Koch "at elite level" -- Randy Brown

Sam Koch's new five-year contract is the result of a stout work ethic, endless repetition and remarkable consistency over his five-year career as the Ravens punter. Randy Brown, the team's kicking technique coach, was there for the last three seasons and he sees a player who has risen to the top of his craft. "He's just been an outstanding performer in the clutch," Brown said Wednesday. "Not only consistent, but outstanding in clutch situations." Koch was the AFC's first alternate to Pro Bowl punter Shane Lechler this season, dropping 39 punts inside the opposition 20. At 28, Koch has emerged as one of the NFL's best punters. "What you're seeing is maturity in a specialist," Brown said. "From 28 to 34 is the prime age for a kicker and punter. That's when they start to understand all the aspects of the job. He's there at the elite level." Koch said his fifth season was his hardest in one sense. "T...