Broncos Special Teams Struggles Highlighted in Close Win

In their recent matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, the Denver Broncos secured a narrow 10-7 victory, but the performance of their special teams raised significant concerns as they head into the later part of the season. According to The Denver Post, the game highlighted the struggles of the Broncos' special teams, particularly the punting from rookie Jeremy Crawshaw, who had a difficult outing. His first punt, a low line drive that went out of bounds before midfield, only netted 30 yards and gave the Raiders favorable field position. This pattern continued, with Crawshaw's subsequent punts also failing to meet expectations, forcing the Broncos' offense into tough spots early in the game, as three of their first five possessions began within their own 20-yard line.

Mile High Report provided insight into the broader issues facing the special teams unit, indicating that fans are divided on whether the problems stem from coaching or player execution. The performance against the Raiders has put pressure on special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi, with some fans calling for improvements in both coaching strategies and player execution. Sean Payton, the head coach, publicly backed Rizzi but is likely having private discussions to address the need for improvement as the team enters a tougher stretch of games against rivals like the Chiefs and Chargers.

Despite the concerns around special teams, the Broncos' overall record stands at an impressive 8-2, marking them as one of the better teams in the league historically at this point in the season. The Denver Post noted that no Broncos team starting a season 8-2 has finished with fewer than 11 wins, and past teams have advanced to the Super Bowl or AFC Championship game. This fact brings a silver lining to the struggles, as the team has the potential to succeed despite the rocky special teams play.

The game against the Raiders, while a win, was characterized by its lack of offensive fireworks, with the first three quarters described as tedious. Fans and analysts alike acknowledged the importance of stepping up the special teams play as the Broncos look to solidify their playoff contention. The Broncos’ special teams unit needs to be ready for high-stakes games, and many believe that addressing these issues could make a significant difference as the playoffs approach.

In summary, while the Broncos celebrate their victory and impressive record, the glaring issues within the special teams unit cannot be ignored. Improvements in player execution and coaching strategies will be critical for the team's playoff aspirations moving forward.