Interviewing Casey Kreiter: The forgotten man of Denver’s special team’s trio

Life as a Denver Bronco

Casey is going into his fifth season in the league and his third with the Broncos. He understands the expectations that fans have in Denver, and he is excited for 2018 to begin.

"I am just excited to get back on the field. We weren’t satisfied with what happened last year. You have fun in the offseason and the offseason is long, but you start getting the itch to get back on the field and competing again. Excited to get back out there and watch it turn around from last year."

This is a common theme from many of the Broncos. Excitement for the new year, and excitement to move on from last year. Denver had the talent and put in the work, but the results on Sundays didn’t reflect this often enough.

"I think the hard part about last year is that you put the work in every single week. I would be lying if I said we weren’t working every single week to turn it around. The things that happen on Sunday happen. The hard part is trying to gear yourself up. You just have to tackle it every week. I hate saying this, but you’re going to have games like that and years like that. You just can’t get discouraged. You need to trust the process and the organization."

Special Teams Struggles

The Broncos weren’t just struggling as a team, but individually, typically consistent players had off years. One of those is someone Casey is very familiar with, Brandon McManus.

During a field goal, there are three guys who touch the ball, Casey, the holder (last year it was Dixon), and McManus. When the kicker is struggling to put the ball through the uprights, all involved parties must take an introspective look at their performance.

"My big thing is am I setting Brandon up for success? My job is to make sure Brandon is successful. Are my snaps in a good position? Are the laces in the right spot for the holder? Am I getting set up on time?"

Regardless of the down year, Casey has the utmost confidence that McManus’ game will return to Pro-Bowl level this year. He is also excited about the acquisition of punter Marquette King.

"You can’t not be excited to work with a guy with that kind of leg. The plus side is maybe he can teach me a few celebrations."

King is known for his celebrations. Casey, not so much. He did say there are certain situations where he would consider celebrating if he doesn’t get too excited, that is.

Last year against the Redskins, he managed to down a punt within the five-yard line. This is a situation he says he would consider celebrating for. Unfortunately, he didn’t get the chance last year when he made this huge play.

"I did it last year and got so excited and kind of blacked out and didn’t know what I was doing. I have to have some practice and support for some guys on the team [before celebrating on his next big play]."