Jason Who? Matt Prater Quickly Becoming Household Name for Broncos Fans

The kick is up...and it's good!  But, who the heck is "Pratter?!"  Where's Elam?!

The departure of future Hall of Fame kicker Jason Elam was tough for Denver Broncos fans.  Some were even so ignorant as to think he was still a Bronco (see above).  But, the days of good ol' No. 1 booting field goals are gone, and there is a new kicker in the Mile High City.

At the ripe old age of 24, Prater is already with his fourth NFL squad.  He didn't quite catch on with Detroit, Miami, Atlanta, or in a second stint with the 'Phins.  However, late in the 2007 season the Broncos saw potential as a kickoff specialist in Prater. 

There's no question the dude can kick the ball, but Denver never saw him as the heir apparent to Jason Elam—that is, until Elam up and decided to play for the money and sign with the Falcons.

After displaying the type of leg strength the Broncos had hoped for on kickoffs, Prater earned the exact position the Broncos never thought they would have to fill: kicker.

Even though the late '90s are dubbed the "Elway" days, they could also fairly be labeled the "Elam" days. 

From the moment Elam became the Broncos' kicker, Denver fans (including myself) just assumed Elam would be there, well, forever.  Kickers are ageless in the NFL right?  They don't care about the mon—oh.

So here we are, 2008 training camp with this "Pratter" wearing a No. 5 uniform, all acting like he is the new kicker.  Psh!  Get a load of this guy!  Lining up for a 70-yarder?!  Ha!  He will never ma—Oh...my...goodness!! 

Yes, yes, the rumors are in fact true.  In case you haven't heard, Matt Prater hit a 70-yard field goal during training camp with a full crowd and defenders in his grill.  Screw Elam, this guy is awesome!

In all seriousness, Jason Elam is one of the best kickers/Broncos of all time.  He will hopefully retire a Bronco and go down as one of the greatest players to play the game of professional football.  Broncos fans still love him.  But, if there is one constant in this world, it is change.  Matt Prater has adapted excellently in his new role as the Broncos' kicker of the future, as well as present.

Prater leads the NFL in points among kickers (51) and is tied for second with 12 field goals made out of 13 attempts. 

Want to talk leg strength? 

Prater is 4-for-4 on field goals longer than 50 yards; tops in the NFL.  Also, in 33 kickoff attempts, Prater has 11 touchbacks.  Tied for No. 1 in the NFL.

Most importantly, Prater is batting 1.000 in the fourth quarter in the clutch. 

So, the Prater era has officially begun here in Denver.  Like it or not, Jason is not currently a Denver Bronco.  Matt Prater is the new Jason Elam, and he is here to stay.