The Ravens' Sam Koch has succeeded in tough situations before, pinning teams inside the 10-yard line unlike any other punter in the NFL.
But the pressure will be heightened for him personally this season. Koch is scheduled to become a free agent at the end of the season and could become one of the highest-paid punters if he repeats last season's breakthrough performance.
Asked whether he thinks about free agency, Koch didn't seem concerned that it would be a distraction.
"It's kind of fun to think about it," he said. "I am focused on doing what my job is right now. I want to go out there and help out the team as much as I can. After that, we'll determine what happens. I love playing here."
The Ravens recognized Koch's value this offseason when they tendered the restricted free agent a one-year, $1.54 million contract. That meant the Ravens would get a second-round draft pick as compensation if they lost him to another team.
The Ravens haven't started talks on an extension, according to Koch. The Oakland Raiders' Shane Lechler set the market for his position in February, when he became the highest-paid punter ($16 million over four years).
Koch proved to be one of the top punters in the NFL last season, when he finished fifth in the league in net average (39.9 yards) - which set a Ravens record.
But he truly stood out by placing 18 punts inside the 10-yard line, which led the NFL.
"I am just trying to make sure that everything is inside the 10-yard line to help the team out even more," he said. "It's a lot of finesse and hitting the ball properly."
Clayton not close to returning
Wide receiver Mark Clayton (hamstring injury) appeared to have his best individual workout of the week, running at full speed and making hard cuts. But it still could be some time before the Ravens see Clayton on the practice field.
"He's not close to coming back," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. "But he's ahead of schedule."
This month, Harbaugh estimated that Clayton would miss a couple of preseason games. Clayton, who finished second on the team in receptions last season, injured his hamstring Aug. 2 and hasn't practiced since.
Kicking the can down the road
It's expected that rookie Graham Gano will kick in the first half of Monday's preseason game, but special teams coordinator Jerry Rosburg said the team hasn't decided yet.
