If the NFL season started tomorrow, which, of course, it doesn't, but if it did, the Broncos' kicker would be somebody by the name of Matt Prater.

Let me guess: you don't know much about him either.

Well, he is famous enough to have his own Wikipedia page, and here's a summary of what that says: He was originally signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He was released on August 27th of that year and subsequently had tryouts with three other NFL teams. He signed a futures deal with the Dolphins in 2007, though lost out on the starting job. He then tried out for the Atlanta Falcons where he attempted two field goals in a regular season game. It says he missed both.

Another website says that he made one field goal from a distance of 40-49 yards in 2007, so--and I say this tongue-in-cheek--there "conflicting stories" about his career.

Here is one thing that everyone can agree on: he's going to have some large shoes (appropriate for a placekicker, I guess) to fill.

Jason Elam left Denver after 15 seasons on Friday, signing a four year, $9 million deal with the Falcons. He grew up in Snellville, Georgia, so in a way, you could say it was a homecoming for one of the classsiest players in Broncos history. However, after 15 years, may considered Denver to be his home, including Broncos owner Pat Bowlen. He said he would get involved in negotiations to keep Elam, should that need arise. It appears, as though that never had the chance to take place.

The Broncos will more than likely bring in competition to kick with Prater. However, no matter who they do invite to training camp, they will not be as reliable as Elam. Olindo Mare is out there, though I will take Elam. As we know, his kicks on the final play of four games--including two in OT--gave Denver a boost in the win column last year.

I have always been somewhat confused by why teams don't put more stock into kickers. The Patriots won three Super Bowls, each by three points, thanks in very large part to the most clutch kicker in our lifetime, Adam Vinatieri. If he isn't clutch, how many Lombardi trophies does New England have? If Elam doesn't rescue the Broncos last season, how much worse than 7-9 do they finish?

I realize that Elam did not handle kickoffs, but despite just handling field goals and extra points, he was worth, in my opinion, every penny. He made 27 of 31 attempts and was 17-17 from 39 yards or less. He was a little weaker on longer kicks, as he connected on 10 of 14 kicks of 40 yards or longer. To me, the four game winning kicks though make that last statistic less important. You can kick a short field goal but if the situation is long on pressure, like all of those attempts were, really there is nobody I wanted more than Elam.

Then again, this is pro sports, with that said, maybe we should just be glad to have had the chance to watch him for 15 tremendous years. Jason, you will be missed.

I hope everyone has a great day.

-"z"