In a game that featured a total of eight field goal attempts and eight punts, specials teams were much of the story in the Broncos-49ers preseason Week 3 matchup. With former kicker Connor Barth now in Tampa Bay and the kicking job fully Brandon McManus’s, it appeared that at least one aspect of the special teams phase had been decided. But it was another rocky game for the returners, who again had a muffed punt and also totaled just 94 yards on kick and punt return yards combined in five attempts.
There were highlights, however. Omar Bolden had a kick return of 33 yards and Isaiah Burse added one of 28 himself. In coverage, Denver was solid, allowing just 16 total yards on punts returned. On kicks, San Francisco had two returns for a net gain of 50 yards.
In his postgame press conference, head coach Gary Kubiak said ball protection was not what he wanted it to be on special teams and alluded to the fact that Emmanuel Sanders needs to get healthy and may contribute once he is at or near 100 percent. In a perfect world, Sanders – Denver’s No. 2 receiver – wouldn’t be forced into punt return duties, but if that is the only option Kubiak feels comfortable putting on the field, be prepared to see it.
As always, the MHS team was keeping a close eye on the game, offering this feedback about the special teams play as it unfolded against the 49ers…
Omar Bolden fumbles the opening kickoff but Joe Don Duncan recovers. Oof. @Broncos didn't need that as they decide on their returners.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) August 30, 2015
The Broncos kick and punt returners are just dreadful. All of them.
— James Merilatt (@jamesmerilatt) August 30, 2015
Not a great punt by Colquitt. Spencer Lanning is lurking
— Adam Kinney (@adamrkinney) August 30, 2015
Lanning kicking off. Kubiak mentioned this week he wanted to watch McManus' preseason workload after the release of Barth.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) August 30, 2015
Fair catch on punts. Take a knee on kicks. That's the best policy for the Broncos. #MissingTrindon
— James Merilatt (@jamesmerilatt) August 30, 2015
Colquitt fortunate Reggie Bush didn't catch the punt. 60 yards pins the niners at their own three
— Adam Kinney (@adamrkinney) August 30, 2015
Omar Bolden is outstanding in the open field — on kickoffs (or free kicks like that), he's an explosion waiting to happen.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) August 30, 2015
Isaiah Burse muffs the punt and recovers. That's four fumbled punts or kickoffs this preseason for Broncos returners.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) August 30, 2015
Good grief. How hard is it to find someone who can catch a punt? #Broncos
— James Merilatt (@jamesmerilatt) August 30, 2015
McManus misses wide right from 55 yards. That's his first miss since Barth was released (he went 19-of-19 on FGs during Wed./Thu. practice).
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) August 30, 2015
The wind is blowing from the south & southeast. Gusting pretty heavily. Barth wouldn't have hit that. RT @josehunzicker: miss you barth
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) August 30, 2015