By Jordan Long
The Denver Broncos will start training camp in July. Right now they are in OTA’s (organized team activities). One position up for grabs is punt returner. The Broncos gave that to Isaiah McKenzie last year.
McKenzie proved he couldn’t handle the duties with 6 fumbles. He was lucky to only lose 2, far too many. Those not only cost the Broncos a chance on offense but backed the offense into a hole with horrible starting field position. McKenzie is out to prove last year was a fluke.
According to the Denverpost.com, McKenzie said, “It’s a fresh start. “I feel like I came in this year with a good mindset. I feel more comfortable with the plays on offense and I’m catching the ball well on punt returns. I just want to keep it rolling.”
McKenzie knows once training camp rolls around he must catch the football and hold onto it. That will need to happen in preseason games. McKenzie also took chances on returns last year. Rather than letting the ball roll into the end zone or fair catching it, he tried to make a play.
McKenzie has the opportunity to earn the punt return duties. If he fails to do so, the Broncos will put Jordan Taylor back there. Taylor showed last season he could fair catch the football when he knew he couldn’t return it. When Taylor had the chance to run with it, he protected it. Other players who might have the chance are Brendan Langley and Phillip Lindsay.
The Broncos know how important the return game can be. It may be the determining factor in games in terms of field position and turnovers. Hopefully the special teams are improved. If not, it could be another long year.
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