This could be the week Isaiah McKenzie finally breaks one
The New York Giants have not been great on punt coverage this season, and we could finally see Isaiah McKenzie break one for a score…
Denver Broncos rookie wide receiver and punt returner Isaiah McKenzie has the type of game-breaking ability that makes you think he’s a threat to score every time he touches the football.
So far this season, we’ve seen McKenzie break a number of big returns, some called back, and he is tied for the league lead with three returns over 20 or more yards. He has an average per return of 11.1 yards, which ranks 2nd in the NFL behind Adoree Jackson of the Titans among those with 10 or more returns this season.
McKenzie is a ticking timebomb, ready to explode at any moment. He’s been getting really close to scoring on a punt return in recent weeks, and this week against the Giants could finally be the golden opportunity he needs.
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So far this season, the Giants have allowed the third most yards on punt returns of any team (161) and they have the lowest net average of any team in the NFL as well (35.0). The Giants are also one of just two teams (Houston Texans) to allow a punt return touchdown this season.
The stars are aligned for McKenzie, which the Giants are obviously going to be aware of and they will unquestionably have to adjust their special teams game plan in order to avoid the explosive rookie out of Georgia.
These statistics mean nothing if the Broncos don’t execute on their end as well, which means eliminating silly and useless penalties so McKenzie can do his thing.
The Giants are also one of the top 10 worst teams in the league at converting third downs, so the Broncos are favored in that part of the matchup as well. Averaging nearly six punts per game, the opportunities should be there for McKenzie to break a return touchdown in this one.