Horrid special teams doomed the Denver Broncos in 2016. In 2017, they’ve overcome their deficiencies and are seeking to win all three phases of the game…
Special teams were the downfall of the Denver Broncos in 2016. This explains why the squad has made drastic changes in that regard.
The Broncos wisely signed special teams coordinator Brock Olivo. Furthermore, they astutely drafted speedsters Carlos Henderson and Isaiah McKenzie.
The Broncos need all the help they can get.
Football Outsiders ranked the Broncos’ special teams at #22 overall in 2016.
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To be fair, the Broncos do have some standouts in the kicking game. Kicker Brandon McManus and punter Riley Dixon are among the best at their positions in the league.
Still, an overhaul was desperately needed. This all starts with Olivo.
Olivo is a Missouri graduate and special teams ace who carved out a 5-year career with the Detroit Lions from 1998-2002.
Olivo had previously been the Kansas City Chiefs’ special teams coordinator after a stint coaching in Italy.
The Chiefs, in 2016, fared much better in special teams as they were the #2 unit in the NFL under his watch.
With speed merchants Henderson (3rd round pick out of Louisiana Tech) and McKenzie (a 5th round pick out of Georgia), Olivo has plenty of options.
From our friend Andrew Mason, here’s some of Olivo’s thoughts on what he’s looking for:
Olivo described Henderson as an angry runner who is “a linear speed guy.”
He called McKenzie “more of a quickness guy.” For the time being, McKenzie has the inside track to the punt returner job, he confirmed.
Interestingly, Olivo also said Broncos head coach Vance Joseph is a big fan of special teams.
Additionally, Olivo confirmed 2nd-year speedster Kalif Raymond will have a chance but he must first recover from his hand injury.
Inasmuch as special teams cost the Broncos a playoff berth in 2016, it may give them one in 2017.
Be assured that the Broncos shall not fall prey to overlooking special teams again.