Broncos Roster: Should Brandon McManus Get The Ax?
By Tylor Walden
Nov 23, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos kicker Brandon McManus (8) and Denver Broncos punter Britton Colquitt (4) following a missed thirty two yard field goal attempt in the third quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
The Denver Broncos have an interesting situation when their kickers are involved. The team has two placekickers and two punters on the roster. According to Gary Kubiak, there is an almost certainty that the team will only hold two spots. In my opinion, I do not see Brandon McManus being one of the two players.
Brandon McManus was brought to Denver to help out the team while Matt Prater served his suspension. The Broncos apparently saw enough and were confident in Brandon McManus that they decided to part ways with their long time kicker. Prater was nearly perfect in 2013 on field goals, which included an NFL record 64 yarder against the Tennessee Titans.
So far, it seems like the transition has gone well for the Broncos. Brandon McManus has not been the kicker the team has hoped that he would be. He went 9-for-13 on field goals, which in the league today is unheard of. The four misses he had looked horrendous, either missing by a wide margin or hitting the uprights.
33-yard PATs/FGs ... Connor Barth 5-5 last season. Brandon McManus 2-3.
— Jon Heath (@ByJonHeath) May 19, 2015
Meanwhile, Karl Schmitz is 1-1 on 70-yarders on YouTube.
The Broncos decided to release Brandon McManus ahead of the team’s Week 13 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs and signed Connor Barth. However, the team decided to bring back Brandon McManus due to Barth’s inefficient kickoff power and signed him solely to kick off the football.
It would be wise for the Denver Broncos to not use three spots for three different kickers. While Brandon McManus has a great ability to kick off, it would be wise for the Broncos to not keep him on the active roster. Especially if Karl Schmitz can prove himself punting and on kickoffs.
It would not be the worst idea to have Brandon McManus on the practice squad and help build up his abilities on the field goals. But for the time being, it is very difficult for me to see Brandon McManus on the roster in 2015.