Webster glad to be back in middle of things

Nate Webster apparently is in peak physical condition.

He's not in bad shape, either, when it comes to his position battle.

On Sunday, Webster ran with the first team at middle linebacker after Niko Koutouvides was No. 1 the first two days of practice. That revolving pattern should continue until one of the players establishes a firm grip on the starting job.

"That's fair to me," Webster noted. "As far as competing for the position, it's better than staying with the 'twos,' and you get a chance to switch up tempo."

Webster started last season at strong-side linebacker. But he's a more natural fit in the center of the defense as a between- the-tackles defender.

"I call it home. That's what I've played all my life . . . ," he said. "I'm real excited about it."

The staff also is pleased with Webster's offseason participation, which has resulted in him being "in the best shape I've ever seen him in," according to coach Mike Shanahan. When Webster first came to Denver in 2006, he still was feeling the aftereffects of a torn right patella tendon.

"I had to damn near start over again. But that's not even a question anymore," he said. "And last year, I finished the season healthy and didn't miss any games, so that was one of my first goals I did reach. My next goal was to stay healthy and play hard."

Webster finished 2007 second on the team in tackles, with 100 (77 solo), playing on the strong side. Both numbers were career bests.

"Nate did some good things even at the strong-side linebacker spot last year," defensive coordinator Bob Slowik said. "He flashed some talent in the run game and was physical and explosive. But we thought him being inside in the middle would be the most natural position, and having those two compete is good. And it's tight. They've both been doing really good things."

(rockymountainnews.com)