The job of an NFL place-kicker is stressful. The job of an NFL place-kicker joining a championship contender during the season adds yet another level of stress.
Thus far, Connor Barth has made it look easy. He is 11-for-11 on field-goal attempts in three games since signing with the Broncos before their Nov. 30 game at Kansas City. He replaced Brandon McManus, who was only 9-of-13 on field-goal attempts through 11 games.
And now, Barth is preparing for something new.
“I’ve never been on a team that has gone to the playoffs,” Barth said after practice Friday. “I’ve only experienced one winning season in the NFL. It’s pretty cool being around an organization that wins a lot.”
Coach John Fox is on the Barth bandwagon.
“He hasn’t missed a kick yet, so knock on wood,” Fox said. “He’s fit in well here in the locker room and has done a great job on the field. He’s a guy we do have confidence in.”
Barth suffered an Achilles tendon injury in 2013, and his comeback attempt last summer wasn’t rewarded. He continued working on his kicking while dividing his time between Charlotte, N.C., and Tampa, Fla., until a call for help came from the Broncos.
“Connor Barth has stepped in and made some crucial kicks,” quarterback Peyton Manning said. “I’m not sure one was more crucial than the one he made against San Diego (last weekend) to put us up two scores. That really put more pressure on their offense and led to a turnover.”
Barth remembers what happened as he entered the field for a 49-yard kick in the fourth quarter that put Denver ahead 19-10 on the way to a 22-10 victory.
“He made it pretty clear what he expected,” Barth said of Manning. “He said, ‘You got this.’ When Peyton says you’d better make it, I was happy I was able to put it through.”
Barth, 28, has his own ideas about what is important about kicking.
“Kicking extra points is the best thing because it means you’ve scored a touchdown,” Barth said. “You always want to put points on the board somehow. It can be deflating if you miss a field goal.”
Thus far, his Denver teammates don’t have to think about that.
“You want a good kicker just like you want a good quarterback,” said cornerback Aqib Talib. “It’s crucial.”
Barth has made the most of his late arrival to the team.
“It’s a crazy business at my position,” Barth said. “There aren’t many openings, just 32 spots in the league.”
Irv Moss: 303-954-1296, imoss@denverpost.com or
