on the waiver wire, where he remained until Tuesday.
Underwood signed with the team on Dec. 5 but did not crack the game-day active roster in his two weeks as a Bronco. Underwood had been trying to claw back into the NFL after tearing two knee ligaments in a preseason opener in 2006 while a starter for the Green Bay Packers; he missed that entire season and was waived by the Packers this past summer.
The San Diego State product played under current Broncos assistant head coach/defense Jim Bates as a Packers rookie in 2005. A day after Underwood signed, Bates said the Broncos were “just going to take a look” at Underwood to see where he stood and whether he could help, but the safety never made it out of a warmup suit on the two game days that followed.
What do you think of the moves? Comment below …
Tags: Marviel Underwood, Nick Ferguson, Paul Ernster, Roderick Rogers, Todd Sauerbrun
I generally like LPP. Some of the stuff he says is over the top, but lots of us post things without thinking once in awhile. To me, LPP is passionate about our Denver Broncos, and that’s all that matters in my eyes. That said, jlalum01, your buffet line is the greatest thing I have ever read. Is that copyrighted, or is it cool with you if we all start using it?
jlalum01,
LPP was responding to me when he made the comment on him coaching us to SB victories. He actually said he’d call plays from Madden 97. Nobody really has to say anything to insult him- just read his posts and anybody could tell he’s a sandwich short of a picnic. He does a good job making himself look stupid. But it’s kinda fun to point out his foolishness.
i never did understand why denver picked odd tood over ernster at the start of the season. i though he must have been in good with the coach, i believe ernster out kicked him in the preseason. i thought he was dumber than a box of rocks. the play that broke the camels back for me was that blocked kick against the bears. he didn’t see the guy standing out there by himself? i’ve seen a lot of kicks blocked but never one when the kicker was completely unaware of a guy stand on the line ready to run him down like a dog. i think if i was kicking i’d be looking out for those kind of possiblilties before the snap. dumber than a box of rocks.
nextyrnvrarrives- How long have you been a fan? Shannahan is a great coach. He is the only coach. The greatest. You realize his 2 super bowls are ours, right? The only 2, that we have ever won. Your “ho-hum” type attituded quote & comparison towards him is almost completely out of line. Pardon me, but”screw” every other coaches super bowl. It don’t matter how many they may have, none of them lead the BRONCOS to a super bowl win, only him. I truly believe that you may owe Mike Shannahan an apology for making such an ungreatful, & frankly, offensive statement. For those of us that have been there through all the incredibly heartbreaking & horribly embarrasing at times, times, but stuck with, & held true to the orange & blue, you sound like you have absolutely no idea how incredibly wonderful it was to finally feel the relief that this man(shannahan) brought to each & every one of us that he delivered. Not to mention, the greatest, Mr. John Elway, himself. “sure, he’s won a couple of super bowls”, you sound like an F’n raider fan, geez what an ascinine & reckless use of words. Sincerely, & respectfully, 4everbronco. Brookings, Or.
wtf kind of punt was that????? holy sh**. and what kind of block was that by henry. i say trade that no good pos for a wr that can get the fu** open. and bring in some great ass line men