While most of Broncos Country has been wringing their hands over the offensive play of the 2026 Denver Broncos, there has been another area of growing concern in Denver.
What is up with Will Lutz?
Lutz joined the Broncos as one of the handful of Saints players that followed coach Sean Payton over from the New Orleans Saints in 2023. While in New Orleans, he was 195 of 169 field goals attempted clocking in at 84.6%. His time in Denver has been an improvement, making 97 of his 111 attempts for an 87.4%
success rate. However, this season he has not continued on that trajectory, making 8 of 11, for a much diminished 72.7% make rate.
Against the Rams, Lutz missed a 43-yarder in the 1st quarter. His 58-yard attempt against the 49ers in the 4th quarter was no good. Then, on Sunday against the Chargers, his 42-yard attempt could not find the uprights. While it’s still relatively early in the season, things are not trending well for a franchise that has high expectations for kickers.
Denver has had a wealth of clutch kickers over the years. While in Denver, ring of fame kicker Jason Elam averaged 80.6% of his kicks. Matt Prater hit 82.9% of his kicks. Brandon McManus was solid for 81.4% of his kicks. While those numbers are less than the 87% Lutz mustered last season, these guys were also known for crushing the big kick when it mattered most. Jason Elam tied the NFL record at the time with a kick 0f 63-yards and McManus set the record at the time of 64-yards. Matt Prater didn’t set a record for kicking in Denver, but turned in a killer 61-yard field goal in 2021. Will Lutz’s career longest field goal was 60-yards back in 2022 and with Denver, hasn’t hit one longer than 57-yards.
Simply put, if you don’t have the leg to make those big time kicks, you need to at least be consistent. If these first 5 games are any indication, concern over Will Lutz leg is becoming more and more justified. Is it a momentary blip on an otherwise solid career or is it a sign of yet another unforeseen challenge these Denver Broncos will have to overcome this season? More importantly, if it does continue at this rate, will Sean Payton have the wherewithal to make appropriate adjustments? Broncos Country will have to wait and see.
