Special Teams Grade: A
The Denver Broncos special teams unit of Brandon McManus and Riley Dixon played well, except for one missed kick by McManus. Dixon is proving to be a nice surprise to the 2016 Draft Class of John Elway. There is not a concern from McManus, but due to youth a missed field goal can spiral a confidence downward. Dixon, on the other hand, punting average is nearing 50. This is good assurance to Elway who released Britton Colquitt in the offseason.
Likewise, Cody Latimer returned to kickoff duties a long with Kapri Bibbs. Bibbs keep his emotions in check downing when he needed too. Jordan Norwood swung momentum back his way on the season after a couple good returns. Norwood is to be relied on during the year. He is an intriguing player due to his talent at times to expose a weakness of coverage unit on special teams.
Also, it became apparent after Sunday’s game Joe Decamilis deserves a raise. Justin Simmons, the rookie safety blocked a game-winning extra point to win the game by two points. The other first-year safety Will Parks returned it for the score. This blocked field goal will forever be remembered in Broncos’ lore for a long, long time.
Next up is the Kansas City Chiefs in a division matchup at home on Sunday Night Football. The Broncos are on the track to get healthy with the return of Derek Wolfe and Aqib Talib. Talib is the extra pull to grab full momentum before the Chiefs game. Justin Houston can swing it back to the to Kansas City, but it is hard to see a unit falter like the Broncos right now. The meat of the schedule is now upon us. Saddle up, it will be a fun ride.