Final 12 months, the Denver Broncos’ particular groups items have been nothing particular. Let’s go over among the “highlights” from 2022.
Not solely did they lead the league in punts (96), kicker Brandon McManus additionally missed probably the most area objectives in a season of his profession (8) and rookie return specialist Montrell Washington fumbled 5 occasions.
Suffice it to say, the Broncos are in main want of a particular groups makeover. Throughout free company, Denver signed punter Riley Dixon, who returns to the Broncos after most lately taking part in for the Los Angeles Rams. After signing Dixon, they launched Corliss Waitman, who, regardless of main the NFL in punts, had one of many shortest punts of the season amongst qualifying punters who booted a minimum of 25 kicks (57 yards). Comparatively, Dixon’s longest punt in 2022 was 67 yards.
The Broncos additionally made a change at lengthy snapper, letting Jacob Bobenmoyer stroll in free company. Mitchell Fraboni, who crammed in for an injured Bobenmoyer in 4 video games final 12 months, now seems set to turn into the workforce’s full-time lengthy snapper in 2023.
As well as, the Broncos additionally acquired cornerback Tremon Smith, who was a kick returner for the Houston Texans to compete with Washington as a specialist. Will this competitors convey out the most effective in Washington? Or will Denver be on the lookout for one other returner within the draft?
This new-look particular groups unit has some nice potential. It might actually be good to rank close to the underside of the league in punts, and close to the highest of the NFL in return yards. With new particular groups coordinator Ben Kotwica and new assistant head coach Mike Westhoff main the cost, the Broncos ought to take a giant step ahead on particular groups this fall.
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