Everett, Wash.
Published: Monday, May 5, 2008

Josh Brown's replacements have a big shoe to fill

Veteran Olindo Mare and rookie Brandon Coutu will battle during training camp to replace Josh Brown as Seahawks place-kicker

By Scott M. Johnson
Herald Writer

 KIRKLAND -- There is a school of thought that kicker Brandon Coutu could take advantage of his competition by learning a few things from his new Seattle Seahawks teammate, 34-year-old Olindo Mare.

Perhaps.

But Coutu has already put together a pretty impressive camp of veteran teachers.

Former Chicago Bear Kevin Butler and longtime NFL kicker Morten Andersen have been working with Coutu for the past four months.

When it comes to the competition to replace Josh Brown, Coutu has some pretty good trainers working in his corner.

"I've changed my technique," Coutu said of the effect that the legendary duo has had on him. "I actually have technique now."

Coutu, a rookie seventh-round pick from Georgia, and Mare are battling for the right to replace Brown as Seattle's place-kicker. The competition still has a long way to go, but during three days of minicamp battles, both candidates have been trying to make an early impression.

"We haven't even started the competition yet," special teams coach Bruce DeHaven said after the Seahawks' new kickers took turns kicking field goals at Sunday morning's practice. "We're just out there kicking around and getting used to the new snapper (rookie Tyler Schmitt). The competition (will take place) on down the line."

Coutu might have an inside track on the job in that the Seahawks used a seventh-round draft pick on him, but by no means is he being handed anything. Mare is more experienced and has made his share of big kicks over the years.

"The bottom line is, they're going to go with whoever they feel is better," said Mare, who spent 10 of his 12 NFL seasons with the Miami Dolphins before moving to New Orleans last year. "Obviously, experience is a plus in this game. Now that I'm healthy, I think I can help this special teams unit. I've done it before (and) been in the playoffs."

Mare hit 10 of 17 field goals with the New Orleans Saints during an injury-plagued season last year. He hurt his groin in camp and, in December, he suffered a hip injury that eventually landed him on injured reserve. Mare was released by the Saints in late February.

Mare said the hip is back to 100 percent, and he's ready to try to earn a job in a new town.

"I'm not looking at it as a last chance," said Mare, who turns 35 in June. "I'm looking at it as an opportunity to play for a team that can go to the playoffs."

During the first three days of competition, Mare said he has been impressed with what he's seen from the rookie.

"He's a pretty good field-goal kicker," Mare said of Coutu. "But that's good. You need that. You have to be better than the next guy."

Coutu's career at Georgia saw him rank fifth in school history in field goals, with 51. He's ahead of future NFL kickers like Todd Peterson and John Kasay, both of whom went on to kick for the Seahawks. He also set a Southeastern Conference record by booting a 58-yard field goal.

While at UGA, Coutu (pronounced Cuh-TOO) forged a working relationship with former Bulldogs kicker Butler. The 45-year-old Butler intensified his mentorship in January, working with Coutu's mechanics on field goals. Andersen, who uses the same trainer that Coutu does, has helped the Seahawks rookie with his kickoffs.

"I'm a lot more consistent now," Coutu said.

Like Mare, Coutu has a recent history with injuries. Hamstring problems limited him in 2006 and 2007, particularly on kickoffs. But Coutu said those injuries are a thing of the past.

DeHaven said the Seahawks aren't worried about the injuries that limited either one of Seattle's current kickers last season.

"They shouldn't be a problem," the Seahawks' special teams coach said. "Of course, you never know how things turn out. But you hope not."

While the competition has yet to heat up, both kickers saw plenty of opportunities to kick during the weekend minicamp. Mare and Coutu both made good impressions while kicking from a variety of distances. Coutu made a 57-yarder with room to spare on Sunday morning, but on his next two attempts he was short from 63 yards out.

The confident rookie hopes for more chances -- not just on the practice field but in games that matter. Coutu, like Mare, would love a chance to replace Josh Brown.

"He hit a lot of big kicks here and got a lot of chances outside of 50," the rookie said. "Hopefully, if I get a chance to be here, I can be used in the same way."
© 2009The Daily Herald Co., Everett, WA