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Buckhalter: December Is Critical For Playoff Run

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Dec 8, 2009 8:28 pm US/Mountain

Buckhalter: December Is Critical For Playoff Run

Matt Prater's Confidence Riding High

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Written by Matthew J. Buettner, cbs4denver.com
LITTLETON, Colo. (CBS4) ― Denver Broncos running back Correll Buckhalter had a huge game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. The 9-year veteran nearly averaged 10 yards per carry at Arrowhead Stadium.

The Broncos seem to be peaking at the right time and Buckhalter said on Monday's Comcast Broncos Live! most teams that play their best football in December usually have an edge going into the playoffs.

"Every game in December is critical to make the playoff run as well as to be hot going into the playoffs," Buckhalter said.

Buckhalter had 12 carries for 113 yards against the Chiefs with an average of 9.4 yards per carry. He was quick to praise the offensive line for the running game's success and commented on what the line is doing differently.

"They're sustaining their blocks and whenever your offensive line is sustaining their blocks you get to the second level," he said. "We have offensive linemen who are very agile and very quick and able to overpower their men at some points throughout the game."

The Broncos running game uses a rotation of backs that also features rookie Knowshon Moreno and Buckhalter says the keeps the back fresh.

"Whenever you have a two-back system the guys are always fresh. When Knowshon gets a series, then I get a series, then he gets another series, it keeps us fresh and it keeps us able to play another team for four quarters."

Place kicker Matt Prater was the guest Comcast Broncos Live! He enjoyed a career night on Thanksgiving in the win against the New York Giants and was named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for Week 12. It was the second time Prater earned the award in his career.

Prater is 22 of 26 so far this season in field goal attempts and talked about his success with CBS4 Broncos Insider Vic Lombardi, who asked him if he was in the so-called "zone."

"I say it's a little bit of everything; a little bit of luck and I'm confident and with Lonie (Paxton) snapping and Mitch (Berger) holding the ball so well, it makes it easier for me," Prater said. "When Mitch came in, it's just chemistry and you've got to get your timing down."

Buckhalter said when the kicker is on the field to make a game-winning field goal, he's not one of those players who turns his back.

"I'm watching. I have a lot of confidence in Matt, he has a lot of confidence in himself and when you have a kicker like that, it does a lot for the team," Buckhalter said. "Whenever he goes out there to kick we want to call him 'Mr. Automatic.'"

It's more than just field goals. Kickoffs are also a huge part of special teams and the field position game. Prater had five touchbacks in the Thanksgiving game, but he says he's not doing anything different with his approach.

"I feel more confident. Our coverage team too is doing a great job," Prater said. "You know if I don't kick it in the end zone and they have to go make a play, they're doing a great job covering it and I've got confidence in those guys and I think we have one of the best kickoff teams in the league."

Kickoff for the next Broncos game is this Sunday against Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis at 11 a.m. on CBS4.

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