Riley Dixon Focused On The Little Things
By Cody Roark
Entering his sophomore season, Riley Dixon has emerged as one of the NFL’s best young special teams aces in the league. In 2017 he wants to keep building.
Riley Dixon was a bright spot for the Denver Broncos last season on special teams. Averaging a net of 41.3 yards per punt last season, Dixon set up the Broncos defense with great field position.
Dixon’s furthest punt last season came as a 68 yard boomer in the Broncos 27-19 win over the Chargers. In 2017, Dixon is focused on improving the little things.
This off-season he’s worked with the coverage team to improve bettering field position in pivotal games. Dixon described the value of punt coverage as a ‘team accolade’ more than just a punting accolade.
"“Just working with those guys and just trying to be the best punter I can be while putting them in the best position to make plays, and put the team in the best position to win football games. Every year is the same goal; just working to be the best punter I can be.” – Riley Dixon on the importance of improving (via Denver Broncos PR)"
When it came to the Broncos new Special Teams Coordinator Brock Olivo, the narrative was the same. The players love Olivo and his energetic personality.
Dixon said “Brock is an awesome dude. He is super hands-on. He’s been really awesome with us. He’s just getting a feel for us as we are getting a feel for him. I think we’re blending really well. I really like what he is doing for this team”
Olivo’s passion stands out to Dixon as it does the rest of Denver’s special teams unit. “He’s the best. That guy has some energy. To see somebody who cares so much about it, as much as we do, because so many times, special teams is overlooked by some coaches” Dixon said.
When you combine passion and the desire to grow, players can be inspired to achieve greater lengths. Olivo has those two characteristics, which will be great for the players in my opinion.
The importance of special teams deals a lot with field position, and Riley Dixon is excited to see how the Broncos return game will do.
"“Those guys are killing it out there. I’m excited to see what they can do. All of them — just speed. Returner is such a unique position on the field. Being able to do so many things. As a punter, I understand that punting to guys like Tyreek Hill, and trying to keep the ball away from a guy like that, changes your punt gameplan completely. To be able to put other teams in that position by having a threat back there is incredibly important. These guys are doing an unbelievable job. I’m excited to see what they can do.” – Riley Dixon on the importance of a return game in the NFL (via Denver Broncos PR)"
Writers Thoughts: Riley Dixon
Riley Dixon in my opinion is a special player. The Broncos have held a mile high advantage when it comes to punting, but Dixon has this natural ability that stands out.
Next: Could Eric Decker come back to Denver?
Don’t forget, Dixon is not your average punter. In Tennessee he completed a 4th down pass to move the chains, and it was a perfect spiral.
Special Teams has become so undervalued in the NFL that Punters and Kickers seem like outcasts on Sundays. However, Riley Dixon is changing that narrative in my opinion.