Having done this drill more than 20 times, I have a set routine for the early days of training camp.
I usually write about the sexy positions first. Quarterback. Tailback. Wideout. The team sack leader maybe.
Not this year.
I’m pretty sure Jay Cutler will be just fine, and, one way or another, the Broncos’ running game will be its usual productive self.
It’s the kicking game that Broncos fans ought to be concerned about. Thus, yesterday’s blog about kicker Matt Prater and today’s dispatch regarding punters Sam Paulescu and Brett Kern.
Trust me, the kicking game will emerge as a major story this season. Given the state of their roster compared to the big, bad Chargers, the Broncos can’t afford to be missing field goals and coming up short when they flip the field with a punt.
Paulescu enters camp as the starter. His credentials? He was cut by the Cowboys a year ago, then spent two games with the CFL’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers before hooking on with the Broncos for their season finale.
Kern, meanwhile, is an undrafted rookie who was a third-team all-American at Toledo. He finished second in the nation last year with a 46.1-yard gross punting average.
Is either one the answer? I’ll have to get back to you in October or November on that one.
Follow Jim Armstrong’s daily sports commentaries on The Jimmy Page midday during the week. And read his columns on Sundays at .
He can be reached at 303-954-1269 or jmarmstrong@denverpost.com.
