Broncos’ Vance Joseph discusses former Bulldog Isaiah McKenzie’s struggle on punt return as a rookie
While there will be competition for punt returner this offseason, Denver Broncos coach Vance Joseph said wide receiver Jordan Taylor will most likely start over second-year player Isaiah McKenzie.
McKenzie was drafted in fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Broncos to fill the role of punt returner after averaging 23.3 yards per punt return in three seasons at Georgia.
McKenzie began returning punts for the Broncos as the season began, but recorded six fumbles in 11 games. As a rookie, McKenzie had 21 punt returns and averaged 8.7 yards. Taylor took over return duties last season after McKenzie went through most of the season.
McKenzie’s problem, according to Joseph, was with decision making, which can be fixed.
Vance Joseph on Jordan Taylor, Isaiah McKenzie and the plan on punt returns: pic.twitter.com/MuJTIeSvaE
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) March 27, 2018
“His issue is not catching the football. It’s not,” Joseph said according to Denver Post reporter Nicki Jhabvala. “It’s decision-making. He has to make better decisions… Every return he wanted to make a touchdown. You can’t do it. And teams started playing him differently.”
