Dec 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) carries the football in the second quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
The Denver Broncos have prepared for their season opening matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. We can rejoice now Broncos Country. It is almost here. One player excited for the season to start is Emmanuel Sanders.
The Week One depth chart was released and it has Emmanuel Sanders on special teams as the punt returner. This is quite a surprise since it was believed that Omar Bolden was going to be the one returning kicks, but perhaps the coaching staff wanted to switch things up.
🙌 + 😄 = @ESanders_10
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) September 8, 2015
Here's why he's so happy http://t.co/1huSP1odFQ pic.twitter.com/RZAkqNN6JN
The last time Emmanuel Sanders returned punts full time was when he was in his senior year of college, playing for the SMU Mustangs. During his senior year, he fielded 20 punts for nearly 14 yards on average.
The only issue that I see with Emmanuel Sanders returning punts, as does every Broncos fan, is the injury factor. Despite the fact that the Broncos are going to be a more run heavy team, losing a key player on offense to injury.
However, it appears that Emmanuel Sanders is willing to take the risk. He knows that no matter what, whenever he takes the field there is a risk of injury. Perhaps his expended role can help a unit that has struggled since Trindon Holliday’s decline.
I have faith that Emmanuel Sanders will be ready to take on this new role. If Emmanuel Sanders gets his hands on the football, he always has the chance to make plays and does not disappoint when he does.
Gary Kubiak sees a lot of potential in the return game with Emmanuel Sanders fielding the punts. If Gary Kubiak has that mindset, then I believe that we should trust him and see what Emmanuel Sanders can do as the punt returner.
It is not like the Broncos are unfamiliar with a receiver returning punts. Rod Smith, Eric Decker, and even Wes Welker fielded punts in a Broncos uniform. In fact, we saw Eric Decker have some success whenever his number was called to return punts.
Let us hope that Emmanuel Sanders is the answer to the special teams woes of the Denver Broncos. Seeing Emmanuel Sanders getting more touches though will be a sight to see.