The Chargers had 10 Pro Bowlers last year. The Broncos had three, and one — Al Wilson — is gone.
So why should Broncos fans believe? Why should they think the Boys of Bowlen might be able to win the AFC West? Two words: special teams.
There’s no politically correct, no kind and gentle way to phrase it. The Broncos’ special teams have stunk up the field for years.
Mike Shanahan finally saw enough after last season, switching special-teams coach Ronnie Bradford to assistant secondary coach, hiring Scott O’Brien to oversee special teams, and re-signing Todd Sauerbrun to handle the punting duties.
If the Broncos’ special teams aren’t significantly improved, then George O’Leary wrote O’Brien’s resumé. O’Brien has coached special teams for 14 NFL seasons, during which his players have accounted for 10 Pro Bowl appearances.
How much can special-teams play impact a team? Consider this: The Broncos scored 32 touchdowns last season. Of those 32, 16 came after drives of 70-or-more yards — six from 70-79 yards, seven from 80-89 and three from 90-99.
Broncos opponents, meanwhile, scored 26 touchdowns. Of those 26, only eight came after drives of 70-plus yards — one from 70-70 yards, five from 80-89 and two from 90-99.
The Broncos had to drive 70-plus yards to score a touchdown twice as often as the other team. Any more questions?
Jim Armstrong issues regular reports from training camp throughout the day along with video takes from the sidelines and snippets where fans get to do the talking. Visit .
