Denver Broncos’ quarterback Russell Wilson was awful in 2022, but everything is aligning for him to bounce back in a big way in 2023. I’m not sure anyone saw Russell Wilson and the Denver Broncos’ 2022 season coming. It was supposed to be a year that the team got back on track after years of being at the bottom of the league.
Nathaniel Hackett turned into one of the worst head coaches in NFL history and Russell Wilson’s desire to be a pocket passer backfired. Now, in 2023, everything seems to be different, and for the better. Sean Payton was brought in as the head coach, a much improved HC situation than year’s past.
Russell Wilson is also sporting some weight loss, which may help his mobility return. Not only that, but the Broncos did a ton of work in free agency, spending more than any team in the NFL and shoring up one of the worst units in football from last year, their offensive line. Two big additions on the offensive line in Ben Powers and Mike McGlinchey bring elite run-blocking to the Denver Broncos’ offensive line that already features two above-average OL in Garett Bolles and Quinn Meinerz.
All of a sudden, the worst offensive line in football in 2022 now looks to be one of the most talented. Everything now looks laid out for Wilson to bounce back in a big way in 2023. The Broncos figure to be a run-first team as evidenced by their additions on offense in free agency. They have great blockers at wide receiver, tight end, and the offensive line.
Russell Wilson was also at his best in Seattle with a run-first offense, as that allow the Seahawks to use play-action and QB bootlegs, two things Wilson excels at. Sean Payton also has an elite offensive history in working with Drew Brees, a QB who had an average arm, was undersized, and had virtually no mobility.
It’s hard to envision the Denver Broncos not being a much better team in 2023, and Russell Wilson looks poised to compete for the very inspiring Comeback Player of the Year award. The question though, is if the Broncos did enough this offseason to contend in the AFC, which is a hugely talented conference.
If the Broncos were in the AFC, I’d say this was a clear playoff team and likely division winner, but being in the AFC presents a whole new issue. However, the duo of Payton/Wilson seems to be one of the better ones in the conference, and if Wilson can return to his Seattle days, this team is going to be dangerous, as we know they already have a solid defense and have had a solid D for years and years.
The offense is the final piece to the puzzle.