The team kicked off the first day of 11 days of passing camp on Tuesday, and Matt Prater and Josh Barrett spoke with the media afterward. Here are the highlights of their press sessions.
BARRETT
The second-year safety said this stretch of camps is a little different than the first two mini-camps. The main difference is it feels like they’re starting to be able to play football a little more smoothly instead of learning something new at every turn.
“It’s definitely a more comfortable stage to be in,” he said. “You’re picking up things a lot quicker, there’s not as much lag time between when you learn something and then when you’re able to apply it on the field. So having that, it’s helpful.”
But Barrett said there’s certainly still learning going on. For him and the other defensive backs in particular, some of that learning has come from Brian Dawkins.
“I just try to take in little things,” Barrett said. “You don’t even have to ask questions, but through his actions, through his demeanor you can pretty much pick up on a lot of stuff.”
One of the things the secondary is learning about is bringing a game-time work ethic to practice. Barrett said the defensive secondary talks every day about how unacceptable the number of takeaways was last year. Now they’re taking steps to make sure they force more turnovers and make more game-changing plays in 2009.
“We’ve got drills that are just for stripping the ball, just for working on what we call low-impact angles, where you’re not going to be the guy maybe to make the first hit, but you might be the first guy to be able to get a shot at the ball to get the ball loose,” he explained. “So certain things like that, aggressiveness like that is what we really need to work on.”
Prater’s talking points are after the jump.
PRATER
Prater said he takes last year as a learning experience, and he’ll do certain things this season to make sure his leg doesnt get fatigued by the end of the year. One thing he’ll do is take a few less kicks here and there, from warm-ups to after practice during the week, to try to stay fresh. He has already taken steps this offseason to make sure he’s rejuvenated come the start of the 2009 campaign.
“I took about a month off to try to freshen up my leg and get some of that pop back that I had early in the year and kind of faded off towards the end,” Prater said.
The “pop” seems to be back — he said field goal drills went really well today, even in windy conditions, and he knocked them through the uprights as far back as 62 yards.
That’s a good thing heading into this round of camps, and with training camp around the corner, Prater has shown the coaches enough that there hasn’t been a kicker brought in to compete.
“That just shows me they have confidence in me, as well as I do in myself,” Prater said. “That means a lot, especially with a new head coach in. They brought in a lot of new guys, and they didn’t bring a kicker. So that’s pretty confidence-building for me, and kind of flattering as well.”
Prater said he hasn’t changed his mechanics much — after watching tape he realized that most all of his mistakes were based on fatigue, and some were mental errors like over-compensating for wind. One thing that Special Teams Coordinator Mike Priefer has asked Prater to change is his stance on field goal attempts, however. He wants his body to end up a little more over his front foot and over the ball, “so instead of stepping into the kick I’ll kind of fall into it.”
The kicker said he’s already very comfortable with the new technique, but the transition is being made even easier with the skill and consistency of long snapper Lonie Paxton.
“Every field goal snap he snaps, it makes the holder’s job easier and it makes it easier for me,” Prater explained. “The holder just puts it down — the laces are already there — they just have to put it down and lean it. Punt snaps, too, he gets them back there quick and consistent. I don’t want to jinx him, I should knock on wood, but Coach McDaniels said he hasn’t had a bad snap in nine years. So that’s pretty impressive.”
Those are the main points from today’s media session. We’ll be back with a similar set-up tomorrow, then Thursday’s practice is completely open to the media, so we’ll have coverage ranging from a blog notebook from practice to a Broncos TV piece to video and audio of player interviews. Stay tuned.
-Gray Caldwell, DenverBroncos.com
Tags: Josh Barrett, Matt Prater, Passing Camp
I hope Matt Prayer picks up his game this year. We need him to win us the close ones!
Thanks for the update!
Well that is great news knowing the Defensive plan isn’t so complex that the younger guys can pick up on it easier and quicker. Sounds like a recipe for alot of people being on the same page and making things easier for teamwork to fall into place.
As far as Prater goes, I think the Kid will be a long time Bronco. He is a blessing in Disguise when you look at Elam’s career it is hard to fill shoes that are that big but I believe he can do it.
Thanks for the Update Broncos Country!!!!!!!!!!
I like Prater. Made some mistakes last year but it seems he has learned from them. He should be a solid kicker this year and I believe he will make those 40 yard field goals this time. I also like the fact he can do kickoffs where Elam no longer was doing the kickoffs. Elam was great for us though. He was just getting up there in age and salary.
I’m just happy to know that the secondary is working hard to fix the lack of turnovers from last year. I really believe this years new secondary is going to be the start of something very special for the defense. Also if Prater can be a little more consistent t, great things will be in the works for the team.
I asked you guys a simple question why can’t it be answered?
Why can’t we as fan get still pictures from practice. You folks are not the media, you work for the team. What is the harm in showing us photos of practice?
bronco80, to answer your question earlier, Dwight Howard is the best player in the NBA currently.
I don’t really care about pictures. I’m happy with the info that this site provides us, just keep up the good work.
Im getting even more exicited about this season
Dawkins is like another DB coach and I for one am glad Barrett is being a sponge.
I always liked Prater and was surprised at his drop off last year. Good to know the reason and the solution.
Turnover’s are a big asset to a team. Makes life easier for the offense and the defense.
Love just getting some news
Awesome news from the 2nd year DB. Obviously Dawkins is having that immeadiate effect we all hoped he would in the locker room and on the feild. I think Champ need to have someone else there as well in the secondary to keep the boys on their toes.
Sometimes less is more, and does make it easier for the guys to put into practice during training. Bates tried to change a good thing and then it went down hill from there.
I hope through the training we see presure from the secondary as well.
Prater – Man he promised so much in training and the first half of the season. Good to hear he’s taking precautions to ensure his endurance is right up there. Might need to add in some pilates lol More fleixable you are the quicker the recover and more stress your joints can take.
Bones – I too would like to see some pics or video footage.. or has Dove valley become the new Langley?
Eitherway I cant wiat for the season to start!!!!
GO BRONCOS!!!!
Dr Chris, yeah I pay that, Lebron is probably the most talented player, but Howard is the more complete player, the total package.
SamoanBronco, I guess you didn’t see my question yesterday. I asked if you were from Samoa or a Samoan living in New Zealand, just wondering if you are a sheep shagger haha.
kobe bryant is the most fundamentally sound player to ever play the game….jordan is the best ever…I dont even like bryant and I know that…..billups is a better all around player than howard is
Broncoaussie – LMAO Im a Samoan living in NZ. You follow anything else other than NFL/NBA? Ummm like the Rugby League World Cup? Super 14? Or maybe the Tri Nations? lol Just kidding at the day its the Broncos that matter the most to me with the AB’s a close second.
I would say Howard is the best big man, but lebron best total package and Kobe isnt even being considered in this conversation because hes a little rapist. Magic are up in game 4, bot Howard has gotten his 6th tachnical foul, one more in the playoffs and hes suspended for 1 game, that would take a huge hit to the Magic.
who said they were willing to bet that the Cav’s would win the series?
OT baby!!!!!!
Haha Samoanbronco, funny, you got us in the Rugby league world cup, tri-nations and super 14′s. But what about the tallbacks(basket ball) and the NZ cricket team, All the AB in the Rugby world cup (choke) haha. And if I remember correctly we beat you in the Anzac test in Rugby league recently. Do you follow the State of Origin at all?
Magic win.
Magic win! Magic win! Magic win!
What’s this all about the “Super 14″ and “tallbacks”? haha…
It’s interesting hearing about another country’s sports… cuz you have NO idea what they’re talking about…
Haha funny Broncobailey99, yeah there is a massive rival between New Zealand and Australia. And sports are our battle ground. NZ Vs Aus in any sport is a big thing for us.
SUPER RANDOM QUESTION:… I have a friend from Australia… and he says that no one says “Shrimp on the barbie”… is this true?… because I’ve heard that in refrence to when Australians talk…
Yep that is true, no one cooks shrimp on the barbie it is just gross. One of those things that was soon on USA tv commercials and we get stereotyped because of it. We cook sausages and steak on the BBQ like any normal person.
HAHA… darn… Well thanks for the info, I’ll be sure to tell him that “it is indeed true”
OH… and vegamite is DISGUSTING!!!… I’ve waited since my freshem year (currently a junior) to try it once he told me about it… and BOY… that was not fun for me…
Kicker Matt Prater isn’t to hard to figure out.
Matt Prater’s field goals from 01-09 yards: A+
Matt Prater’s field goals from 10-19 yards: A+
Matt Prater’s field goals from 20-29 yards: A+
Matt Prater’s field goals from 30-39 yards: A+
MATT PRATER’S FIELD GOALS FROM 40-49 YARDS: F
Matt Prater’s field goals from 50-plus yards: A+
hopfully he can bring his game from 40-49 yards this year.
Haha, yeah i am Aussie and I hate vegamite, it is just so bitter. They make it by heating up beer and the alcohol and something else spit and harden forming the vegamite.
ahah… wow…
yea, it looks delicous (like fudge that just needs heated), but taste like a dog food beef that is full of salt… My friend said it’s like mostly yeast…
But yea, no good… no good at all…
Personally… I feel that those kicks were just flukes by Prater… I think he’s way better than that…
Thats it yeast, thats the thing they get which is leftover from brewing beer.
Anyway best aussie foods Lamingtons and pavlova.
MMMMmmm I BET!… don’t know what it is… but I bet it’s GRUB…
I think Prater will make the necessary adjustments and consequently, we’ll be better for it. As for Barrett, what an opportunity he has to learn from two future Hall of Famers on how to perfect his crap. Both the present and future are bright. GO BRONCOS!!!
HAHAHAHA Yeah I know I watched that ANZAC test I thought “Ummmm is this the same team??” hahaha ALl I know about the Tall Blacks is that we made the semifinals at the world champs and thats about it. Cricket??? Damn if only 20/20 was the only game we might have a chance… But I think the under-arm incident says it all. I notice you didn’t mention the netball… lol to tell you the truth I wouldn’t either.
WTF?? PAVALOVA IS NOT AUSSIE FOOD ITS KIWI!!! You can have the Lamington. Damn do you Aussies have to steal everything and call it your own??? lol
Im not a fan of Vegamite either, alhough Marmite is not as bitter, but not much better.
SOO?? HELLLLLL YEAH!!! QUEENSLAND Supporter since 86!!! On paper the QLD team will destroy NSW and they should just go to the pub and drink, but SOO always seems to add a little more to a player, they put on that jersey and all of a sudden their 1/a2 a foot taller.
Guttered they have it on so late…
A question: What(tf) good is this regurgitating of info from press conferences which are already posted on this site??? Just sayin.
Decided to write an artical on Prater. Thanks for the inspiration Grey!
To view the anrtical, use this link:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/184866-praters-problem-an-in-depth-look-at-the-denver-broncos-kicker
I would love feedback.
Thanks in advance!
Jack
LOL you guys are way too funny!! I have a couple of friends from New Zealand that have lived here for 4 years and are now having to move back… really sad but at the same time now I have an excuse to go to NZ!! Probably will be like 50 years before I get over there… got no money!!! Thanks for the laughs though… enjoyed reading the comments, too funny!
Was totally bummed out when Elam left but I think Prater will be much better this next season. Really started to worry towards the end… could make a long FG but couldn’t make a 20-yarder… still waiting to see this 70 yard FG of his too! Can’t wait to see our new defense, hopefully Barrett will be able to contribute alot. He only has 2 of the best leaders to be on the field with (Champ & Dawkins)… hope he takes full advantage of what he has in front of him! Such a golden opportunity!!
With faith…
GO BRONCOS in ’09!!!!
D-unit, for one thing it gives us a place to post comments and not have to sift through 300+ comments at a time, lighten up. I for one am greatfull for this update.
Oh and one more thing I would’ve rather seen Monday Night Raw over any basketball game. HE HE HE!
THANK YOU GRAY.
TIME OF POSSESSION ! ! !
GO BRONCOS ! ! !
Wrestling?… what are you 10?…
PAVALOVA is about as Aussie as it gets haha, as for the netball who cares.
And Yes Queensland supporter since the day I was born, hopeful we destroy NSW and make it 4 series in a row. Our backline with Slater, Hodges, Folau, Lockyer all the big guns will destroy the NSW debuts this year. But going to be fun to watch. I will have all my mates round and have a BBQ and watch the game, it will be Sweet, can’t wait for next Wednesday.
Yeah SOO brings out the best in players. What time do they show it in NZ we get it at 8:30pm.
Dr. Chris and Aussi Bronco Fan you guys are crazy!!!!!!!!! Dwight Howard dissapears in big games and is very good. However, he is a top 10 best player in the league. Lebron and Kobe are twice the overall player than he is. The difference in the Cleveland and Orlando series is the bench. One of Orlando’s bench players scored more than the whole Cleveland bench. With no support it’s amazing that Labron has kept it this close because he really is the whole team. Sorry to burst the bubble but anyone who truly knows basketball knows this. Dwight Howard is no Labron…. He is no Kobe…. He isn’t even a Dwayne Wade. You could argue he is on the level of a Carmelo but healthy I’m not sure he is even as good as him.
I asked for a Dawkins jersey for my birthday come this August. I told my wife if I don’t get it I’m going to divorce her lol
Right on Broncochick1, Lebron and Kobe are on completely different levels then Howard. I will be the first to say though, that I would love to see him in Denver over Kobe and Lebron. He is the most dominating bigman in the game and he is still improving. Kobe is better then Lebron, He is as clutch as you can get, and almost started a comeback in the forth on his own. Lebron is a freak athlete but not clutch! He makes some buzzer beaters, but he could have hit his 2 freethrows which he missed to win the game.
Broncs55 I think I would do the samething lol, watch you get a Hill jersey. I think I would cry first lol.
You guys are making no sense. Did you ever compare MJ to Shaq, or Kobe to Shaq. You cant compare dwight howard to other fowards or guards. Thats like comparing skill position players to line men, it doesnt translate. Howards impact is whats important, not really his skill or talent. If he can alter shots and get rebounds and get about 10 points a game, the magic are tuff to beat. Where in the other hand, kobe, Dwade(my favorite player), and lebron can each put up 40point games and still loose the game.
On a broncos note……
Im happy to see Barret on the team, I thought he got cut last year, I hope this year he can start to make an impact
His leg gets tired? If his leg gets tired he shouldn’t kick less he should get in shape. No i am not a kicker but I ski a lot and if i got tired skiing i need to run and build my strength and endurance. I know skiing isn’t kicking a football it takes much more strenght and endurance. Sorry I shouldn’t rip on Prater he is a good kicker. But really how do you get tired kicking a ball. Linemen have an excuse of getting tired not kickers.
Interesting what they are saying about the new Long Snapper, Paxton. Everyone said that they were crazy to pay him so much but what “should” you pay for that type of consistancy?
Finally some good updates, I look forward to hearing more.
BroncoAussie where in Australia are you from?
Im glad the team is sticking with Prater, you can teach accuracy and consistency, you cant teach distance.. he’ll come around, or at least i have confidence in him.
And the answer Jamesontf- it seems weird but in highschool i played QB, K, and did Kickoffs.. and your leg does get really tired if you kick too much, im no NFL athlete but i can understand it, after half the season i had to limit myself to about a dozen FG’s and half a dozen kickoffs in the week of practice before games
I hope Barrett stays on the team, and i wanna see some of those 60 plus yarders Prater was kicking last year in practice! As much as i love Barrett at safety, it would be awesome to see a player with his speed and strength playing anywhere at linebacker…just a thought.