Vic Fangio: Bradley Chubb ‘tailor made’ for defense, more from minicamp

DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 30: Outside linebacker Bradley Chubb #55 of the Denver Broncos runs onto the field during player introductions before a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on December 30, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 30: Outside linebacker Bradley Chubb #55 of the Denver Broncos runs onto the field during player introductions before a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on December 30, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /
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ST. PETERSBURG, FL – JANUARY 23: Taylor Bertolet #24 from Texas A&M kicks a field goal with a hold from Drew Kaser #38 from Texas A&M playing on the West Team during the first half of the East West Shrine Game at Tropicana Field on January 23, 2016 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
ST. PETERSBURG, FL – JANUARY 23: Taylor Bertolet #24 from Texas A&M kicks a field goal with a hold from Drew Kaser #38 from Texas A&M playing on the West Team during the first half of the East West Shrine Game at Tropicana Field on January 23, 2016 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) /

Fangio clarifies the kicker competition

Brandon McManus isn’t in danger of losing his job, right?

It’s odd that he’s the only specialist among long snapper Casey Kreiter and punter Colby Wadman to have been given the gift of competition this Summer.

What gives?

The Broncos signed Taylor Bertolet to their 90-man roster, and the former Texas A&M and AAF kicker is going to have to win a ‘heavyweight fight’ according to the team’s head coach.

"“There’s a lot of competition out here. I would say Brandon is obviously the incumbent. [Bertolet] would have to knock him out like in a heavy weight battle.”"

Brandon McManus still gets (and deserves) credit for being a key reason the Denver Broncos won Super Bowl 50. The Broncos signed him to a long-term contract which expires after next season.

If the Broncos traded (yes, kickers have been getting traded all the time lately) or released McManus, they would save $2.75 million on this year’s cap.

Bertolet costs less than $500,000.

How can he win the kicking battle?

Well, as we all know, consistency is key at the kicker position in the NFL. McManus went from hitting 85 percent or better of his field goals in 2015 and 2016 to 75 percent and 80 percent in 2017 and 2018.

Here’s an interesting stat for you:

In his limited AAF action, Bertolet kicked 14 field goals. Seven of those field goals were from 50 yards or further. He made four.

Last season for the Broncos, McManus also attempted seven field goals of 50-plus yards. He made two.