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Denver Broncos: Ranking the team’s top three weaknesses

By Sayre Bedinger

DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 31: Wide receiver De'Anthony Thomas #13 of the Kansas City Chiefs rolls his ankle while being tackled by cornerback Marcus Rios #38 of the Denver Broncos during the first quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on December 31, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 31: Wide receiver De'Anthony Thomas #13 of the Kansas City Chiefs rolls his ankle while being tackled by cornerback Marcus Rios #38 of the Denver Broncos during the first quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on December 31, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /
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ORCHARD PARK, NY – SEPTEMBER 24: Isaiah McKenzie #84 of the Denver Broncos is tackled by Lorenzo Alexander #57 and Tre’Davious White #27, both of the Buffalo Bills, during an NFL game on September 24, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY – SEPTEMBER 24: Isaiah McKenzie #84 of the Denver Broncos is tackled by Lorenzo Alexander #57 and Tre’Davious White #27, both of the Buffalo Bills, during an NFL game on September 24, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /

2. Return specialists

In 11 games as a rookie, fifth-round pick Isaiah McKenzie had six fumbles.

Those fumbles weren’t all muffed punts, but McKenzie was afforded too much time to figure things out in his rookie season.

Six different players returned punts for the Broncos in 2017, and the only one who caught them with regularity was backup wide receiver, Jordan Taylor.

The Broncos also only returned about two kickoffs per week (34 on the season) and weren’t very effective in those opportunities either.

On the season, the Broncos averaged 8.6 yards per punt return and 22.6 yards per kick return, both below average numbers that need to be improved upon as the defense provides opportunities to change field position.

If the Broncos averaged 22.6 yards per kick return, it means that on 34 kick returns, taking the ball out of the end zone was utterly pointless, as they achieved worse field position by over two yards than they would just take a knee in the end zone.

The Broncos need someone who can make returning kickoffs a worthwhile exercise again, and they need to find someone who can not only consistently catch punts, but make plays after the catch.

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