Broncos Special Teams Dubbed NFL’s Best Through September

Sep 29, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos linebacker Steven Johnson (53) holds up the football while next to tight end Jacob Tamme (84) after returning a blocked punt for a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Just when you thought things couldn’t get any better for the Broncos, they have.

You may have heard of Pro Football Focus by now. If you haven’t read about them on this site, then surely you’ve read about them from another or subscribe to some of their package deals (if you’re really die-hard).

Anyway, the good folks at PFF (@PFF on Twitter) have gone so far as to grade the third phase of the game of football, something that often goes overlooked.

No area of football is overlooked by these guys.

According to their research, the Broncos graded out as the best special teams unit in the league without even taking into account the contributions of return specialist Trindon Holliday.

By the way, Holliday was just named AFC Special Teams Player of the Month for September.

The Broncos are playing at an historic level, so it should come as no surprise that the entire team is getting recognized for their stellar play at this point.

The grades go even further than overall team unit, and the Broncos actually also had two players grade out in the top five overall in the NFL on special teams over the first four weeks of the season.

David Bruton and Steven Johnson, two defensive backups and special teams aces earned top five grades from PFF in September. Bruton actually graded out as their top overall special teams player (non KR/PR) in the NFL for September.

Johnson’s grade and ranking is particularly impressive because PFF deemed his blocked punt a fault of Brandon Graham (Eagles).