Earlier this week, the Broncos gave punter Sam Martin a three-year contract with an average salary of $2.35 million. With that kind of salary, Martin is the clear favorite to win the team’s punting job this offseason.
But what about the team’s kickoff duties — could Martin claim that job as well?
While with the Lions, Martin handled 480 kickoffs in seven years. In Denver, Brandon McManus has booted 467 kickoffs in six seasons. Which one of them will kickoff for the Broncos in 2020?
“Expect McManus to continue the task,” KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis tweeted on Wednesday. Klis is probably correct in his prediction.
Although McManus has a slightly shorter career kickoff average than Martin (62.5 yards compared to 63.4 yards), he is better at limiting returns, which is something teams aim for these days.
McManus has forced 312 touchbacks in his career compared to 259 forced by Martin. When returners elect to return a McManus kickoff, they have averaged 22.4 yards per return. Returners have averaged 23.8 yards per return against Martin. Kick coverage plays a role in the return average but so does kick placement, an area where McManus has done well.
It’s probably safe to assume that Martin will handle punts and place-holding in 2020 with McManus handling field goals and kickoffs.
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