Broncos’ JL Skinner Blocks Punt, Sets Up Game-Winning Field Goal
JL Skinner made a crucial play late in the third quarter, blocking AJ Cole’s punt with his helmet. This key moment helped the Broncos secure a 10-7 victory over the Raiders at Empower Field.
Impactful Play in a Tough Game
The blocked punt led directly to the game-winning field goal in a tightly contested match. It was one of the biggest plays in Skinner’s career so far.
Strategic Move by Special Teams Coordinator
Special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi shifted Skinner from the outside to the inside of the line to leverage Skinner’s 6-foot-4, 220-pound frame and his physicality on punt blocks.
“That’s something I’ve been working on all week at practice — taking advantage of that tackle and trying to get off the ball fast,” Skinner said. “I was thinking about that play all day.”
Execution on Fourth-and-16
With 1:36 left in the third quarter and the Raiders facing a critical fourth-and-16 on their own 14-yard line while tied, Skinner lined up inside of Devon Key. Using a drive-and-crank move, he pushed into the backfield, evading two Raiders gunners who were occupied by blockers, to reach Cole and block the punt.
Author’s Summary
JL Skinner’s decisive blocked punt was a game-changing moment that highlighted both his skill and strategic adjustments by the Broncos’ special teams.