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Denver Broncos: Previewing the 2018 special teams unit

By Mason Yellico

DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 11: Wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie #84 of the Denver Broncos returns a kick in the second quarter of the game abasing the Los Angeles Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 11, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 11: Wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie #84 of the Denver Broncos returns a kick in the second quarter of the game abasing the Los Angeles Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 11, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 10: Kicker Brandon McManus #8 of the Denver Broncos kicks a first-quarter field goal against the New York Jets at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on December 10, 2017, in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 10: Kicker Brandon McManus #8 of the Denver Broncos kicks a first-quarter field goal against the New York Jets at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on December 10, 2017, in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

Despite a disappointing 2017, Denver Broncos fans should expect to see a much better special teams unit this season under the direction of new coordinator Tom McMahon.

When talking about football it can be easy to get caught up focusing on just the offensive and defensive phases of the game, while forgetting about the always important special teams unit.

But football is a game of momentum, and no aspect of the game can consistently effect momentum like a kick return touchdown, a missed field goal, a punter pinning the ball inside the five-yard line — the list could go on and on.

The Denver Broncos had their fair share of special teams blunders last season, but a new coach, new punter, more experienced returners, and maybe even a couple rookies could change their fortunes in 2018.

After moving on from Brock Olivo early in the offseason, John Elway and company were quick to replace him with longtime special teams coordinator Tom McMahon. McMahon’s most recent coaching stint was in Indianapolis with the Colts, where he spent the last five seasons.

The most notable move the Broncos have made to improve their special teams is signing Marquette King, trading away former seventh-round pick Riley Dixon to the  New York Giants.

Both kicker Brandon McManus and long snapper Casey Kreiter will be back next season. And so will every player (except for Cody Latimer) that got any experience returning punts or kickoffs for the Broncos last season.

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