Broncos preseason: Could Spencer Lanning earn roster spot?
By Tylor Walden
May 26, 2015; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns punter Spencer Lanning (5) during organized team activities at the Cleveland Browns training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Just when you thought Britton Colquitt could be safe with the departure of Karl Schmitz, Spencer Lanning could spoil his spot on the roster. The veteran punter who joined the Denver Broncos on waivers joined the team at camp on Monday. And did Spencer Lanning make an impression.
Special teams was a huge issue for the Denver Broncos in last Friday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks. The team could not cover and the kickers themselves were not exactly booming the football into the back of the end zone on kickoffs. In fact, the Broncos kickers had seven kickoffs and only one was a touchback.
However, in practice on Monday, Spencer Lanning made his presence known on kickoffs. After what appeared to be a horrible kick on his first one, Spencer Lanning shook off whatever nerves he had and did excellent on kickoffs. So, hold the phone Britton Colquitt. You may not be out of the woods just yet.
Lanning impressive on kickoffs (minus first one).
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) August 17, 2015
If Spencer Lanning can take what he has done in practice and apply it against the Houston Texans, Spencer Lanning could be on the inside track to make the roster, not to mention take away two jobs. While Brandon McManus could be safe due to his strong leg and solid performance on field goals last Friday, Britton Colquitt is a different story.
If Spencer Lanning makes the roster, it will be for two reasons. The first reason is his ability to kickoff and do it well. The second reason as to why he could make the roster is to Britton Colquitt struggling on punting itself. Britton Colquitt does carry a better average career wise than Spencer Lanning. However, if Britton Colquitt continues to struggle like he did the last two years, the Broncos would release him without question.
The punting competition will get very interesting here. But, in my opinion, if Colquitt struggles, the team would probably be better off just going with two kickers on the roster with a punter that can kickoff and do it well.