Take a few steps back, then a few steps over. Raise one finger, with both eyes on the tee.
When Matt Prater lines up for a kickoff, it may look like he’s trying to kick the stuffing out of the ball. For Prater, that’s not necessarily the case.
“I don’t really think about it,” Prater said. “I just go out and try to hit it pretty solid. Don’t try to kill it but hit it pretty clean and get it down and give the guys a good opportunity to cover it.”
Through three games this season, Prater has been doing just that. Of his 15 kickoffs in 2009, 13 have landed in the end zone and seven have gone for touchbacks.
Opponents are starting on average at their own 20-yard line — 20.6 to be exact. That AFC-leading mark by Prater and the coverage team has aided the Broncos’ defense in their rise to a No. 1 ranking entering Sunday’s matchup with the Cowboys.
While Prater was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Month for September, he was quick to credit his teammates’ role in receiving that award.
“Our kickoff team has been doing an awesome job covering the kicks, keeping them inside the 20 for the most part,” Prater said. “It helps out the defense just off percentages on drive starts for opposing offenses.”
Knowing those percentages reveals a small piece of the sharpness cultivated under new special teams coordinator Mike Priefer.
Priefer arrived in Denver with a reputation for building tenacious units. In his seven years of coaching, his teams have blocked 14 kicks, while returning seven for touchdowns.
That success has continued this season thanks to an emphasis on looking ahead.
“He’s done a ton,” Prater said of Priefer. “I couldn’t think of just one or two things. I think a big thing he helps with is the mental part of it — just staying positive and learning from every kick. The most important kick is the next one.”
INJURY UPDATE
There were two Friday changes to the Broncos’ Week 4 Injury Report. After limited participation in Thursday’s session, Peyton Hillis (head) practiced on Friday with full participation. Kenny McKinley (illness), who did not participate in Thursday’s practice, was also a full participant in Friday’s practice. Both are probable for Sunday’s game.
The Cowboys had one change on their injury report. After not participating on Thursday, T Flozell Adams had full participation on Friday and is probable.
Here are some photos from the start of Friday’s practice, including Daniel Graham wearing pink gloves in support of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
– Chris Gentilviso, DenverBroncos.com
Tags: Dallas Cowboys, Matt Prater, Mike Priefer, Week 4
Baylinor and Doc, the site was switching from a temporary website address that us writers were using to the proper http://www.fanhuddle.com address. It caused a lot of info to get lost. Try it again. A friend of mine, here in Vegas, signed up (her very 1st blog, ever) and it worked. TRB signed up and so did Broncos#80. Sorry for the trouble. Give ‘er the ole college try.
Sorry, meant Baylinor and Cutlersucks8. Man, I was up all night doing internal things at the site and my Fan Huddle email address. I still have to write an article for Sundays blog. Drop in before gametime and it will be up.
Hey Fellow Broncomaniacs,
I recently moved back to Las Vegas and am looking for some fellow fans to hang out with and watch the games with. Thinking of going to tht 4 mile bar for the cowboys. Any chance of meeting a few of my fellow broncomaniacs there?
I am very delighted what Coach McD and Nolan have done with our Defense. We are flying to the ball and attacking .I love it!!!!
Hoping that Royal can get more involved with the offense, but glad to see b-marsh getting more involved.
Well hope to see a few of you on Sunday over at 4 mile. I’ll be wearing my T.D. jersey as I have burned my cutler jersey and am still waiting on my new Royal jersey. Later all, Gene
Tried & True, Still Bleed Orange & Blue
GO BRONCOS!!!!!!!
hours away,,,I have great respect for Coach McDaniels. the way he runs his practices,,involving himself in the drills..very active coaching..
Here’s a sunday morning coffee toast to out warriors from the west! Protect them and their families as these players grace the field of battle! Shall their unwaivering and skillful play be the rod to another victory! 60 minutes of blood and sweat is all that stands between 3-1 and 4-0!
Salute!
GO GET EM’ BOYS!
D Day, in more ways than one!
Remember guys, it isn’t which team has the most talent, it’s which team plays the best together. That’s why the Steelers won it all last year, then started 1-2. Same with the Cardinals. If the team that had the most talent won it every year, then the San Diego Chargers would’ve won it the last three years. And, as a last example, the Green Bay Packers went 6-10 last year, which was really surprising for me.
We’ve just got to prove why we are ranked the number ONE defense, and while we are at it, lets improve to the best offense.
Romo is the most Hot/Cold player in the league.
I expect him to have a cold day today.