3 Keys to Unlocking Russell Wilson’s Door to 2023 Success
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Broncos Country is well aware that Russell Wilson didn’t live up to the hype in the 2022 season. The combination of Wilson wanting to play as a pocket passer and the ineptitude of former head coach Nathaniel Hackett left a stain on the fabric of the Denver Broncos tapestry.
Wilson will have to bounce back in a big way this season to prove that last season was an aberration. There are three keys to Wilson’s turnaround, and we’ve already seen some flashes of their impact.
Let’s examine the keys that will unlock Wilson's door to success.
Sean Payton’s Magic
This is the most obvious factor in the Wilson reclamation project. Payton isn’t a goofy doormat and is willing to put his foot down if something isn’t working in his locker room.
Wilson needed a swift kick in the behind last season, but Hackett would never do it. Much like a parent to their child, a head coach must put his foot down and rein in his signal-caller and team. We’ve already seen the impact of Payton’s sternness.
Wilson is more composed and confident in press conferences and interviews. As for the on-field impact of Payton, his magic is already taking effect.
Wilson is leaning back into his mobility that made him the superstar quarterback he was in Seattle. Against the San Francisco 49ers, he ran for 25 yards on three carries and would have had more if not for a holding call on a quarterback keep.
Wilson has been more decisive as the offseason has progressed, and if that and his mobility bleed into the regular season, he will be in for a big year.
A Prolific Running Game
If anyone had told me Javonte Williams would be playing in Week 1 after tearing multiple ligaments in his knee in Week 4 last year, I would’ve laughed in their face. Fast forward to the present day, and Williams is set to do just that.
The rate at which Williams has healed is unprecedented. As evidenced by his performance in preseason Game 2, he still excels at dragging defenders with him due to his raw physicality.
Behind Williams is Samaje Perine, who comparably bulldozes defenders. Even if one is to make a tackle on him, he’ll make you pay when he lowers his shoulder.
Jaleel McLaughlin has been a pleasant surprise as an undrafted rookie out of Youngstown State. Unlike the other two backs, McLaughlin is twitched up and elusive.
Standing at 5-foot-7 and 183 pounds, his stature is small, but his heart plays beyond that. McLaughlin has two rushing touchdowns along with one receiving through two preseason games. He’s a perfect complement to the two battering rams ahead of him.
Pounding the rock is essential to taking pressure off Wilson and opening up the passing game. These three running backs are naturally broncos, for they won’t be kept in a stable but rather bucking wildly on the gridiron.
A Slept on Receiving Corps
While injuries have pilled up as of late in the Broncos' wide receiver room, there's still a very talented group of pass-catchers in Mile High. Courtland Sutton is finally returning to form, making clutch catches and using his big body to make plays, while Jerry Jeudy is doing what he does best: getting open in a hurry and leaving defenders in the dust.
Rookie receiver Marvin Mims, Jr. looks like the field stretcher this offense has lacked for several years and will have to step up immediately. The Broncos coaching staff also covets Brandon Johnson and will look to him to help fill the vacuum created by Tim Patrick’s injury.
Tight ends Adam Trautman and Greg Dulcich have also flashed in the preseason as a quarterback security blanket. This talented group of pass-catchers will be put in the best position possible with Payton calling plays. Barring injuries, this group can help elevate Wilson back to superstar status.
It's paramount that Wilson leans on the talent around him and his head coach if he is to return to form. Last season was just a blip on the radar and not indicative of who he is as an NFL quarterback.
2023 is the most crucial year of Wilson's career, and time will tell whether he still has that magic in him.
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