ESPN Projects Statistical Improvement for Broncos QB Russell Wilson

The Sean Payton Effect.

There is nowhere to go but up for Russell Wilson following a brutal first season as the Denver Broncos quarterback. Statistically speaking, under the wing of head coach Sean Payton, he should more so resemble the Russ of old in year two.

ESPN NFL analyst Mike Clay foresees just that. In his projections for the 2023 campaign, Clay has Wilson completing 63.1% of his passes (328-of-519) for 3,875 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions across 16 starts, adding 322 rushing yards and three scores on the ground.

He also estimates Wilson taking 45 sacks, ten fewer than he absorbed in 2022, due to Denver's wholesale upgrades along the offensive line.

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Clay's forecast is an encouraging one considering Wilson posted career lows in completion percentage (60.5), passing TDs (16), and QB rating (84.) during his maiden Broncos voyage, which was marred by injury and coaching incompetence.

Keeping Wilson clean is paramount to success — and the new regime's key to a rebound for the nine-time Pro Bowler.

"It's about staying healthy," offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi said after last week's minicamp. "I don’t know what’s going to happen, but for June 14, we’re really happy with where he’s at. There’s some muscle memory that we have to overcome. He’s used to doing things a certain way and we’re presenting a new way of doing things. He shows up every day ready to work."

The main beneficiaries of Wilson's bounce-back would be starting wide receivers Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton, whom Clay predicted will combine for 123 catches, 1,755 yards, and 12 TDs, with WR Tim Patrick (46-609-4) and tight end Greg Dulcich (45-556-3) also cashing in through the air.

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