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5 similarities between first seasons in Denver for Peyton Manning and Russell Wilson

By Travis Wakeman

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - FEBRUARY 02: (L-R) Quarterback Peyton Manning #18 of the Denver Broncos congratulates quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks on their 43-8 win during Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife Stadium on February 2, 2014 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - FEBRUARY 02: (L-R) Quarterback Peyton Manning #18 of the Denver Broncos congratulates quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks on their 43-8 win during Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife Stadium on February 2, 2014 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Denver Broncos, Josh Johnson
Nov 4, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; New York Jets quarterback Josh Johnson (9) looks to pass the ball in the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Emphasis on the starting QB

The Broncos have Wilson and what many would consider two pretty average guys behind him on the depth chart in Josh Johnson and Brett Rypien. Johnson will be playing for his 14th NFL team while Rypien has spent most of his career on the team’s practice squad.

In 2012, following the signing of Manning, the Broncos also signed veteran and former Colorado State quarterback Caleb Hanie. They then used a second-round pick in the draft that year to select Brock Osweiler.

The Broncos were so confident in what Manning would be able to do and his availability that they only had a formerly undrafted guy and a raw rookie behind him.

The 2022 Broncos seem to have the same level of confidence in Wilson.

Furthermore, in each case, the team moved on from a once highly-drafted quarterback via trade when the new quarterback came into town. In 2012, the Broncos moved on from former first-round pick, Tim Tebow, trading him to the New York Jets.

This year, as part of the package to acquire Wilson, the Broncos sent former second-round pick Drew Lock to the Seahawks.

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