In recent weeks, the Denver Broncos’ special teams have become a focal point of concern. Coach Sean Payton faces significant challenges as his team encounters repeated errors on special teams. Darren Rizzi, the new special teams coordinator, acknowledges these issues and expresses his commitment to improving the situation.
Rizzi’s Acknowledgment of Mistakes
Rizzi candidly stated, “It starts with me.” He took responsibility for the mistakes that have led to poor field position and expensive penalties. This admission is viewed as a crucial step toward rectifying the ongoing issues.
Key mistakes include:
- A 71-yard kickoff return allowed in the season opener.
- A leverage penalty during a field goal attempt against the Colts.
- A disastrous substitution that caused Marvin Mims Jr. to play after a concussion risk.
- A string of errors in the game against the Texans, including a blocked field goal and a muffed punt.
Impact of Errors on Performance
These errors culminated in the Broncos winning by a narrow margin of 18-15 against the Texans, raising questions about Rizzi’s ability to lead. His special teams unit currently ranks poorly in several critical metrics, highlighting the disparity from last season’s performance.
Coaching and Leadership Under Fire
Despite the challenges, Payton continues to publicly support Rizzi. He emphasized that the coaching remains strong, although some observers may question that stance. Rizzi’s experience spans 33 years, with past successes in New Orleans where special teams ranked in the top 10 multiple times.
Currently, the Broncos’ special teams rank in the bottom third, significantly impacting their game outcomes:
- Opponent net punting rank: 32
- Punt coverage rank: 31
- Kick return rank: 23
Path Forward for the Broncos
As the Broncos prepare for tougher matchups, focus must shift toward consistency and accountability. Mistakes cannot continue to overshadow their game strategy. Rizzi’s acceptance of responsibility is a positive indicator, but execution remains critical moving forward.
Payton noted the necessity for attention to detail during crucial moments, stating, “This can’t happen.” As the season progresses, the Broncos must address these issues to maintain any hope for success in the playoffs.
