Post by lazarus on Jun 11, 2003 9:37:18 GMT -5
Posted on Wed, Jun. 11, 2003
Baker emerging as leader in punting competition
By ADAM TEICHER
The Kansas City Star
Jason Baker has emerged as the leader in the competition to be the Chiefs' punter.
The number of contestants was reduced from three to two Tuesday when the Chiefs released Canadian Football League veteran Noel Prefontaine.
But Baker has separated himself from the other punter still in camp, Leo Araguz. Baker has impressed the Chiefs not only with his punting but also with his kickoffs.
The Chiefs would prefer that their punter handle kickoffs this season to save wear and tear on the leg of veteran place-kicker Morten Andersen, who will turn 43 in August.
Baker, who kicked in college for Iowa, is a two-year NFL veteran. He had a 40.8-yard punting average for San Francisco in 2001 and a 38.8-yard average last season splitting time with the 49ers and Eagles.
Coach thingy Vermeil was satisfied enough with Baker that he felt comfortable letting go of Prefontaine.
"He was third, and we can't bring three guys to camp," Vermeil said. "By letting him go now, he can go back to Canada and make some bucks."
Chiefs still want QB
The Chiefs are still trying to sign David Priestley, who played in NFL Europe, as their fourth quarterback. Priestley played in college at Pittsburgh and went to training camp last season with Buffalo.
The Chiefs initially hoped to have Priestley signed in time for this week's three practice sessions, the last before training camp. But Priestley was not under contract as the Chiefs practiced Tuesday and rookie Marc Dunn of Kansas State was still the fourth quarterback.
The Chiefs intend to release Dunn if they can sign Priestley.
Baker emerging as leader in punting competition
By ADAM TEICHER
The Kansas City Star
Jason Baker has emerged as the leader in the competition to be the Chiefs' punter.
The number of contestants was reduced from three to two Tuesday when the Chiefs released Canadian Football League veteran Noel Prefontaine.
But Baker has separated himself from the other punter still in camp, Leo Araguz. Baker has impressed the Chiefs not only with his punting but also with his kickoffs.
The Chiefs would prefer that their punter handle kickoffs this season to save wear and tear on the leg of veteran place-kicker Morten Andersen, who will turn 43 in August.
Baker, who kicked in college for Iowa, is a two-year NFL veteran. He had a 40.8-yard punting average for San Francisco in 2001 and a 38.8-yard average last season splitting time with the 49ers and Eagles.
Coach thingy Vermeil was satisfied enough with Baker that he felt comfortable letting go of Prefontaine.
"He was third, and we can't bring three guys to camp," Vermeil said. "By letting him go now, he can go back to Canada and make some bucks."
Chiefs still want QB
The Chiefs are still trying to sign David Priestley, who played in NFL Europe, as their fourth quarterback. Priestley played in college at Pittsburgh and went to training camp last season with Buffalo.
The Chiefs initially hoped to have Priestley signed in time for this week's three practice sessions, the last before training camp. But Priestley was not under contract as the Chiefs practiced Tuesday and rookie Marc Dunn of Kansas State was still the fourth quarterback.
The Chiefs intend to release Dunn if they can sign Priestley.
