Depth Chart Question No. 1
Special teams has been a major deficiency for the Broncos in recent years, so finding quality contributors in that unit was clearly a priority for Kubiak. Isaiah Burse, who handled the lion’s share of punt returns in 2014 was released and now Omar Bolden has been tabbed to handle both punt and kickoff duties. Can he handle it?
Bolden and Andre Caldwell took nearly the same number of kickoffs in 2014, with Bolden out-gaining Caldwell by 10 yards per return for the season. Caldwell will remain the backup on kickoffs and Jordan Norwood will be backup on punts and third string on kickoffs.
Burse averaged just 7.3 yards per return in 2014, so the bar isn’t set too high for Bolden, but the real key to his success will be in ball control. Burse had three fumbles in 2014, which led to him ultimately losing his punt return duties to Wes Welker and Emmanuel Sanders who were essentially asked to play centerfielders and just maintain possession with fair catches.
Kubiak doesn’t want to have to resort to Sanders on punt returns – it’s simply too risky to put such an important asset in that role – so Bolden has to step up. But Caldwell has been uninspiring (the offense’s version of Tony Carter) and Norwood struggled with ball control during the preseason himself, so depth in the return game is a major cause for concern.
Bolden needs to light things up or Kubiak may be forced to make a mid-season move. Can he find another Trindon Holliday?
Depth chart question No. 2 could have big implications for Peyton Manning.
