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Sean Payton comments on special teams performance under Darren Rizzi
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- Sean Payton comments on special teams performance under Darren Rizzi
It was considered a major coup when Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton added Darren Rizzi to his staff this offseason as an assistant head coach and special teams coordinator.
Six games into the season, though, Denver's special teams units have drawn headlines for all the wrong reasons. The Broncos lost to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2 after a " leverage penalty " gave Indy a closer field goal attempt. Marvin Mims , an All-Pro returner in each of his first two seasons, is averaging 12.0 yards per punt return (down from 15.7 in 2024) and 27.1 yards per kickoff return (a less notable dip from 27.7 last fall).
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Denver has allowed the second-most yards ( 761 ) on kickoffs this season, including two big returns allowed to the New York Jets on Sunday that led to field goals. After the Broncos held on in a sloppy 13-11 win , Payton was asked about the performance of the special teams units.
"To answer that fairly, we have to go back and watch it," Payton said. "The big return they had, there's contact made. Still, you know, we kind of knew going in they were one of the top, they were in the top ten in kick return yardage. But I felt, in a lot of phases, even when we doubled the jammer, you know, you ought to be able to win a look, and they're splitting it or beating us. I think Darren is probably just as disappointed relative to his units as I would be relative to our offense, you know. Nonetheless, as the head coach, you've got to be excited for the team win."
Payton side-stepped the question a bit, but there's no doubt that improving kickoff coverage will be a point of emphasis this week. There's another tough test on deck as the New York Giants have totaled the fourth-most yards ( 706 ) on kickoff returns this season. Denver will host the Giants on Sunday.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: NFL: Sean Payton gives his take on Darren Rizzi's special teams units
