October 20th 2024.
The recent game between the Broncos and the Raiders may have gone unnoticed by some, but it truly showcased the value of Tremon Smith to the Broncos' special teams. In this particular play, the 28-year-old cornerback took on the role of gunner for the punt return unit and executed his duties flawlessly.
As the opposing team's punt was caught by Marvin Mims Jr., Smith expertly positioned himself in front of his teammate, Darnay Holmes, while backpedaling down the field. When Mims made his move to the left, Smith used his body to take out three defenders, creating an opportunity for Mims to make a 38-yard gain in the third quarter.
The Broncos' special teams have been on the rise in the past couple of seasons, thanks to the leadership of coordinator Ben Kotwica and assistant Mike Westhoff. A large part of their success can be attributed to Tremon Smith, who joined the team last year on a two-year deal and has proven to be an invaluable asset.
Head coach Sean Payton recognizes the challenge of being a single gunner and praises Smith for his productivity and importance to the team. According to Kotwica, Smith's versatility allows him to contribute in multiple positions on special teams, whether it's as a gunner or as a returner during kickoffs. This is especially beneficial when opponents try to avoid kicking to the talented returner, Marvin Mims.
In a recent game against the Raiders, Smith had his first kick return since 2022 and made an impressive 38-yard gain in the first quarter. The following week, he had a 31-yard return from the Broncos' 3-yard line. So far this season, Smith has accumulated a total of 92 yards on three kick return attempts.
Kotwica speaks highly of Smith and his ability to make tackles and contribute as a returner. He brings great value to the team and has helped make the Broncos' special teams one of the best in the league. On average, opponents' starting position against the Broncos is near the 26-yard line, and punter Riley Dixon has landed 18 punts inside the 20-yard line, with three of them stopping at the one-yard line. Smith also played a key role in pinning the Seahawks near the goal line in the season-opener last month, resulting in a safety for the Broncos.
The Broncos currently rank 11th in yards allowed per punt return and fourth in yards allowed per kick return, a testament to the outstanding performance of their special teams unit. Kotwica praises Smith for his ability to run down the field and keep the ball in play, highlighting the complementary nature of the team's play on that particular game-changing play against the Raiders.
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