Special teams coordinator Mike Priefer stopped to talk with the media on his way off the field following the club’s afternoon practice on Thursday, and the eight-year NFL coaching veteran used the opportunity to address a wide range of questions regarding his unit.
Without hesitation, Priefer made it clear that he has high expectations for his special teams playmakers this season.
“Like I told the guys the first meeting we had back in the spring with our full team,” Priefer said. “Part of our philosophy is that we want to be the most feared special teams unit in the NFL.”
Extremely familiar with the landscape of the AFC West after spending the last three seasons as Kansas City’s special teams coordinator, Priefer labeled San Diego’s special teams unit as tops in the division.
But he believes that the players who comprise his unit can compete with the Chargers as the class of the division if they display a number of attributes.
“We need to be tough, we have to be disciplined,” Priefer said. “We have to have great effort and play with great enthusiasm. And if we’ve got those things, plus the tools with the people that we have, I think we have an opportunity to get a lot better.”
Royal Still in the Mix
Throughout the course of training camp, Eddie Royal was routinely positioned back deep, returning punts. While he has not been used on special teams yet this preseason, Priefer would still like to get the speedy second-year player involved with the unit this season.
“I would hope so,” Priefer said. “I just think he is involved in so much on offense that we have to make sure we are keeping an eye on that and how many reps he is getting. If he could do all of it, I’d be jumping on the table. But I was told when we interviewed back in January that Eddie would not be doing as much as he’s done here in the past, which I understand.”
Preseason Evaluations
After watching Brett Kern and Britton Colquitt battle at punter, Priefer said he believes both have futures in the NFL, calling the race at the position “pretty neck and neck.”
Kicker Matt Prater has drawn rave reviews from Priefer, too. Priefer was impressed with Prater last year as he watched him from the Kansas City sideline, and he thinks Prater will only continue to improve — like any young player — as he gets more comfortable with the NFL game.
“I think he’s got a lot of tools and he’s only getting better,” Priefer said. “He gotten stronger, he’s got a great work ethic. He’s a good kid, he wants to get better. He knows his craft. For a young guy, he’s only going to continue and get better.”
QUICK HITS:
– Zach Eisendrath, DenverBroncos.com
Here are some more pictures from Thursday’s practice session:
Tags: Chicago Bears, Preseason, Special Teams Coordinator Mike Priefer
I’m iffy about Oldenburg. Erickson should make it. McChesney has a shot.
bkl274957, I know, I’m getting thirsty for that pitcher of beer and surround sound in the bar. Man I missed football. Preseason or not, this has a regular season feel about it (at least while the 1st stringers are playing). I’m concerned about when Brandstater and Martin get in there. Martin hasn’t learned enough yet and Brandstater just doesn’t look ready. When they start, it could get ugly. Denver’s 1st stringers need to put up some points and give Denver some room. It will help Brandstater to get some experience, regardless. I just want to beat Chicago and put a dent in Cutler’s armor.
Thanks for the link DD. Good article… confirming the kaos in the Black Hole. ha ha !!! Like what I read over at DP about our Defense. I’m sure most of you saw the avg yards given up so far during pre-season. It is pre-season but still an encouraging sign.
Orton is up for this game will be hitting on all eight cylinders. Hope the D makes Cutlers return a miserable outing for him… don’t wish him any harm but I hope we frustrate him, force him to throw into double coverage, and would love to see him get sacked a few times. We will need to contain his ability to get outside the pocket. Orton knows the Bears defense, and they know his tendencies. Bears will be blitzing him, so two TE formation and shotgun give him time to make quick throws.
Agree with you broncomania56 and DD, this game has the feel of a regular season game! This nationally televised game will draw a large audience tonight.
GO BRONCOS !!!
great article by Norman Chad on Sports Illustrated I reccomend you read it especially the cutler part ha ha
y iffy about oldenburg?
article called couch slouch on nfl qb’s
Oldenburg is 3rd string. He is fighting for a spot. He was with the Pats on the practice squad but still a Pat. You would think he would be ahead of others in his position. He is on the bubble, I think.
I dunno, McD seems to favor his pats. So if its between a pat and another back up I say pat wins. Anyway, I jsut wanna see out final 52 man roster…..tired of all the names…to many random names. Looking forward to the game tonight, just luv watching some bronco football.
ya he wasnt on the pats. long though what u mean on the bubble lol?
It means he is on the bubble. He could roll either way. He may or may not make it. Iffy. 50/50 chance. Not a sure shot. Riding the rail. (Sorry, I was on a roll, ha, ha)
This is going to be tonight’s game biggest stat;
DUMERVIL- SACK
D J WILLIAMS- SACK
DAWKINS- SACK
PETERSON- SACK
A DAVIS- SACK
and just for the even 6-pack
DUMERVIL- 2nd SACK
ORANGE CRUSH 3-4 DOMINATES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I don’t know who you guys’s favorite broncos are, and i know i always talk about marshall and my NAME has quite a bit to do with him, but i have to say DUMERVIL is my favorite. at least on D. He always is awesome, and if you pronounce it the way i do, it means doom on the other team
I havent see any cuts, and i think we need to cut six more people my tuesday
I say on the D mine is D.J.Williams and on O its Eddie Royal
3 hours until the stomp down begins, but I’m getting a headache watching the clock. GO BRONCOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Doom is a good choice. Mine is Royal. Class act. I also have a great, great deal of respect for Brian Dawkins and Champ Bailey. Another pair of class acts.
does anyone think vernon fox will make the team
Do you guys think we’ll retire champs number? i guess it half depends if he stays awhile
He could, but I would like it if we didn’t, just because that would be kind of reassuring that our defense would be better. I like vernon, but he isn’t quite the best
and how many players does anyone see us carrying at each position because i am finding some cuts really hard
They haven’t retired Davis’ jersey yet sooo….I doubt they retire Champs.
I still wish we kept selvin young. Why did we get rid of him? Not good enough? He was plenty fast…
I totally agree with you Marshallman-15 and Ryan Torain Too.
McDaniels will claim O’connel off waivers you’ll see. O’connell is a bright young quarterback with a live arm, to be honest I thought he was going to be the heir for the 33 year old brady. It would be a good move
I have a lot of favorite Broncos so im just going to list them.
E. Royal B. Dawkins
D. Williams T. Sheffler
E.Domervil (sorry if i spelled wrong)
C. Bailey
B. Stokely
Exicted for the Game. Lets destroy Cutler and bury his Broncos Jersey after the game GO BRONCOS!!!!
favourite broncos
E.Royal
Brian Dawkins
Champ Bailey
Knowshon Moreno
Robert Ayers