2018 Broncos Season, Special Teams Push


The Broncos are wrapping up mini-camp and getting ready to take a short break before they return for Training Camp in late July, pre-season in August and then the regular season. Until then, it's time to dream about the season and look at areas of focus.

Today, that focus is Special Teams. This was a disaster area for the Broncos last season. Coordinator Brock Olivo and the squad struggled mightily. In fact, there were several games where special teams gaffs directly led to losses, or put the team in a hole from which they couldn't recover. And that gives some pressure to Tom McMahon, the new Special Teams coordinator.

But he also has some new toys. Brandon McManus remains in place from last year, and the Broncos have to hope for more consistency. After getting a good new contract, McManus struggled at times. The Broncos need him to be the guy they paid for. But when it comes to the other side of kicking, the punt game, the Broncos got a huge boost in Marquette King, the former Raiders' punter. He figures to offer plenty of leg and a be more of a weapon than the Broncos had last year.

In fact, punting has been hit-or-miss for a couple years. King is known for his brash antics on the field, but that also comes with some great production. If the Broncos can get that production, it can provide a big tactical advantage for the Broncos in games.

Another area of weakness for the Broncos was in the return game. In 2017, the Broncos drafted Carlos Henderson, DeAngelo Henderson and Isaiah McKenzie, hoping for more speed and consistency in the return game. Carlos was placed on IR and missed the whole season (and likely won't make the team this year, either), while DeAngelo was mostly a game-day inactive. That left McKenzie, who showed some pops of speed that seemed promising.

Except that McKenzie couldn't hang on to the ball. His fumbling issues were a critical problem that led to him being demoted last season.

McKenzie has vowed to be better, and he's certainly in the mix this year. But also in the mix is Jordan Taylor, who could make the team if he can be the answer in the return game. Another possibility is Devontae Booker, though it seems like a tough sell if he's supposed to have a big role in the backfield.

Either way, it will be interesting to see how this part of the squad shapes up. And my guess is the pre-season will prove vital in figuring out who will get the first crack in this arena.

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