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5 Saints’ players the Denver Broncos need to worry about on Sunday

By Noah Smith

Nov 22, 2020; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Taysom Hill (7) celebrates after defeating the Atlanta Falcons at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2020; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Taysom Hill (7) celebrates after defeating the Atlanta Falcons at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Deonte Harris
Nov 1, 2020; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Deonte Harris (11) runs with the ball during the second half against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Deonte Harris

While Deonte Harris does see some action in the Saints’ offense, his primary role is as a returner for the Saints. Harris is one of the best returners in the NFL, and could have a huge impact should the Broncos fail to take him out of the equation.

The Broncos have struggled under the coaching of special teams coordinator Tom McMahon. Ill-timed penalties and rookie mistakes leading to huge plays for the opposing team’s returner are becoming routine for the Denver Broncos this season, and Deonte Harris has the ability to make the Broncos pay.

In his rookie season, Harris made his first Pro-Bowl and 1st-team All-Pro as a returner, and was on the All-Rookie team as a returner, per Pro Football Reference. This season, he is continuing his strong play, with an average of 27.3 yards-per-return on kickoffs, with a long of 75 yards this season.

Harris is just as dangerous on punts, where he averages 12.2 yards-per-return, with a long of 42, per ESPN. The Broncos must emphasize taking the ball away from Harris on returns, or he will make Denver pay.

Sam Martin has been an excellent punter for the Broncos this season, but they will need his ability to kick directionally against the Saints. Kicking away from Harris, while avoiding key mistakes by the coverage team will be a key to limiting Harris’ impact in the return game.

The Broncos’ special teams’ unit has been rough, to say the least, and they will face one of their toughest tasks this Sunday. If the Broncos can limit Deonte Harris in the return game, the Broncos will give themselves a chance to win.

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