The season is approaching. The editorial staff of DNA of Sports invites you to take stock of the strengths and weaknesses of the 32 franchises. Today, the Denver Broncos 2023. You can find all the presentations by clicking on this link.
Last year the Broncos struck a blow by bringing in Russell Wilson with the ambition to play the leading roles.
A few months later, the return to earth was violent. Attack at half mast, quarterback lost, coach thanked, Denver has mainly played in the lower depths of the league.
After this failed season, the leaders entrusted their hopes of renewal in the hands of Sean Payton, former strongman of the Saints for 15 seasons with the objective of repairing Russell Wilson and necessarily finding the playoffs.
Last season: 5 wins – 12 losses, last in AFC West
Movements in the off-season
Notable arrivals: Mike McGlinchey (OT), Ben Powers (OL), Frank Clark (Edge), Zach Allen (DE), Adam Trautman (TE), Jarrett Stidham (QB), Samaje Perine (RB), Riley Dixon (P) , Marquez Callaway (WR), Lil’Jordan Humphrey (WR), Ben DiNucci (QB)
Re-signings: Kareem Jackson (S), Alex Singleton (LB), Cameron Fleming (OT)
Draft: Marvins Mims (WR), Drew Sanders (LB), Riley Moss (CB), JL Skinner (S), Alex Forsyth (C)
Notable losses: Dre’Mont Jones (DL), Dalton Risner (OL), Ronald Darby (CB), Graham Glasgow (OL), Chase Edmonds (RB), Billy Turner (OL), Andrew Beck (TE/FB)
Spring has been studious in Colorado. No question of burying Russell Wilson despite a failed first year (16 TDs, 11 int). The investment made is too high. THE front office made the choice to do everything to put it in better conditions. Starting with the coach. After the Hackett casting error, Denver handed over the leadership of the team to experienced Sean Payton. To release him from his commitment to the Saints, the franchise did not hesitate to drop his 1st draft pick.
After finding his mentor, the second objective is to surround Wilson. The first moves in free agency focused on the offensive line. Right tackle Mike McGlinchey and guard Ben Powers arrive to fortify a sector in great pain in 2022. In terms of targets, their first draft choice (63rd) went to the electric Marvin Mims. Marquez Callaway and Adam Trautman also arrive to bring depth to their positions. Samaje Perine will be the new understudy for a recovering Javonte Williams as runner.
In defense also the team was active. If the first curtain deplores the loss of the solid Dre’Mont Jones, the promising Zach Allen will replace him position for position. The reinforcement of the Frank Clark at the start of the summer on the pass rush brings the experience of the big games while meeting a real need since Chubb left for Miami. Drafted at the start of the 3rd round, the versatile Drew Sanders can play on the second curtain as well as try to chase the quarterback. In the defensive backfield, Kareem Jackson has re-enlisted at 35 for one season and will again partner Justin Simmons.
The strong points)
Traditionally for many years, the defense of the Broncos is one of the sure values of the league. The coordinators follow one another, and the solidity continues. 2022 was no exception with a squad that ranked 7th in yards conceded. Now including 9 times the opponent to 17 points or less. Unfortunately for the team, a performance that has not often been improved by the attack. Symbol of this defensive solidity, a bottom of the field led by two players among the best in their position. Patrick Surtain, All Pro in his second season, and Justin Simmons, 3-time 2nd Team All Pro, and co-leader in steals in just 12 games in 2022.
If the attack somewhat coughed last season, the talent is nevertheless present. Despite a totally failed exercise, Russell Wilson has more than proven during his years at the Seahawks the extent of his talent. The off-season movements and in particular the arrival of Sean Payton aim to revive a jammed machine. He is surrounded by a group of talented receivers carried by the duo Jerry Jeudy – Courtland Sutton, both largely capable of exceeding 1,000 yards on reception.
The weak spots)
If the group of receivers is attractive, the riders’ committee, on the other hand, raises questions. The promising Javonte Williams suffered a serious knee injury last season and will have to regain his level to assume his role as number one option. Samaje Perrine, who has not exceeded 400 yards on the ground since his rookie season in 2017, is no better than a lining. The options are slim to relieve Williams or to supplement him in the event of poor form.
With only 36 sacks made, the pass rush from Denver did not shine. Gone are the days when Von Miller and Demarcus Ware terrorized quarterbacks. The most prolific in the field, Dre’Mont Jones (now gone to Seattle), had only reached 6.5 units. If the various arrivals will be able to compensate for the losses, no leader emerges. Facing divisional and conference artificers, low pressure could be a liability.
X Factor: Sean Payton (HC)
Dropping a 1st draft round to bring in a head coach, it’s not every day that we see that. And yet, the Broncos, determined to raise their heads, did not hesitate to reinvest the 29th choice (obtained for the exchange of Bradley Chubb) on Sean Payton, still contractually bound to New Orleans. A strongman for the Saints from 2006 to 2021 (with a break in 2012), he won a Super Bowl and more than 62% of his games. Renowned offensive genius, he will have the main mission of waking up an amorphous attack, and in particular his quarterback, also recruited and paid at a high price.
Wake up, because the weapons seem to be there. Talented receivers, talented runner, compelling offensive line on paper. It remains to be seen whether Payton can create the same chemistry with Wilson as with Drew Brees. The boss recently said his predecessor did one of the worst jobs in history. In other words, you have to do the opposite to get there. His method will therefore be expected with the playoffs in sight.
Player to watch: Russell Wilson
The franchise believed in him hard as iron. After investing a heavy draft capital to bring him from Seattle, the Broncos offered Wilson a solid gold contract: nearly a quarter of a billion for 5 years. The quarterback had to (re) lead the team to the top. But the first year was like a long journey out of boredom. Author of his worst career season, with only 16 touchdowns for 11 interceptions, Wilson has never worn his nickname “Dangerous” so badly.
Coaching problem? Certainly. Uniquely ? This is the question he will have to answer this season with the help of Sean Payton. Better protected, always well supported in terms of target, he has everything to shine. With all the cards in hand, Wilson will quickly have to reassure and prove that at 34 he is not simply worn out.
2023 Denver Broncos Schedule
Raiders, Commanders, @Dolphins, @Bears, Jets, @Chiefs, Packers, Chiefs, bye, @Bills, Vikings, Browns, @Texans, @Chargers, @Lions, Patriots, Chargers, @Raiders
The audio preview of the podcast
In summary
The franchise is ambitious and learns from its mistakes. After the failed (but cut short) experiment with the inexperienced Nathaniel Hackett, the Broncos chose the renowned Sean Payton, with the mission of putting Russell Wilson back in the saddle. With a quality workforce, there is no doubt that the team should do better. But in a tough division and tough conference, getting into January’s games won’t be easy. Yet this team has everything to be in the fight until the end of the season.
