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Broncos' Prater ready, willing, able

By Jeff Legwold, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published August 9, 2008 at 5:57 p.m.

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Matt Prater knows his performance will go a long way in his trying to replace Jason Elam as the Brocnos' kicker. "I know what I've done in camp is good and I feel good about it, but I also know I have to make kicks in games to have the team get more trust in me," Prater said.

Photo by David Zalubowski/Associated Press

Matt Prater knows his performance will go a long way in his trying to replace Jason Elam as the Brocnos' kicker. "I know what I've done in camp is good and I feel good about it, but I also know I have to make kicks in games to have the team get more trust in me," Prater said.

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HOUSTON — For the first time in almost a year, Broncos kicker Matt Prater was in uniform and on the field as an NFL team’s No. 1 kicker.

Prater, whose only career field goal came in September with the Falcons, also knows that in many ways, veteran Jason Elam might be gone from the Broncos locker room, but in no way is he forgotten as the team began the preseason against the Texans in Reliant Stadium.

"I know what I've done in camp is good and I feel good about it, but I also know I have to make kicks in games to have the team get more trust in me," Prater said.

Prater hit 45 of his first 49 kicks in camp, a total that included a 68-yard rocket that likely would have cleared the crossbar from beyond 70 yards. He has spent training camp, despite his relative inexperience, unchallenged as the Broncos left him as the only placekicker on the roster when camp started.

"I just wanted to show him he's our guy," is how Broncos coach Mike Shanahan has described it.

"And when he said that it meant a lot to me,” Prater said. “But at the same time, I know you’re only as good as your next kick. You never know what will happen, but I do know that most everybody is looking to see how I do in games. I love having the chance to be the guy and feel part of the team, but I’ve got to perform.”

Prater’s leg strength is the chief reason the Broncos didn’t dive more deeply into the free-agent market for a kicker in the offseason, but he has little game experience. He has appeared in only four games, having attempted four field goals -- all were with Atlanta in September.

WHO'S GOT TICKETS?: Broncos rookie running back Anthony Alridge had plenty of folks in the stands who came to see him Saturday.

Alridge, who played at the University of Houston, said he had at least 10 family members make the drive from Denton, Texas, north of Dallas, and that many people he knew while playing for the Cougars were in Reliant Stadium as well.

“They can’t wait to see me, so, hopefully, I can put on a show,” Alridge said. “I think I’ll be nervous, because it’s my first NFL game. Once I get hit, though, the nerves are gone.”

Alridge, who also a “huge Cowboys fan” growing up, said he quickly has converted family members to the Broncos as well.

"I was a Denton Bronco back home and now I’m a Denver Bronco,” Alridge said.

The Broncos will practice against the Cowboys for two days during the upcoming week -- Wednesday and Thursday.

ETC.: Quarterback Jay Cutler, who has worn a device to measure his blood sugar every minute during practice, said he wasn’t going to wear the device in games. Cutler also wasn't going to wear an insulin pump during games. Saturday was Cutler’s first appearance in the game since being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in the offseason. ... The Broncos will not play wide receiver Brandon Marshall any more than a usual starter would in the preseason, despite the fact Marshall is facing a two- or three-game suspension to start the regular season. As of the close of business Friday, Marshall still hadn't filed his appeal to the NFL offices in New York. ... Cornerback Champ Bailey, who has missed some practice time of late because of a sore hamstring, did a light on-field workout before the game with strength and conditioning coach Rich Tuten. Safety Hamza Abdullah, who has dealt with a groin injury, was one of the players who worked out as well. ... Former Broncos guard/center Chris Myers, who signed a four-year, $11 million deal with the Texans in the offseason, spent time before the game visiting with his former teammates. ... Broncos rookie Spencer Larsen switched his uniform number from 54 to 46, which also signaled his move to fullback as well.

Comments

  • August 9, 2008

    8:12 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    boblarryj writes:

    The Broncos need to get a real kicker. This guy can not kick in game situations. He can not do it. They need to fix this before the season starts.

  • August 10, 2008

    7:25 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    broncofaninatlanta writes:

    Boblarryj -- based on what? The guy played in one game and knew he was only a temporary kicker in Atlanta. Do you see something in his leg swing or his plant that gives you concern? Come on, dude, at least wait until he's played in a real game for us and you actually have something to base your opinion on before you start complaining about him.

  • August 10, 2008

    7:42 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    sdbroncfan writes:

    broncofaninatlanta - You're right on. This guy has a very strong leg for kickoffs as well. That in itselt could win a game this season. Give the guy a chance. He did well last night against the Texans missing only on one attempt - his first. That could have been nerves on the first as a Bronco. Boblarryj - that kind of comment this early in the season doesn't make sense.

  • August 10, 2008

    1:47 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Dynamicdave writes:

    boblarryj, do you really even WATCH the games? Man, you whine.