Brandon McManus Joins Jacksonville Jaguars with Hopes of Returning to Playoffs

After being released by the Denver Broncos, kicker Brandon McManus sought out a new team that would give him the chance to return to the playoffs. He ended up joining the Jacksonville Jaguars, a team that won the AFC South and advanced to the divisional round of the playoffs in the previous season.

Background

The last time McManus participated in a playoff game was in the Super Bowl 50, where he kicked field goals of 34, 33, and 30 yards in the Denver Broncos’ 24-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers. Since then, the Broncos have had only one winning season. The Jaguars, on the other hand, have only made two playoff appearances in the last 15 seasons. They rallied from a 27-0 deficit to defeat the Los Angeles Chargers in a wild card game before losing to Kansas City in the divisional round. According to Caesar’s Sportsbook, they are the betting favorites (-170) to win the AFC South in 2023.

Reason for Joining Jaguars

Shortly after being released, McManus contacted Jaguars special teams coordinator Heath Farwell, whom he had spoken to several times during pre-game warmups, to inquire about the team’s interest in his services. He also spoke with former Broncos special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis, who had two stints as an assistant coach/coordinator with the Jaguars, to get his opinion on Jacksonville.

McManus liked what he heard, and the Jaguars liked what McManus could bring to the team. The two sides eventually agreed to a one-year, $2 million contract. The Jaguars then traded kicker Riley Patterson to the Detroit Lions for a conditional 2026 seventh-round pick. According to Farwell, McManus’ stronger leg was the primary reason for the move away from Patterson, who capped the Jaguars’ comeback victory over the Chargers with a 36-yard field goal.

Impact on Play-Calling

McManus attempted the second-most 50-plus yard field goals in the NFL last season, going 8 of 13, and has attempted more 50-plus yard field goals than any other player since he entered the league in 2014 (72). He has made 40 and is one of only three kickers to make 40 or more 50-plus yard field goals since 2014 – joining Matt Prater (50) and Justin Tucker (47). This can have an impact on third-down play-calling and may reduce the number of times head coach Doug Pederson goes for it on fourth down (he went for it 27 times in 2022).

When you consider some of the top kickers in the league, it is comfortable to put a kicker out there when you cross the 50, the 45, 40, and you’re in field goal range, Pederson stated. He further stated that they would evaluate how it plays out in the spring and training camp.

McManus is excited about his new chapter with Jacksonville, having spent nine years in Denver. He hopes to participate in multiple playoff games with his new team. The Jaguars hope that McManus’ arrival will improve their special teams, which was one of their weaknesses last season. With McManus’ powerful leg, the Jaguars will have more flexibility on kickoffs and the ability to pin their opponents deep. Additionally, McManus’ presence may lead to more field goal attempts from longer distances.

NFL

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