Brandon McManus proving his worth for Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos kicker Brandon McManus is your AFC Special Teams Player of the Week 14.
The Denver Broncos have a star in kicker Brandon McManus. McManus, who the team acquired in a trade with the New York Giants in 2014 because of a suspension to Matt Prater, is your AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance in Week 14’s victory over the Detroit Lions.
The Broncos scored a season-high 38 points in their dominating win against the Lions. McManus hit a 52-yard field goal and added 5-of-5 extra points to the team’s overall score. He was a busy guy due to the team’s five-touchdown performance, which included two touchdown passes from Teddy Bridgewater to tight end Albert Okwuegbunam and running back Javonte Williams, as well as rushing touchdowns from Melvin Gordon (2) and Williams (1).
On the season, McManus has converted 20-of-23 field goals, including a 53-yard field goal. As a percentage, that’s an 87 percent conversion rate.
Last season, the absence of McManus due to COVID-19 was an obvious one. His replacement, Taylor Russolino, made it clear how important a great kicker is. Russolino missed a field goal, as well as two extra points in the team’s loss to the Buffalo Bills.
The Broncos may not have won a lot of games over the last couple of years, but having a kicker like Brandon McManus has been a breath of fresh air.
As DenverBroncos.com points out, McManus wore a custom Demaryius Thomas jersey as well as cleats during pregame warmups in honor of his teammate who tragically passed away just a couple of days prior. Players don’t necessarily need that sort of motivation to perform at their best but it’s safe to say, at least to me, that Thomas was with each and every member of the team on Sunday.
Congratulations to Brandon McManus. You’re McMoney to the Broncos and Broncos Country.