Tag: Sam Martin

Matt Prater got Sam Martin ‘really excited’ about playing for Broncos

Matt Prater gave Sam Martin a positive review of the Broncos.

Before he joined the Lions in 2014, Matt Prater served as the Broncos’ kicker from 2007-2013. In Detroit, Prater was teammates with punter Sam Martin from ’14-’19. When Martin became a free agent this offseason, Prater gave him a positive review of Denver.

“Prater has become over these years one of my best friends,” Martin said during a conference call with reporters on March 31. “I was definitely close with him in the locker room. We spent every minute together. He’s been a great friend to me and a great teammate. He had nothing but good things to say about Denver.

“Since the day he walked in until the conversation yesterday, he’s just said it’s a great place to live, great people, great organization. He got me really excited about it. I just know how much he loves Denver. He’s kind of pointing me in the right direction of where to live, places to go, stuff like that. It’s nice to have someone who has spent so much time there helping you out with that.”

Martin averaged 46 yards per punt during his time with the Broncos. He is expected to replace Colby Wadman as Denver’s new punter this year.

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Lions make heavy investment in special teams during free agency

Despite losing, and not replacing, a punter in free agency, the Detroit Lions have made a heavy investment in their special teams coverage and blocking units.

After moving on from 2019 special teams coordinator John Bonamego, the Lions made a strong move towards improving their special teams by hiring up-and-comer Brayden Coombs (formerly of the Cincinnati Bengals) to take over the coordinator position.

Coombs spent the last decade learning under Bengals coordinator Darrin Simmons and was part of Football Outsiders #1 DVOA special teams unit in 2019.

But the addition of Coombs was just the beginning. When the Lions hit the free agency market, they made a heavy investment in their special teams coverage and blocking units.

Snap Counts

In 2019, the Lions had around 470 plays on special teams. That works out to about 5,170 snaps spread out over the roster throughout the year. If we remove extra point and field goal attempts, as well as the offensive/defensive linemen, long snapper and kicker snaps, that leaves roughly 3,221 snaps for coverage and blocking units.

Of those 3,221 snaps, the Lions return 24 players and 2,792 of those snaps. Lost in free agency were just 409 snaps, from Logan Thomas (176), Tavon Wilson (120), J.D. McKissic (79), Paul Perkins (29), and Devon Kennard (14).

While not all of the Lions’ offseason signings (or returning players) will make the 2020 roster, they have invested in nine players who contributed on 953 special teams snaps last season including Jayron Kearse (226), Tony McRae (181), Elijah Lee (198), Geremy Davis (97), Darryl Roberts (85), Jamie Collins (76), Geronimo Allison (45), Reggie Ragland (26), Duron Harmon (19).

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That’s an increase of four players and 524 snaps from 2019 special teams units — and this isn’t factoring in the players who will be added via the Lions draft class.

Last season the Lions got special teams contributions from eight rookies that accounted for 817 special teams coverage/blocking snaps. Those snaps came from C.J Moore (292), Will Harris (178), Ty Johnson (118), Isaac Nauta (82), Amani Oruwariye (69), Jahlani Tavai (41), Travis Fulgham (25), and Anthony Pittman (12).

If the Lions can get a similar level of contributions from this year’s rookie class, as well as the additional 524 from this year’s free agents, the Lions will have over 1300 additional snaps to play with when making decisions on their 53-man roster.

Bottom line

As always, players who can contribute on special teams will round out the 2020 roster, and with roughly 25-percent more snap experience than they will need, the Lions will be able to pick from the best of what will assuredly be a fierce training camp competition.

Think of it as being able to pick the best dozen apples from the orchard rather than buying a three-pound bag from the grocery store and hoping none of them are bruised or rotten.

A lot of the recent signings in free agency haven’t been flashy, but the Lions are setting themselves up to put an improved special teams unit on the field. Considering how often special teams can be an intricate part in determining success during a game, its low key moves like this that can pay dividends in December.

Who will handle kickoffs for the Broncos this season?

Who will kickoff for the Broncos this season?

Earlier this week, the Broncos gave punter Sam Martin a three-year contract with an average salary of $2.35 million. With that kind of salary, Martin is the clear favorite to win the team’s punting job this offseason.

But what about the team’s kickoff duties — could Martin claim that job as well?

While with the Lions, Martin handled 480 kickoffs in seven years. In Denver, Brandon McManus has booted 467 kickoffs in six seasons. Which one of them will kickoff for the Broncos in 2020?

“Expect McManus to continue the task,” KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis tweeted on Wednesday. Klis is probably correct in his prediction.

Although McManus has a slightly shorter career kickoff average than Martin (62.5 yards compared to 63.4 yards), he is better at limiting returns, which is something teams aim for these days.

McManus has forced 312 touchbacks in his career compared to 259 forced by Martin. When returners elect to return a McManus kickoff, they have averaged 22.4 yards per return. Returners have averaged 23.8 yards per return against Martin. Kick coverage plays a role in the return average but so does kick placement, an area where McManus has done well.

It’s probably safe to assume that Martin will handle punts and place-holding in 2020 with McManus handling field goals and kickoffs.

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Former Lions punter Sam Martin signs with the Denver Broncos

Former Lions punter Sam Martin signs with the Denver Broncos after 7 seasons in Detroit

There will defintiely be a new punter in Detroit in 2020. We already knew that, but Tuesday’s news makes it official.

Longtime Lions punter Sam Martin agreed to a free agent contract with the Denver Broncos. Per Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network, Martin will sign in Denver for three years at just over $7 million total.

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Martin has spent his entire 7-year career in Detroit after joining the Lions as a 5th-round draft pick from Appalachian State back in 2013. He was a steady performer over the time, though most Lions fans never got past his bad shank in the playoff loss to Dallas after the 2014 season.

His 46.0 gross yards per punt ranks 10th all-time in NFL history. Despite that, the Lions did little to hide their desire to move on without Martin. The team has signed two punters already in Jack Fox and Matt Wile.

Broncos agree to 3-year deal with punter Sam Martin

The Broncos are signing punter Sam Martin to a three-year contract.

The Denver Broncos have agreed to a three-year, $7.05 million contract with former Detroit Lions punter Sam Martin, according to a report from NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.

This is probably bad news for Colby Wadman, who averaged 44.4 yards per punt and 39.4 net yards per punt for Denver last season. Martin averaged 45.3 yards per punt with a net average of 41.8 yards with Detroit in 2019.

Judging solely from their average salaries ($2.35 million for Martin compared to $570,000 for Wadman), it seems safe to assume that Martin will be the heavy favorite to win the team’s punter job this offseason.

Martin (6-1, 205 pounds) was selected by the Lions in the fifth round of the 2013 NFL draft out of Appalachian State. He served as Detroit’s punter for six years, averaging 46 yards per punt with a net average of 41 yards.

Martin can also handle kickoffs. With the Lions, he averaged 63.4 yards per kickoff in his career. Last season, he averaged 62 yards per kickoff and had 17 touchbacks. Broncos kicker Brandon McManus averaged 64.4 yards per kickoff and had 55 touchbacks in 2019.

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Don’t expect many of the Lions’ own free agents to return in 2020

Don’t expect many of the Lions’ own free agents to return in 2020

When free agents are free to sign with new teams starting Wednesday afternoon (barring any coronavirus-related intervention), several Detroit Lions from the 2019 roster will officially become ex-Lions. Some of that will be by choice of the team itself, as is the case with starting right guard Graham Glasgow and punter Sam Martin. Some of it will be by the choice of the players themselves, too.

Don’t expect many of the pending free agents to be back in Honolulu blue and silver.

Dave Birkett of the Free Press offered his odds on each of the team’s pending free agents returning to the Lions den in 2020. His most likely to stay in Detroit are sensible: backup TE Logan Thomas, rotational OL Kenny Wiggins and backup QB Jeff Driskel.

Those aren’t the big names like Mike Daniels, A’Shawn Robinson or Glasgow. Don’t expect any of those players back, though Daniels has expressed some desire to stay in Detroit. The Lions have the money to spend to get younger, more dynamic and more impactful upside with players from the outside at those spots.

Keeping Thomas at tight end might be hard too. He emphatically outplayed last year’s big offensive free agent, Jesse James, from the very first day of training camp. But James earns over $5.2 million this year and more in 2021 and 2022, and his dead cap figure in 2020 means eating over $8 million of the just over $50 million in current cap room. The Lions also like what they’ve seen from 2019 seventh-rounder Isaac Nauta as depth behind first-round rookie T.J. Hockenson. There might not be room to keep Thomas.

As for guys like Robinson, Martin, Glasgow and erstwhile starting safety Tavon Wilson, to quote Johnny Utah at the end of Point Break, “he’s not coming back”.

Lions have several options at punter to replace free agent Sam Martin

Lions have several options at punter to replace free agent Sam Martin

Sam Martin has been a reliably above-average punter for most of his seven NFL seasons, all with the Detroit Lions. But Martin is a pending free agent and in all likelihood will not be back for an eighth year in Detroit.

The Lions will have several options to replace Martin, who ranks 10th all-time in average yards per punt at 46.0. In fact, the solution might already be in Detroit.

Earlier this offseason the Lions signed two free agent punters to reserve/future contracts. Jack Fox and Matt Wile deserve to compete for the job, and both are familiar with the team already. Fox and Wile both had stints on the team’s practice squad in 2019.

Fox gets a leg up (no pun intended) because, like Martin, he’s capable of also being the kickoff specialist. That’s important because placekicker Matt Prater does not handle kickoff duties all that well.

In free agency, veterans Britton Colquitt, Matt Bosher and Lac Edwards are all on the market with Martin. Edwards led the NFL in both punt attempts and yards in 2019 while booming kicks at a 45.9-yard average for the New York Jets. Colquitt, 35, spent last season with the Minnesota Vikings and has earned his reputation for being the best coffin-corner punter in the NFL over his long career.

It’s unlikely the Lions will draft a punter, though that was also said back in 2013 when then-GM Martin Mayhew tabbed Martin in the sixth round. Some of the top-rated punters in the 2020 NFL Draft include Joseph Charlton of South Carolina, Texas A&M’s Braden Mann and Arryn Siposs from Auburn, whom the Lions saw in person at the Tigers pro day last week.

Lions Week 13 injury designations: Matthew Stafford ruled out, Frank Ragnow in

The Detroit Lions have released their Week 13 injury designations and declared quarterback Matthew Stafford, while center Frank Ragnow has been cleared from the league’s concussion protocol.

The Detroit Lions (3-7-1) have announced their injury designations ahead of their Week 13 matchup with the Chicago Bears (5-6) on Thanksgiving day at Ford Field.

The Lions have 13 players listed on the injury report, with four being ruled out, another six listed as questionable and three not being listed with a designation.

Ruled out

QB Matthew Stafford (back, hip)
WR Marvin Hall (foot)
CB Rashaan Melvin (ribs)
RET. Jamal Agnew (ankle)

Stafford is working hard to return to the field but is still not medically cleared. Maybe the extra rest ahead of the next game will give him the time he needs to heal up, or maybe the team will look ahead to the future and shut him down for the season. Only time will tell.

Hall was in a walking boot after the last game and unsurprisingly won’t play in this game. The Lions only have three healthy wide receivers active right now, so a roster move may be made before tomorrow’s game.

Melvin was a game-time decision last Sunday, but his rib injury is apparently more significant than what was originally thought. Amani Oruwariye will most likely get the start as the third Lions corner in his place.

Agnew is still not ready to play, meaning the Lions will turn to Ty Johnson on kick returned and most likely Danny Amendola on punt returns — as Hall, the second in line on punt returns, is also out.

Questionable

QB Jeff Driskel (hamstring)
TE T.J. Hockenson (shoulder)
EDGE Trey Flowers (concussion)
DT Damon Harrison (groin)
DL Da’Shawn Hand (ankle)
S Tracy Walker (knee)

Driskel was limited in all three practices this week, nursing a hamstring injury, but expectations are he will give it a go on Thursday and start the game. If Driskel can’t play or aggravates his injury the Lions would turn to undrafted rookie David Blough.

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Hockenson was limited to start the week but was upgraded to full on Wednesday and is expected to be fine to play.

Flowers saw limited work on Tuesday and a full practice on Wednesday suggesting he only needs medical clearance from an independent doctor to pass the league’s concussion protocol. If he does, he will start.

Harrison is going through his standard limited week and expectations are he will be good to start. It’s possible he will see fewer snaps, but he should play.

Hand and Walker saw limited practices all week after not being able to practice the week prior. Both will likely be game-time decisions. If either play, it will be a big boost to the Lions defense.

Not listed with an injury designations

C Frank Ragnow (concussion)
OG Kenny Wiggins (knee)
P Sam Martin (abdomen)

Ragnow is not listed with an injury designation, meaning he is expected to start on Thursday. It has not yet been confirmed if he has passed the medical stage of the concussion protocol, but if he hasn’t, him being listed in this section suggests the team expects him to.

Wiggins’ knee doesn’t appear to be an issue as he was listed as having full practices all week.

Martin was upgraded to a full practice on Wednesday and does not carry an injury designation into the game. He’s good to go.

Lions Week 13 injury report: Frank Ragnow, Trey Flowers progressing through concussion protocol

Detroit Lions Week 13 injury report sees linemen Frank Ragnow and Trey Flowers progressing through concussion protocols.

The Detroit Lions (3-7-1) are hosting the Chicago Bears (5-6) for a Week 13 Thanksgiving day matchup at Ford Field.

The Lions did not hold a practice on Monday, so yesterday’s injury report was a estimations only. Today, the Lions only slightly increased their practice level, holding a walkthrough.

With the Lions eliminating the physical aspect of the first two practices of the week, they are allowing their players to rest up and heal, but at the same time, it limits the full understanding of player’s abilities to overcome their injuries.

Keeping in mind that things could change between now and tomorrow’s report, let’s take a look at where things stand on Tuesday.

Missed practice

QB Matthew Stafford (back, hip)
WR Marvin Hall (foot)
CB Rashaan Melvin (ribs)
RET. Jamal Agnew (ankle)

Maniacal efforts or not, Stafford doesn’t look like he is going to play this week.

Melvin, Agnew, and Hall being ruled out for a practice that was only a walkthrough is not a good sign for their status on Thursday.

If Melvin is unable to play it could mean more time for Amani Oruwariye at corner, while Agnew missing time means more Ty Johnson on kick returns. Hall would normally take over on punt return duties, but if he is also out, it likely means Danny Amendola will be back on punt return duties. Additionally, Hall’s absence may mean the Lions could be looking for a fourth wide receiver and that may mean the promotion of a practice squad player like Chris Lacy or Travis Fulgham.

Limited

QB Jeff Driskel (hamstring)
EDGE Trey Flowers (concussion) — upgraded
TE T.J. Hockenson (shoulder)
DT Damon Harrison (groin)
DL Da’Shawn Hand (ankle)
S Tracy Walker (knee)
P Sam Martin (abdomen)

Driskel is still very sore but improving according to Patricia. Most expect him to play on Thursday, including Bears defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano:

Flowers was upgraded on the injury report but is confirmed to still be in the NFL’s concussion protocol by coach Matt Patricia at his afternoon press conference. It’s unclear which stage he is currently at, but based on this designation he may be in the final stages. His status for Thursday is still very much an unknown but a full padded practice tomorrow would go a long way.

Hand and Walker have now had two practices where they were expected to be active (but limited) participants. This is a positive step in the right direction.

Hockenson is still dealing with a shoulder injury that popped up Saturday night but he managed to play last Sunday and expectations are he will see the field again on Thursday.

Harrison and Martin have been talking rest days for some time now, this isn’t overly concerning at this time.

Practiced in full

C Frank Ragnow (concussion) — upgraded
OL Kenny Wiggins (knee)

Ragnow is also still in concussion protocol, and with no contact during today’s practice, he likely was unable to pass the last few requirements. He will have a chance to do that tomorrow, which should help him continue moving through the process.

Wiggins was an expected full participant again, meaning the Lions are optimistic he will be available to play.

Lions Week 13 estimated injury report: Jeff Driskel limited, Matthew Stafford still out

The Detroit Lions Week 13 estimated injury report includes quarterbacks Jeff Driskel as a limited participant and Matthew Stafford as out.

The Detroit Lions (3-7-1) are hosting the Chicago Bears (5-6) for a Week 13 Thanksgiving day matchup at Ford Field.

The Lions are required to produce three injury reports a week, and with a Thursday game on the schedule, that means they must declare injuries on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Because they are coming off a game yesterday, they did not actually practice on Monday, so today’s injury report is only estimated listings.

Reminder: all participation levels are all estimates

Would have missed practice

QB Matthew Stafford (back, hip)
WR Marvin Hall (foot)
EDGE Trey Flowers (concussion)
CB Rashaan Melvin (ribs)
RET. Jamal Agnew (ankle)

Despite Stafford being maniacal in his efforts to return to the field, he is still not ready to practice, and on a short week, he is not expected to play.

Flowers still being listed as unable to practice due to a concussion is concerning for his potential to play on Thursday. He’ll need to get on the field tomorrow or he won’t be able to pass the league’s protocol this week.

Melvin and Agnew still unable to practice are concerning for their status for Thursday.

Hall was injured in yesterday’s game and was seen in the locker room in a walking boot and with crutches. Early expectations are he won’t be available for Thursday and the Lions will be on to their third punt returner — which has previously been veteran wide receiver Danny Amendola.

Upgraded to limited

QB Jeff Driskel (hamstring)
C Frank Ragnow (concussion)
TE T.J. Hockenson (shoulder)
DT Damon Harrison (groin)
DL Da’Shawn Hand (ankle)
S Tracy Walker (knee)
P Sam Martin (abdomen)

Driskel played every snap yesterday but may have overworked his hamstring in the process. Coach Matt Patricia said at today’s press conference, Driskel “ran a lot” yesterday and is a bit “tight”. This could provide some light on why the Lions were inquiring about current XFL quarterback Josh Johnson, as they could use another fully healthy quarterback for practice and as insurance.

Ragnow being an estimated limited participant speaks to him moving through the league’s concussion protocol. He still has a few more steps to move through but is headed in the right direction.

Hockenson was added to last week’s injury report late Saturday night and in yesterday’s game, he appeared to be limited on the field, both in snaps and performance.

Harrison has been nursing a groin injury for some time now but being limited isn’t unusual for him at this point in the week.

Hand and Walker being estimated as limited is an upgrade from where they have been in recent weeks. If either is able to play this week, it would be a major upgrade on defense — both in performance and schematic versatility.

Martin, since injuring his abdomen, has been limited on the first practice following a game. While this isn’t unusual, a short week could be mildly concerning.

Projected as a full participant

Kenny Wiggins (knee)

Wiggins missed seven snaps in yesterday’s game and a knee injury appears to be the cause. The Lions listing him as a full participant is a strong indicator they aren’t overly concerned about it limiting him this week.