Matt Prater’s performance against the Chicago Bears — including a 59-yard field goal to tie the game and send it to overtime, and a 51-yard game-winner in the extra frame — has earned plenty of fanfare.
It made Broncos TV’s Top 10 plays of the season, the Chicago comeback as a whole won the GMC Never-Say-Never Moment of the Year, and last night Prater took home yet another award.
His two clutch, 50-plus-yard kicks were nominated for the Top Professional Moment in the Denver Sports Top 9 Moments, presented by Bank of the West. The moments are designed to celebrate the best of sports in Colorado from 2011.
In an awards ceremony held downtown at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House on March 1, Prater took home the award ahead of teammate Tim Tebow’s 20-yard, game-winning touchdown run against the New York Jets, and Colorado Rockies slugger Jason Giambi’s three-home run, seven-RBI performance against the Phillies.
Prater wasn’t in attendance to accept the award, so his holder — punter Britton Colquitt — did so on his behalf.
-Gray Caldwell
Tags: Chicago Bears, Matt Prater
by Tom James, CBSSports.com
Colts owner Jim Irsay and QB Peyton Manning both remain open to Manning staying with the team under a restructured contract, but difficult dynamics are involved, a source told the Indianapolis Star on Thursday. “It’s not that either side doesn’t want it to work out (in Indianapolis),’’ the source said. “It’s almost a perfect storm working against that.’’
TRB Im just glad to see that hes on the radar. I wonder how serious theyll be about trying to get him.
You just seem a little quick on the trigger at times.. Just an observation, not an attack..
Alaskan, True but saying things like “It doesn’t make sense” … doesn’t help your case Alaskan. Everything makes sense until it doesn’t … just one of the many possibilities that this world offers. For a player of Mannings caliber it makes sense for everyone with a brady or a rodgers to consider him and i believe the 9ers will as well … whether they pull the trigger is irrelevant … the numbers may not add up … the point is … its a possible scenario … much like Mario to Denver … as unlikely as i believe it is (still kinda do) won’t shoot it down or say “it doesn’t make sense” … just a thought.
TRB
withOUT a brady or a rodgers*
Elway did say “pull the trigger”, but he was talking to Tebow..
If the saints get moss … i wonder what that means for Colston who is set to be an FA and wasn’t tagged.
TRB
To me it doesnt make sense. They were able to do just fine with a par QB. So to me it doesnt make sense why they would go out and spend money on an aging QB when their par QB with no real weapons was able to get them so close.
My question is why spend 15 mil give or take on a QB coming off a serious injury and only a few years left when they can win with Smith as they did who will cost a lot less than 15 mil and use the money to build and add around him. Much like Denver is doing with Tebow.
Again, I’m not saying it will happen, I brought it up as a scenerio that would help our cause for a possible trade for draft postion.. They need a WR either way, but if they went all in with Manning, they would have a sense of urgency and would be more willing to over pay for a WR like Hill..
If you’re asking me why they would do it, it’s simple.. They haven’t been to the Super Bowl in 22 years, ironically enough when they killed us, so it’s not easy to get to the big game obviously.. They have had years of sub par football, and the stars have seemed to suddenly align for them lately, with a great defense, and great run game.. In the NFC, you have Brees, Rodgers, and Eli.. Alex Smith had one OK year to follow years of disappointment, you simply dont know which Smith shows up next year, and you don’t get chances like this often, sometimes you have to move the chips to the middle of the table…
Too add onto that OT Manning could come in and teach Smith a little more. I do get were you are coming from in saying Manning to SF. Im saying i just dont see it happening because they got so close with a par QB. Who knows what he will be like next year. Same with Manning. I think that they have more urgency to get a WR with Smith than Manning because Manning can make the worst WRs look good. Smith needs to WR help.
Dont think i dont get were you are coming from about it. I think Harbaugh will stick with Smith and continue to buold around him.
Whatever team that does get Manning will be very lucky. If the have good pieces around he can make them become a SB contending team. Not only that if they have a young QB they will be getting some good learning chance. Manning help Painter improve…..A little not a whole lot….But Manning will be a very good mentor to a younger QB.
…things getting about to be shifted with Peyton’s move.
saw this list of the Top 100 FAs:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=AoVisLOW9lQCXF2MHaT_uTlDubYF?slug=pfw-20120305_pfws_top_100_free_agents
I like Williams, Grubbs, Carr, and Colston
As long as Manning stays out of the AFC, I’m cool with it.. Btw, I don’t think I’ve ever talked this much about the 49ers in my life…. Yuck! LOL!
Catch y’all mañana
I want to see him go to the Redskins. Him vs Eli twice a year.
That wouldn’t be bad. Shanny deserves a QB..
Later AB, hold it down my man
Love that OrangeTsunami, Shanny and Manny
Tsunami, the Niners won a superbowl with Steve Young playing QB…
If the broncos got to choose the first player from each position, my choices would be:
QB: Robert Griffin III, Baylor
RB: Trent Richardson, Alabama
WR: Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State
TE: Coby Fleener, Stanford
OT: Matt Kalil, USC
OG: David DeCastro, Stanford
C: Peter Konz, Wisconsin
DE: Quinton Coples, North Carolina
DT: Dontari Poe, Memphis
OLB: Melvin Ingram, South Carolina
ILB: Luke Kuechely, Boston College
S: Mark Barron, Alabama
CB: Morris Claibourne, LSU
My choice for the broncos at pick 25, if he is available, is Memphis DT Dontari Poe. The guy is a 345 lb. beast. Yes, he is meant for the 3-4, but so was Von Miller. I really hope that he will be available.
sndvl, its been a long time
Looking over that list, one name in particular stood out to me…
100. Jarrett Bush
CB | Green Bay Packers
Age: 28 | FA Type: Unrestricted
Bush has no peers when it comes to special-teams gunners. In addition, he was the most physical of the Packers’ DBs last season. Considered one the hardest workers on the team, the extremely committed Bush has developed into a decent blitzer from the slot and is a very good tackler. He has ideal size and a defensive temperament and could attract more interest on the open market than one might suspect.
analysis of each choice:
QB: RG3 is, in my opinion, better than Luck. To me, Luck looks like a potential bust. before people get on me for saying that, let me explain. Leaf looked like a cant-miss player, Luck is a can’t-miss player. both come with high pedigrees and both were excellent in college. even if Luck is as good as advertised, Griffin looks better. Griffin threw the best deep ball in college football, can stand in the pocket, can move around, keeps eyes downfield, and has the ability to run. RG3 is better.
RB: No comment. Trent Richardson is the best. PERIOD.
WR: Blackmon runs great routes, has great hands, and underrated speed. he wont blow the top off of defenses, but as he said, he has never been caught from behind.
TE: Fleener is not a great TE. he has the potential to be great, but this years Tight End class is not very deep.
OT: Reiff is close, Martin is close, but the brother of all-pro center Ryan Kalil is the best in a deep class of Offensive Tackles.
OG: Most of the time, guards dont get chosen in the first round. not only is Decastro being considered for round one, he is being considered for top-fifteen. #1 hands-down.
C: Center is one of the closest positions in this years draft. KonI hear the experts say that he is the best, so he is the best.
DE: Coples has some motor issues, but I think that he will fix them. Even if he doesnt, Haynseworth has never been a high-motor player, but he has had several great years.
DT: Poe is talked about above.
OLB: Ingram is just like Coples except with a high motor
ILB: Kuechely is a tackling machine and would become the Ray Lewis, Patrick Willis type of guy.
S: Barron will be a great Safety
CB: cornerback is one of the deepest positions in the draft and Claibourne is the best, although Janoris Jenkins without the character issues would make a very close race of it.
OT dont worry ill hold it down. Shoot down everyone else opinions LOL
I like Soliai, Williams, Carr, Landry, Ward, Hillis as some FAs. Some of them will be real cheap. Williams being to most expensive.
Hows everyone doing tonight?
I read somewhere that Miami NT Paul Soliai would be a good fit in Denver as well. two massive DTs in the middle of our line will allow no one to run up the middle and also provide the middle of the line pass rush that Del Rio loves. wit them providing middle rush, Super Mario and Doom providing edge rush, and Miller blitzing would prove devastating for offensive lines. how can one center block a 360 pound defensive tackle without help, a guard blocking another 350 pounder, two speed rushers providing fits for the other guard and the LT, and Von burning the RT would result in a quarterback being flattened by five beasts. Imagine next year a rematch with the Pats: Brady. Getting. Flattened. or even better, Kyle Orton on the bottom of that. now that would be a laugher.
As you can see alaskan, I am doing just fine tonight. no homework, no chores, just broncos. though i think im done for the night. going to ask mamma for a movie.
Just better not let her see this comment
Where do you get the second 350 pounder? Soliai is 360 i believe. I dont know where your getting the second guy.
What up Bloggosphere…. Just back from a cattle auction (bought 192 calves)… read the blog… blah… anyone know where a guy can get a cyber muzzle?
I’ve been saying my Daily ‘Bring Mario to Denver Prayer’ then I kick my dog just for good luck…
anyway… nothing new really to discuss… Peyton won’t change much on the field next year… he would be more affective in a run based offense that would allow him to play action and own D’s… Doesn’t matter, he won’t play like he did before if he plays at all…
I’m off to shoot pool… practice practice practice
VON TEBOW FOOTBALL 2012!!!! O’YEAH!!!
Turtle i was actually just about to ask about where youve been. lol.
Doom Bunk Soliai Williams. What a great front four!!!! Come on Denver DO IT!!!!
http://blogs.nfl.com/2012/03/07/san-francisco-wont-pursue-manning/
This one is for OT. Lol.
Who thinks Manning will be released and signed in the same day? lol
Broncos to attend Dre Kirkpatricks’ pro day…
http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_20115083/broncos-keeping-an-eye-alabama-cornerback-dre-kirkpatrick
LOL – Mike Mayock speaks and walterfootball reacts.
Fletcher Cox now listed as Eagles #15 selection on their mock draft.
No change with Broncos as they have Devon Still listed at #25 selection. (Rd #1).
Who ever takes Manning is taking a ticking time bomb that is going to cost them a bunch of money.
No shocker there rbf1 … they said if kirk is there at 25 he is theres … no ifs ands or buts … but not enough to trade up for him. If we can get Brandon Carr and Kirkpatrick … i wouldn’t be worried about CB after champ is gone (still got chris harris).
Walter really does listen to mayock … mayock said the same about Still to us at 25 andwalter adjusted … it was about tim ehe adjusted tho after finding out the Franchise tags and peyton getting cut.
TRB
weatherman its worth it for a shot at the superbowl … which manning is a legitamate threat for EVERY YEAR. You may only get 1 or 2 years out of him but they will be good ones and u will have time to build without worrying about being fired lol
TRB
That very well may be true TRB, but what I am speaking of he may not make it through one year, let alone 2 or 3. One hit and his head bouncing off the truf, and he is done. His neck has been fused, and what I have been reading on it and hearing from the doctors, he is taking one huge chance getting back on the field. They will clear him to play football, but he is doing it on his own, without their blessings.
Ive heard the same about him … one things for sure … i don’t think he will be signing to a teams with an avg oline lol
TRB
Do you know why luck will fail and the colts will be the bottom dwellers for years? Because the colts freaking suck … Manning WAS the team … like 13 and 3 every season, he leaves for one and they go almost winless. The team is pure trash … not like Eli’s team that is super stacked. And thats partly because for the past 14 years or so, Mannign has been taking them into the playoffs with a stellar record. They haven’t had a good pick in a long time and it shows in that teams talent. Luck is about to come into a team that believes its alot better set up than it is. Lucks supporting cast will be bad. And not unless he is superman, he will struggle for like 3 years. I believe reggie wayne is leaving and Garcon may not come back as well. Man might not even have weapons. Colts fans need to be ready for the rebuild. And this will not be a Bradford scenario where his rookie year was good with a bad team … NFC west has nothing … AFC south on the other hand is alot tougher. In his sophmore year Bradford had to deal with a real divisional contender (San Fran) and thats part of why they stunk … no gimme wins.
TRB
Just goes to show what happens when you put all of your eggs in one basket. The Colts did, and when that egg broke, they fell apart. To bad they couldn’t put Humpty Dumpty back together again!
As article at DP mentions, 4.5 in man to man isn’t great, especially if you get caught on your heels. (Kirkpatrick may have a better outing today).
Yeah TRB.. just got a kick out of walter as they do follow the “draftologist” religiously. Of course I like to read walter in addition to a couple of others.
I agree TRB………a good team should be able to compete, even if its star goes down. That’s why the Patriots went 11-5 under Cassel and without Brady……….cause the team itself was solid. When a franchise tanks cause of one player like that, then they are just a garbage team.
One thing that really got exposed was the horrible D. Without Payton on the field to score a bunch of points and cover up the bad D, they were exposed bigtime.
If you really think about it, as far as Luck and RGIII are concerned, they are no different than Tebow coming into the NFL. Look what Tebow had at Florida, completing over 60% of his passes, and the team running like crazy. It all depends on the supporting cast, and how well they work together. It took Tebow a couple of years to get it together with his receivers and running backs at Florida, just as it did for Luck and RGIII. It will be no different for them moving into the NFL.
and TT is still trying to get it together 2 years in……….lol
Morning Bronco Land… As i stated in a earlier blog about our FO being aggressive and bring Peyton in for 2-3yrs and nourish TT.. I heard ESPN Adam Sheftner stating that denver is a possibility for Peyton to come in and slow Tebowmania.
Athough Mannings’ had a great career, he’s now damaged goods. A 35/36 yr old QB with multiple surgeries to his neck for nerve damage.. not good. I wouldn’t expect him to make much of an impact, much less complete a full season.
I don’t believe the Colts would’ve given up on a QB that took them to Super Bowl twice, that easily. I don’t doubt the competitor in Manning, and if he can overcome, he will. I just don’t see it happening.
Congrats to the Colts.. as they won the “suck for Luck” sweepstakes.
Interesting.. The fact that if the colts would’ve beaten the Jaguars to end the season then the colts would not have #1 pick and not pick Andrew Luck..
Morning all,
Interesting Manning stuff (with a dash of RG3) at the broncos forum.
http://forums.denverbroncos.com/showthread.php?p=4299519#post4299519
Yeah, Tebow did well considering he hasn’t had an offseason with the Broncos organization going into his third season in the NFL. lol.
nice article aj … yea heard alot of people say one hit and peyton could be paralized … thats heavy and dunno what he feels he has left to prove.
TRB
Hey TRB,
Off season blah! No BFE since the apology? Hope he doesn’t get so embarrassed he doesn’t come back.
Think Von Miller will have the sophomore slumps?
Wish greatness would pop in with some insider stuff.