When the Denver Broncos hired Sean Payton, they hoped one of the best offensive play-callers in NFL history would quickly fix one of the worst offenses in football last season. Early into training camp, Denver’s offense isn’t looking much better than it did in 2022.
Denver fired head coach Nathaniel Hackett in 2022, parting ways with the first-year coach after one of the worst tenures in team history. The Broncos’ offense finished last season averaging the fewest points per game (16.9), the worst third-down conversion rate (29.1 percent) and ranked 25th in average QB rating (81.2).
- Russell Wilson stats (2022): 84.4 QB rating, 16-11 TD-INT, 60.5% completion rate, 4-11 record, 3,524 passing yards, 234.9 passing yards per game, 37.0 QBR
As a result, Denver made a historic investment in Payton. It traded the 29th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and a 2024 second-round pick to the New Orleans Saints for Payton and a 2024 third-round selection. The Broncos then immediately made him one of the highest-paid NFL coaches ever.
Denver reported for training camp in July confident that Payton’s scheme, an upgraded offensive line and a better version of Wilson would make the offense look better. However, the reports thus far from practices haven’t been positive.
Nick Kosmider of The Athletic wrote from Wednesday’s practice that the Broncos’ offense was still having issues. Denver struggled during red-zone sessions, Wilson was picked off by Justin Simmons for the second consecutive day and there was just not a lot of cohesion from the unit.
The takeaway was echoed by Mike Klis of 9 News, who noted Wilson’s overthrows including on Simmons’ interception. While Wilson generated some positive buzz in the early days of training camp, interceptions have become a daily problem since the pads came on.
Related: Russell Wilson’s ‘influence’ and ‘very strange’ actions caused issues with Denver Broncos
- Russell Wilson contract: $22 million cap hit (’23), $35.4M cap hit (’24), $55.4M cap hit (’25)
Payton made it clear to reporters after Wednesday’s poor showing by the offense that he isn’t concerned about the higher rate of interceptions and the early issues inside the red zone. Importantly, Denver’s offense is still in the install phase with players learning the system.
However, Wilson’s early struggles are a reminder of the pressure he’s under in 2023. Payton holds the cards in Denver, giving him the authority to determine who will be on the Broncos’ roster in 2024 and beyond. If Denver’s offense doesn’t improve in the regular season, Wilson’s could be in jeopardy of losing his spot a year from now.