Offseason Adjustments Pay Off Big Time For Broncos Kicker McManus

DENVER (CBS4) - On Sunday Broncos kicker Brandon McManus was 4-for-4 on field goals, and he connected on a crucial 33-yarder with less than 3 minutes to go.

McManus made the Broncos look smart against the Ravens for giving him a second chance with the team.

Heading into training camp, the thought was Connor Barth was the reliable kicker and McManus had the big leg. But then the Broncos released Barth in the preseason, and on Sunday McManus proved he can be both reliable and able to kick long distances.

His first 2 kicks were for 57 and 56 yards. (Only Greg Zuerlein of the St. Louis Rams has hit two field goals 56 yards or longer in a single NFL game.) And then with the pressure mounting as the game went on, McManus stayed perfect.

"Each kick is hard enough alone, so you don't want to put added pressure to yourself," he told CBS4's Mark Haas in the locker room after the Broncos 19-13 win. "So I was just excited that we got this win."

"I think the Broncos went with you this season because of your big leg. It came into use today," Haas said.

"I would say, it definitely helps with a big leg, but I know I had to work on some accuracy in the offseason. I did that, and was happy to earn this job and show this team that I could do this job well. … It was great to have a great game and a team win today," McManus said.

"You've talked about some of those changes you made, and when you line up for a kick this season do you feel more confident?" Haas asked.

"I wouldn't say I ever felt unconfident, it just knew that no matter what I was going to be in the same spot on every single kick," McManus said. "I knew I was going to have the same rhythm, compared to in the past I might have been a little off and it could result in a mis-kick."

McManus also boomed his kickoffs during the game, resulting in no return yardage off kickoffs.