Broncos' Special Teams Poised for Standout Season

As the Denver Broncos gear up for the upcoming NFL season, their special teams unit is shaping up to be a key component of their success. With a roster that boasts a mix of veteran leadership and promising young talent, the Broncos are well-positioned to excel in the often-overlooked but crucial phase of the game.

Broncos' Special Teams Primed for Dominance in 2024

Retaining Wil Lutz: A Crucial Offseason Move

The Broncos' decision to re-sign kicker Wil Lutz was a strategic masterstroke that could pay dividends throughout the season. Lutz's near departure to the Jacksonville Jaguars was a wake-up call, but the Broncos managed to secure his services for the next two years, ensuring continuity and stability in the kicking game. Lutz's impressive debut season with the franchise, where he converted 30 of 33 field goal attempts, demonstrated his reliability and accuracy. With the entire special teams operation potentially returning intact, the Broncos can expect Lutz to build on his strong performance and provide a consistent scoring threat.

Navigating the Seismic Kickoff Rule Changes

The NFL's recent rule changes regarding kickoffs will have a significant impact on the game, and the Broncos are well-positioned to adapt and thrive. Head coach Sean Payton has expressed confidence in the team's ability to capitalize on these new regulations, which could involve the deployment of larger players on the kickoff coverage and return units. The Broncos' coaching staff will need to be proactive in exploring and implementing the most effective strategies, as teams across the league experiment with different approaches. The ability to quickly adjust and excel in this area could give the Broncos an early-season advantage, potentially providing a boost to an offense that will be breaking in a new starting quarterback.

The Punter Battle: Consistency and Versatility Sought

The competition for the Broncos' punting duties will be one of the key storylines to watch during training camp. Riley Dixon, the incumbent, has shown flashes of his talent but has struggled with inconsistency. The arrival of Trenton Gill, who previously punted for the Chicago Bears, will provide genuine competition and push Dixon to elevate his game. The Broncos learned a valuable lesson in 2022 when they opted to keep a cheaper option over the more reliable Sam Martin, and they will be mindful of not repeating that mistake. The ability to consistently pin opponents deep in their own territory and manipulate the ball's trajectory will be crucial, and the Broncos will be closely evaluating both Dixon and Gill to determine the best fit for their special teams unit.

Devaughn Vele: The Unsung Hero of Special Teams

While the spotlight may shine on the kicking and punting positions, the Broncos have an intriguing player in Devaughn Vele who could make a significant impact on special teams. The former Utah standout was a skilled punt returner in college and is now vying for a role in the Broncos' return game. With the new kickoff rules requiring two returners in the "landing zone," Vele's versatility and playmaking ability could earn him valuable reps. Additionally, with the potential for Marvin Mims Jr.'s offensive responsibilities to increase, Vele's emergence as a reliable return specialist could provide a valuable insurance policy and ensure the Broncos maintain a potent return game.The Broncos' special teams unit is poised to be a driving force in the team's quest for success in the 2024 season. With the retention of Wil Lutz, the adaptation to the new kickoff rules, a competitive punter battle, and the emergence of Devaughn Vele, the Broncos have assembled a special teams group that can provide a significant advantage on game days. As the team prepares for the upcoming campaign, the special teams unit will undoubtedly be a key focus, with the potential to make a lasting impact on the Broncos' overall performance.