The Denver Broncos’ bold trade for future Hall of Fame quarterback Russell Wilson last offseason led many to tab them as legitimate Super Bowl contenders.
But their season returned into disaster, as they went 5-12 and had one of the worst offenses anyone could remember seeing.
The biggest culprit was Wilson, who looked like a shell of the man who had given the Seattle Seahawks 10 outstanding seasons and one Super Bowl championship.
Jake Heaps, his personal quarterback coach, posted a photo of him and Wilson working out.
7th offseason with my guy @DangeRussWilson off to a great start! Now OTAs. Grateful for this special group.
Excited for what is to come!#EnJOYTheJourney #MakeThemNotice pic.twitter.com/pt0DAQoRbl
— Jake Heaps (@jtheaps9) April 7, 2023
Some Broncos fans are optimistic about what the 2023 season will hold for their team and quarterback.
We’re fired up for this season in Broncos Country @DangeRussWilson. It’s time to get back to the playoffs, you’ve got us in the South Stands behind you all the way!
—Jeff H (@JH_09_CO) April 7, 2023
2nd best QB in the AFC
— Midsburgh 🫡 (@laysolow) April 7, 2023
However, many other fans aren’t optimistic, and some asked why Wilson wasn’t working out with any of his wide receivers.
I don’t see Jeudy.
I don’t see Patrick.
I don’t see Sutton.
I don’t see Hinton.
I don’t see Virgil.
I don’t see Washington.
I don’t see Humphrey.
I don’t see Callaway.
I don’t see Johnson.— Alamo_On_The_Rise 🫡 🇺🇲 (@AlamoOnTheRise) April 7, 2023
I don’t see any of his receivers with him
— Floyd Jackson (@itsfloydjackson) April 7, 2023
Not working with any of the Broncos Receivers? Yeah that’s good…
—Nick Benallo (@BenalloNick) April 7, 2023
During his time in Seattle, Wilson failed to make the Pro Bowl only once, and he led the NFL in touchdown passes during the 2017 season and in passer rating in 2015.
But in 2022, his production fell off a cliff.
He had career lows in passing accuracy (60.5 percent), touchdown passes (16), touchdown rate (3.3 percent) and passer rating (84.4), and it was no coincidence that Denver finished 32nd in points scored while failing to reach the 20- point mark 11 times.
Granted, the team had some key injuries to players such as wideout Tim Patrick and running back Javonte Williams, but such a precipitous drop in Wilson’s production cannot be attributed to his teammates’ injuries.
The Broncos have new hope thanks to the arrival of new head coach Sean Payton, who spent many years guiding Drew Brees with the New Orleans Saints, but their success next season will all rest on the shoulders of Wilson.
NEXT:
Stat Shows How Russell Wilson Made Unfortunate Broncos History In 2022