Old Ties Die Hard: Sean Payton Defends Broncos Special Teams Coordinator Darren Rizzi
Sean Payton’s support for Broncos special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi was clear on Friday. “Darren’s been outstanding,” Payton said. However, two days later, the performance of Rizzi’s unit against the Houston Texans painted a different picture.
Despite a hard-fought 18-15 victory, where kicker Wil Lutz nailed a 34-yard game-winning field goal, the Broncos’ special teams struggled across the board. Houston dominated in just about every facet outside of Lutz’s clutch kick.
The Numbers Tell the Story
Houston outgained Denver 147 to 106 in combined punt and kick-return yardage. The struggles were evident not just in the stats but on the field as well:
– Lutz had a first-quarter field goal attempt blocked.
– Practice-squad elevation Michael Bandy muffed a punt in the second quarter.
– Houston rookie Jaylin Noel broke free for a 45-yard punt return in the third quarter.
Payton’s Candid Assessment
Without directly naming Rizzi, Payton didn’t mince words addressing the special teams’ difficulties. “Without watching on tape, my concern was just the late subs,” he said. “It was a little bit sloppy in the kicking game. We’ll get that cleaned up, or we’ll find someone else that can do it.”
Whether this comment hinted at a potential change in coaching personnel or adjustments among the kickoff staff remains unclear. What is certain, however, is Payton’s admission that special teams need improvement.
Ongoing Struggles Despite Strong Start
Despite the Broncos’ solid 7-2 start to the season, opponents have now outgained Denver in combined kickoff and punt-return yardage in five of the nine games played. Penalties also continued to plague the unit on Sunday, with long snapper Mitchell Fraboni and safety JL Skinner both flagged. Notably, Skinner was called for holding on a fourth-quarter punt coverage play.
The Blocked Field Goal: A Stark Reminder
The blocked field goal attempt against Houston was particularly damaging for Rizzi’s unit. On Friday, Payton had lauded Houston’s specialist Denico Autry, who entered Sunday’s game with 13 career blocked kicks. Autry was the player who swatted away Lutz’s attempt, highlighting the challenges Denver faced.
Special teams have been an area of concern for Payton recently. Last Monday, he noted a clear coaching error when Marvin Mims Jr. was on the field during the play where he suffered a concussion against Dallas. Payton emphasized after Sunday’s game, “The thing that was troubling me a little bit was we went into it wanting to play as much of the game on their side of the field. And I felt in the kicking game, we didn’t do enough to leverage the field-position battle.”
Palczewski’s “Flu Game”
On Saturday, Broncos left guard Alex Palczewski was suddenly downgraded to questionable against the Texans due to illness. Early warm-ups at NRG Stadium made the situation apparent: after taking a sip from his water bottle, a trainer removed it and placed a piece of tape on it to ensure no other player drank from it.
Despite his condition, Palczewski showed grit and toughness, playing all four quarters and allowing Denver to avoid starting their fourth left guard of the year. Since stepping in for injured Ben Powers before Week 7 against the Giants, Palczewski has performed admirably.
“He’s doing a really good job,” Payton said on Monday. “He’s physically smart. The experience he’s had as a player over the years, you know what you’re getting, and there is a great value to that.”
Greenlaw Ramps Up
Inside linebacker Dre Greenlaw saw increased playing time against Houston, especially in the fourth quarter. Returning from a one-game suspension, Greenlaw finished with eight tackles and a sack. While reserve Justin Strnad also saw much of the action, Greenlaw’s role is expected to grow as Denver approaches the season’s stretch run.
Lewis Makes History at 41
Just days after signing a practice squad deal with Denver, 41-year-old tight end Marcedes Lewis made history by becoming the oldest tight end to play in an NFL game. Payton put him in a critical spot early in the first quarter: Lewis lined up as the lead blocker on a J.K. Dobbins outside run against Texans edge rusher Will Anderson. Executing the assignment flawlessly, Lewis helped Dobbins gain 12 yards on his most effective carry of the day.
“I mean, his routine, his regimen, all of it is extremely impressive,” Payton said of Lewis on Friday. “I’m glad he’s here.”
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The Broncos’ victory over the Texans was hard-fought, but the team’s special teams deficiencies remain an area requiring attention. As Denver looks ahead, adjustments will be crucial to maintaining their strong start and improving field position battles moving forward.
https://www.denverpost.com/2025/11/02/broncos-special-teams-darren-rizzi-texans/
