JL Skinner Blocks Punt, Leads Broncos to 10-7 Win Over Raiders

The Denver Broncos secured a narrow 10-7 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on November 9, 2023, thanks to a pivotal blocked punt by JL Skinner. The special teams standout’s play late in the third quarter set up the game-winning field goal, showcasing his readiness for a crucial moment in a tightly contested matchup at Empower Field.

With the game tied and the Raiders facing a fourth-and-16 situation from their own 14-yard line, Skinner capitalized on a strategic change by special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi. By moving Skinner inside on the line, Rizzi aimed to utilize the 6-foot-4, 220-pound player’s length and physicality more effectively. Skinner executed his assignment flawlessly, driving into the backfield and managing to block the punt with his helmet.

“I was ready for the moment,” Skinner said. “I was thinking about that play all day.” The block resulted in a deflection off Skinner’s facemask, which was ultimately recovered by Tyler Badie. Badie advanced the ball to the 11-yard line, setting up Will Lutz for a 32-yard field goal that clinched the win for the Broncos.

Skinner’s play was a standout in a game where the Broncos’ offense struggled to gain momentum. The special teams unit had a mixed performance, highlighted by rookie punter Jeremy Crawshaw, who faced challenges with two punts that went awry. Despite these setbacks, Skinner’s block proved to be a game-changing moment.

The Broncos had endured a tumultuous period with their special teams, marked by errors that included communication mishaps leading to injuries. However, following the successful block against the Raiders, the mood shifted within the team. Defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers expressed optimism regarding the special teams’ performance, emphasizing Skinner’s impact.

“JL showed he’s a consistent player who plays with a physicality that people don’t want to match,” Franklin-Myers noted. “He’s one of the engines that makes the special teams go.”

While the Broncos’ defensive unit shone with a total of six sacks against the Raiders, linebacker Jonathon Cooper acknowledged the need for improvement in certain areas. Still, he echoed the sentiment that special teams could be a decisive factor in future games.

“(Special teams) made a big play in a big-time moment, and that’s all we can ask for,” said Zach Allen, another defensive contributor.

For Skinner, who has been primarily a special teams player in his 26-game NFL career, this moment could serve as a turning point for the rest of the season. The Broncos will look to build on this victory as they continue their campaign, with the hope that Skinner’s performance can inspire further success.