Editor’s note: Last of a series looking at the position groups for the Broncos heading into training camp. Today: special teams.
When Tom McMahon accepted the role as Broncos special teams coordinator in January, the longtime NFL assistant coach inherited some less-than-impressive Denver game film from last season.
Eight missed Brandon McManus field goals (two blocked). Six Isaiah McKenzie muffed punts (two lost). Return touchdowns by the Chargers (punt) and Patriots (kickoff). Two Riley Dixon punts blocked. The list goes on and on.
So, why did it all go so wrong?
“I’m not going to go back and try and say what somebody should have done,” McMahon told reporters during organized team activities. “I’ve made plenty of my own mistakes.”
A forward-focused mentality would serve this beleaguered unit well.
Change arrives at punter as the addition of the always-charismatic Marquette King from the Raiders, who ranked third in the league for net punting yardage last fall (42.7). Although McManus was inconsistent last season he has been among the league’s best before 2017 and is now a team leader.
“I’ve been here five years now, so even though itap still a young team, I’m one of the older guys here now,” McManus said. “I know that they respect me. They see me working hard in the weight room, running and competing with these guys. I’ll be able to speak up a little more this year than I have in the past.”
The most glaring question mark concerning Broncos special teams play concerns the return game. McKenzie must work to regain the coaching staff’s trust on punts and has competition from wide receivers Jordan Taylor and DaeSean Hamilton, cornerback Brendan Langley, running back Phillip Lindsay and potentially others. Tailback Devontae Booker led the Broncos with 14 kickoff returns last fall, but the job is open until locked down by one of several speedy options on the roster.
“I think the returners look good,” McMahon said. “I think we have a stable of guys that can do it for us. Itap going to be interesting to see who pops and who separates themselves. You really can’t do that until you get into preseason games and itap a live ball, itap coming down the field.”
Broncos special teams
| No. | Player | Pos. | Age | Year | Ht./Wt. | College |
| 1 | Marquette King | P | 29 | 7th | 6-0/195 | Fort Valley State |
| 2017 team: Raiders | Signed through 2020 | Cap number: $1,666,666 | ||||
| Released by the Raiders and signed in Denver. He pinned 28 punts inside the 20-yard line last fall. King is also expected to handle holding duties on field goals. | ||||||
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| 42 | Casey Kreiter | LS | 27 | 3rd | 6-1/250 | Iowa |
| 2017 team: Broncos | Signed through 2018 | Cap number: $630,000 | ||||
| Appeared in 26 games over the last two seasons with the Broncos and in every game during 2017. | ||||||
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| 8 | Brandon McManus | K | 27 | 5th | 6-3/301 | Temple |
| 2017 team: Broncos | Signed through 2020 | Cap number: $3,500,000 | ||||
| Missed five field goals over the Broncos first five games, but rebounded to finish the season 24-32 (75 percent). McManus will also handle placekicking duties. | ||||||
Source: overthecap.com for salary information.
