Fansided
Fansided

The Greatest NFL Starting Job Thefts of All Time

By Erik Lambert

GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 18: (2nd left) Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley of the Arizona Cardinals and (M) head coach Ken Whisenhunt talks with (R) quarterback Kurt Warner #13 as (L) quarterback Matt Leinart #7 stands behind and watches against the Philadelphia Eagles during the NFC championship game on January 18, 2009 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 18: (2nd left) Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley of the Arizona Cardinals and (M) head coach Ken Whisenhunt talks with (R) quarterback Kurt Warner #13 as (L) quarterback Matt Leinart #7 stands behind and watches against the Philadelphia Eagles during the NFC championship game on January 18, 2009 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
10 of 32
Next
DENVER – SEPTEMBER 26: Jason Elam #1 of the Denver Broncos kicks during the game with the Kansas City Chiefs on September 26, 2005 at Invesco Field at Mile High stadium in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos won 30-10. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
DENVER – SEPTEMBER 26: Jason Elam #1 of the Denver Broncos kicks during the game with the Kansas City Chiefs on September 26, 2005 at Invesco Field at Mile High stadium in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos won 30-10. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /

Denver Broncos: Matt Prater takes over for Jason Elam

The Denver Broncos have been one of the more fortunate teams in the NFL when it comes to the kicking game for the better part of the last two or three decades.

Jason Elam is regarded as one of the most important players in team history, helping the franchise win its first and second Super Bowl titles in the late 90s.

On the back end of Elam’s career, his accuracy and ability to hit from 50-plus yards had diminished, and the Broncos needed a kicker who could take advantage of the mile high air.

In 2007, Matt Prater had shown what he was capable of doing from long distance, and wowed the Broncos with his big leg. He came in from the Falcons and ironically after the Broncos gave him Jason Elam’s job, Elam went and did some great work for two seasons with the Falcons before retiring.

The move to Prater paid off in a big way for the Broncos. He made some of the most clutch kicks in team history during the magical Tim Tebow season, and actually doesn’t get enough credit for being as accurate and solid as he was during the Broncos’ run at a division title that season.

He also has the longest field goal in league history with a 64-yard kick during Denver’s unbelievable 2013 season in which they set an NFL record with points scored.

Home/NFL Hot Takes