Special teams issues return
Remember when the Broncos’ special teams appeared to be turning a type of consistent corner?
Scratch that. They’re back to being a liability.
In last week’s win over Dallas, the Broncos had a punt blocked (although they recovered) and missed one field goal and point-after attempt apiece.
In Sunday’s 30-13 loss to Philadelphia, Brandon Mcmanus had his 22yard field goal attempt blocked.
“I don’t think we were solid in our technique between the tight end and the wing on that side,” Broncos coach Vic Fangio.
On the play, the Eagles’ K’von Wallace lined up as the second defender on the left side. At the snap, Broncos end man Dre’mont Jones kicked out to block Zech Mcphearson. The Broncos’ Calvin Anderson, lined up inside of Jones, blocked Shaun Bradley.
Wallace had a clear path and didn’t even need to leave his feet to record the block, which kept the Eagles’ lead at 20-10.
Browning exits early. Broncos inside linebacker Baron Browning, who missed only two snaps and made 15 tackles in two games since becoming a starter, exited in the first quarter with a back injury.
Browning was added to the injury report on Thursday, when he did not practice.
“He had an issue during the week and came back to practice well on Friday and in Saturday’s walkthrough, he was fine,” Fangio said. “After pregame, he said he didn’t know if he could go. He gave it a try and didn’t last long.”
Rookie Curtis Robinson, a gameday practice squad call up, replaced Browning alongside Kenny Young, who had to take over the defensive communication duties. Justin Strnad was unavailable after testing positive for COVID-19 during the week.
Virus distractions. The Broncos were without three players (Strnad, quarterback Drew Lock and cornerback Michael Ojemudia) and offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur due to positive coronavirus tests, forcing them to return to some of their 2020 protocols.
“It’s a distraction, there’s no two ways about that,” Fangio said. “We went nine weeks of basically being back to normal and then all of a sudden, we were into last year’s mode. But that’s what this league is — it’s full of distractions and you have to overcome them.”
Guard Netane Muti and tight end Noah Fant were active after missing two and one games, respectively, after positive tests.
Fangio said the Broncos will meet virtually on Monday as a precaution.
Briefly. Safety Kareem Jackson (left shoulder) was injured making a first-half tackle, but returned to the game. … Practice squad offensive linemen Quinn Bailey and Drew Himmelman were active for the first time this year. … The Eagles have won eight of their last 12 games against the Broncos.