Since Super Bowl 50, the Denver Broncos' special teams unit has been atrocious. The numbers for the 2022 Broncos tell the full story.
Denver was dead last in kickoff yards per punt return (17.5 yards per return), 13th in punt return yards (8.3 yards), and 28th in field goal percentage (77.8%).
It's no surprise that new Broncos head coach Sean Payton has made it a priority to fix that side of the ball. With the additions of Mike Westhoff as assistant head coach and special teams coordinator Ben Kotwica to the staff, the Broncos should see significant third-phase improvement.
Montrell Washington brought plenty of upside to the table when he was drafted in the fifth round out of Samford University. Alas, as a punt returner, it was evident that Washington lacked awareness of the field during coverage and/or he was being coached certain tendencies that hindered his potential.
For example, there were times when Washington was extremely anxious, bringing the ball out of the end zone when he should have taken a knee. This led to unnecessary big hits and the inability to find running lanes during kickoffs. And let’s not forget about the fumbles…
The yards per punt return metric, and all its intricacies, should be a point of emphasis as the Broncos approach the 2023 season. While better blocking should help, Washington must show the willingness to learn, adapt to situational football, and refine his craft.
Washington certainly has the support of the coaches, though. Kotwica spoke to Washington's upside in a presser during mandatory minicamp.
“There are a couple things about Montrell," Kotwica said on June 14. "First off, I love his work ethic. He’s always asking questions and wants to be out on the field. Under the parameters that we have, we can’t be out there all day, but he is a player that would be out there all day. We’ve talked to him about that. He has that athletic ability. I think it’s continuing to [show] confidence in the player. I’m excited about where it will take him during training camp.”
Washington will now be afforded another opportunity with a different regime. Although he is not a lock for the 53-man roster, if he continues to put the work in during training camp and it shows in the preseason, he can be the 'no-doubt' returner that the Broncos envisioned when he was selected.
Washington will face competition from 2023 second-rounder Marvin Mims, Jr., and even All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain II is being trained to return punts. Stay tuned.
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