Most might overlook the play, but it exemplified Tremon Smith’s value to the Broncos’ special teams.
Lined up as a gunner for the punt return unit in Week 5’s matchup against the Raiders, the 28-year-old cornerback backpedaled down the field while staying in front of cornerback Darnay Holmes. When Marvin Mims Jr. caught the ball and cut to the left, Smith used his body to wipe out three defenders, creating an opportunity for the second-year returner to speed down the field for a 38-yard gain in the third quarter.
Denver’s special teams have turned it around over the past two seasons under coordinator Ben Kotwica and assistant Mike Westhoff. Part of the reason for the unit’s success has been Smith. The former Texans cornerback signed a two-year deal with Denver last offseason, and has lived up to the vision that the organization had for him.
“One of the second hardest things to do is to be a single (gunner) and take that (defender) out because there’s a lot of freedom in what he’s doing,” head coach Sean Payton said. “He’s been real productive and important to us. I’m glad we have him.”
Kotwica said Smith provides position flexibility on special teams. He has coverage skills that make him a reliable gunner. At the same time, he can line up in the end zone as a returner during kick-off situations, which is beneficial whenever opponents want to keep away from Mims.
In Smith’s first kick return attempt since 2022, he broke off for a 38-yard gain in the first quarter against the Raiders. The following week against Los Angeles, Smith had a 31-yard return from Denver’s 3-yard line in the first quarter. This season, Smith has collected 92 yards on three kick return attempts.
“Tremon brings great value,” Kotwica said. “He (has) returner ability and he’s a good coverage player (who) can make tackles.”
Smith is among the key players on Denver’s special teams that’s one of the best in the league. Against the Broncos, opponents’ average starting position is near its 26-yard line. Punter Riley Dixon has booted 18 punts inside the 20-yard line, with three landing at the one-yard line. Smith had a hand in pinning the Seahawks near the goal line in the season-opener last month.
Smith leaped into the end zone to toss the ball to safety JL Skinner to pin Seattle at the one. As a result, the Broncos recorded a safety.
The Broncos are also 11th in yards allowed per punt return (6.9) and fourth in yards allowed per kick return (23.9).
“(Smith) does a great job of running down the field and keeping the ball in play,” Kotwica said. “I think what’s cool about that play, along with a couple of others, is we were able to play some complimentary football. We get points off of that.”
