Russell Wilson's 2022 season was a disaster and he was mocked by many, but there are clear reasons why he can bounce back in 2023. It seems that a ton of people are fully out on the future Hall of Fame quarterback. Wilson turns 35 in 2023 and enjoyed a stellar decade as quarterback of the Seattle Seahawks before landing with the Broncos in 2022.
Well, he played like a blindfolded college quarterback for the Broncos in 2022, but I do think there is reason to believe that Wilson can return to form. Some, or even most may disagree, but I find it hard to believe that someone who was as good as Wilson is going to fall apart like this in his early-30s.
Let's look at three reasons why Russell Wilson will bounce back for the Denver Broncos in 2023.
Three reasons Russell Wilson will bounce back in 2023
1. Elite coaching
Sean Payton is an elite offensive mind who was brought over to be the head coach of the Denver Broncos earlier this offseason. Payton has crafted multiple top-ranked offenses during his time in New Orleans with Drew Brees.
I also think he's built a great staff filled with quality veteran coaches. Elite coaching can have a bigger impact on a team's performance than top players. Just look at the New York Giants from last year, a team that lacked talent on both sides of the ball won nine games in the regular season and won a playoff game.
I think the Broncos and Wilson can have a similar turnaround.
Three reasons Russell Wilson will bounce back in 2023
2. Improved offensive line
It appears as though the Broncos will trot out a much improved offensive line than they had in 2022. Not only that, I'd feel confident in saying that the unit will be better coached as well. Former offensive line coach Butch Barry seemed universally viewed as a poor coach, and I think those who thought that were right.
With new offensive line coach Zach Strief in the mix, someone who Payton obviously trusts, I'm excited to see the kind of impact he can have on the unit. We also should see the return of Garett Bolles and perhaps a new face at center.
The Broncos might want to draft a rookie center in 2023. They could also sign a free agent like Ben Jones or Connor McGovern. Heck, they could do both. Either way, I'd expect the Broncos' OL to be at the very least an average unit that doesn't greatly impact the game in a negative way.
Russell Wilson does take more sacks than the typical QB, but even he needs a strong unit in front of him.
Three reasons Russell Wilson will bounce back in 2023
3. Potential for healthy skill players
Tim Patrick looks set to return from his torn ACL soon. Javonte Williams might be back from his torn ACL for week one. Garett Bolles is likely healthy for the beginning of the season. The team also signed Marquez Callaway and will surely add more offensive firepower in the draft and during the rest of free agency.
The potential skill players for the Broncos at this moment could be quite lethal. There will be some changes between now and the beginning of the 2023 season, but as of now, we should be cautiously optimistic that this unit can be productive.
Bonus reason: Broncos are being counted out
WHO the heck is currently looking at the Broncos as a team that can make some noise in 2023? Honestly, I've hardly seen it at all. Most seem to believe that Wilson is over the hump and the Broncos might not do much because of that.
I think it can motivate any team if they're not being viewed as a serious contender. "Oh yeah, you want to count us out, watch this!" type of mindset. The team is filled with some very talented players and I'm not sure there are 10 teams with strong rosters than the Denver Broncos.