Broncos' 5 'Subplots to Track' in Training Camp Revealed by NFL.com
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Training camp is just around the corner, and the Denver Broncos have a handful of intriguing storylines. With new life and energy in the building, due in part to the hiring of Sean Payton, the Broncos seem to be on the right path heading into training camp.
Let's examine what Kevin Patra of NFL.com writes are the biggest subplots of Broncos training camp. These topics will determine what kind of team Denver molds itself into in 2023.
By Week 1, we will have a better perspective on the Broncos' future after these plots have largely been resolved.
Can Sean Payton Dig Denver Out of the Cellar?
The club announced the hire of Sean Payton in February, but the real work for the Super Bowl-winning coach truly begins in camp. After one year away from the sideline, Payton returned to jumpstart a franchise that hasn't been to the playoffs since Peyton Manning retired. Payton brings experience and credibility to Denver, along with a proven offense. We'll get our first real taste of his plans when the pads come on in camp as Denver tries to dig out of the cellar in the AFC West.
The Broncos have longed for an adult to lead their team, and they’ve finally found that in Payton. His experience as a head coach is invaluable to a team that has lost its way after Gary Kubiak stepped down.
A team that has been defense-forward since 2015 will now shift to being offensive-minded. The trade for Payton is the most important event for the Broncos since Peyton Manning signed in free agency in 2012.
If any man can rival Andy Reid in the AFC West, it’s Payton. As Patras points out, he must dig this lost franchise out of the AFC West cellar.
Will Russell Wilson Bounce Back?
All eyes are on Russell Wilson. Last year's trade for the Pro Bowl quarterback blew up almost immediately, with Wilson struggling in basically every facet. With Payton entering the picture, the question is whether the 34-year-old signal-caller can prove last season was a blip on the radar -- and not a sign he's tumbling off the cliff. The offense should be better suited to Wilson's skill set than last year's iteration, but Payton also is likely to be more demanding on the quarterback.
Last season was far from what Broncos Country expected it would be getting from the Super Bowl-winning quarterback. Wilson's meteoric fall in 2022 was an unprecedented anomaly.
With Wilson resculpting his physique and on a mission for payback, there's little doubt that Payton's offensive genius will right the wrongs of seasons past. Wilson will bounce back in 2023, bringing his touchdown passes back to a respectable number.
He may not be the prime Russell Wilson from his mid-20s to his mid-30s, but he is definitely not the husk he appeared to be in 2022. He will grab ahold of the ledge before he rolls off the cliff into obscurity.
Vance Joseph's Return as DC
Vance Joseph returns to Denver as defensive coordinator after being fired by the Broncos following two seasons as the franchise's head coach (2017-18). His scheme should fit well with Denver's personnel, including studs Justin Simmons and Pat Surtain II on the back end. With Baron Browning currently sidelined after undergoing knee surgery this offseason, keep an eye on the pass-rush rotation during camp. Defensive lineman Zach Allen, whom Joseph coached the past four seasons in Arizona, is a newcomer who will help up front, as is Frank Clark, who was signed in June to add some pop. Randy Gregory will look to rebound after an injury-plagued Year 1 in Denver. Joseph will need to find ways to create a more consistent pass rush this season.
Joseph's sole job this time around is leading the defense. He has an extensive history of coaching up the secondary, which bodes well for stars like Surtain and Simmons, along with younger talent like Damarri Mathis and Riley Moss.
Joseph’s biggest challenge is, indeed, finding a way to get after the quarterback. Randy Gregory is the only real star on the defensive front, and he can’t seem to stay healthy. It's hard to say whether Joseph was the right move for Denver, but if Payton liked him enough to bring him back, it's hard to hate the decision.
Javonte Willaims & the RB Room
Running back Javonte Williams recently said he felt "ready to go" for camp, which is an excellent sign after he tore his ACL in Week 4. We'll see if the Broncos' medical staff is on board with that assessment when camp begins. Although Payton loves to rotate his backs, underscored by the Samaje Perine signing this offseason, Denver's backfield unquestionably offers much more juice with a healthy Williams. If both backs are somewhat healthy during camp, we should get a better sense of how snaps might be distributed in 2023.
It has been reported several times that Williams is ahead of schedule in his rehab. If that's the case, he could be in the conversation for Comeback Player of the Year, along with his quarterback.
However, it'll be easier to project Williams having a break-out year once we see him running at full speed and taking on contact. Perine is a solid pickup and can carry some of the load after starting a few games for the Cincinnati Bengals last year and may see a significant uptick in carries depending on Williams's recovery progression.
An Interesting Cast in the TE Room
Denver boasts an intriguing tight ends room. Greg Dulcich displayed field-stretching and YAC ability as a rookie. Albert Okwuegbunam has noteworthy athleticism but has been inconsistent. Denver traded for Adam Trautman, who played under Payton in New Orleans, and signed free agent Chris Manhertz this offseason. With an array of skill sets, first-team reps should be wide open to enter camp. Payton has called Dulcich a potential "Joker" position player, giving him a possible leg up as a pass catcher. We could see the top three carve out significant roles during camp.
The Broncos have an interesting mish-mash of talent here. Dulcich is the clear No. 1 guy, with Trautman and Manhertz taking the two spots behind him.
Patra notes that Okwuegbunam needs to be more consistent. Albert O's speed is overrated, considering he isn’t running in a straight line most of the time. For every touchdown he caught, he seemingly dropped two.
Meanwhile, Dulcich is primed to break out this year, coming into training camp fully healthy. The flashes he showed last season bode well for his future, especially in a Payton offense. Nikola Jokic won’t be the only 'Joker' in Denver.
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