JL Skinner’s Blocked Punt Sparks Broncos to Narrow Victory Over Raiders

The Denver Broncos secured a hard-fought 10-7 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on March 15, 2024, thanks to a pivotal blocked punt by JL Skinner. The third-year pro’s dramatic play occurred late in the third quarter and set the stage for what would become the game-winning field goal at Empower Field.

Skinner’s decisive moment came with just 1:36 remaining in the third quarter. With the Raiders lined up for a fourth-and-16 from their own 14-yard line, Skinner executed a perfectly timed block on punter AJ Cole. The 6-foot-4, 220-pound safety had been repositioned by special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi, who aimed to leverage Skinner’s length and physicality more effectively.

“I was ready for the moment. I was thinking about that play all day,” Skinner stated, reflecting on his preparation leading up to the game. His efforts paid off as he used a drive-and-crank technique to burst through the line and, although he missed the ball with his right arm, it ricocheted off his facemask, allowing Tyler Badie to recover it and advance to the 11-yard line.

The subsequent drive culminated in a 32-yard field goal by Will Lutz, securing a narrow lead for the Broncos. Skinner humorously noted, “I thought I missed it… then I saw my visor and it had a mark from the ball on it. That’s when I knew.”

This blocked punt was not just a highlight for Skinner but also a critical moment in a game marked by a lackluster offensive performance from the Broncos. The special teams unit, which has faced scrutiny in recent weeks, managed to turn the tide. Rookie punter Jeremy Crawshaw struggled with his kicking, producing two shanked punts of 30 and 36 yards, which contributed to the overall tension during the game.

Despite these challenges, the Broncos’ defense held strong, with John Franklin-Myers and others contributing to a total of six sacks against the Raiders. Franklin-Myers praised Skinner’s contribution, saying, “JL showed he’s a consistent player who plays with a physicality that people don’t want to match.”

While the Broncos’ special teams have had their share of issues, including a communication breakdown that led to a concussion for All-Pro returner Marvin Mims Jr. in a previous game, Skinner’s performance offers a glimpse of potential growth. Franklin-Myers emphasized the importance of special teams, stating, “That’s all we can ask for,” referring to the impact of their contributions during critical moments.

As the Broncos look ahead, Skinner hopes that this game will serve as a platform for further success throughout the rest of the season. His standout performance against the Raiders exemplified the kind of physicality and readiness that can change the course of a game and potentially redefine his role within the team.

The Broncos’ next challenge will be to build on this momentum as they prepare for their upcoming fixtures, with fans eager to see how Skinner and the special teams unit evolve moving forward.