Russell Wilson Poised to Make Elite History vs. Commanders

The Denver Broncos have several players with key career milestones within reach in Week 2.

The Denver Broncos are facing off with the Washington Commanders on Sunday. The Commanders enter Week 2 on a one-game win streak, while the Broncos are still searching for the first victory of the Sean Payton era. 

As the Broncos march through the first quarter of their 2023 schedule, Payton's mettle as a veteran NFL head coach will be measured, in part, by how quickly his team navigates the customary trial-and-error learning curve that comes with any new regime.

The hope is that Payton's wealth of experience will shorten that learning curve and more quickly overcome the pitfalls associated with it. Time will tell, but Rome wasn't built in a day, and Payton's history is replete with slow starts that build a nice head of steam come the middle of the season when the stretch runs begin. 

The next opportunity for Broncos Country to measure Payton's progress is on Sunday at Empower Field at Mile High with the Commanders in town. Both the Broncos as a team and several players are on the brink of some statistical milestones. 

Without further ado, let's break down what to watch for in Week 2's Broncos-Commanders tilt. 

Aiming at 4 In a Row

The Broncos need a win to extend their home winning streak against Washington to four dating back to 2005. The Broncos are 8-6 all-time against Washington and 7-2 at home. 

Russ' Dual-Threat Dominance

Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson needs 33 rushing yards to become the first quarterback in NFL history to pass for 40,000 yards and rush for 5,000, and 240 passing yards to become the 15th-fastest player in NFL history to reach 41,000 passing yards

Jeudy Looking For Sixth 100-Yard Game

Broncos wideout Jerry Jeudy needs one 100-yard receiving game to tie wide receiver Rod Smith (6) and wide receiver Brandon Marshall (6) for the second-most 100-yard receiving games by a Bronco in his first 42 career games, and one touchdown to become the ninth Broncos receiver to record at least 10 receiving scores in his first 42 career games.

100 On the Horizon For Mims

Broncos rookie wideout Marvin Mims Jr. needs 45 kickoff return yards to become the first Bronco since CB Darrent Williams (2005) to reach 100 kickoff return yards within the first two weeks of a single season.

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Simmons Aiming For the History Books

Broncos safety Justin Simmons needs two interceptions to tie defensive back Mike Harden for the third-most interceptions by a Broncos player (29) in his first eight seasons and four passes defensed to tie cornerback Bradley Roby (60) for the sixth-most in team history. 

Surtain, the Break-Up Artist

Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II needs two passes defensed to tie cornerbacks Kelly Herndon and Deltha O'Neal (29) for the most by a Bronco in his first 35 career games.

Singleton's Singular Tackling Ability

Broncos linebacker Alex Singleton needs nine defensive tackles to tie LB Jordyn Brooks (413) for the fourth-most tackles in the NFL since the start of the 2020 season. 

Shot at the 800 Club

Broncos kicker Wil Lutz needs 15 kicking points to reach 800 in his career.

Preeminent Punting

Broncos punter Riley Dixon needs one punt inside the 20-yard line to tie Sam Koch for the fifth-most punts inside the 20 since 2016.

Broncos-Commanders kicks at 2:25 pm MDT on Sunday. 

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