3 Ways Sean Payton has Already Upgraded Russell Wilson

Russell Wilson has been fist-pumping right alongside Denver Broncos fans as Sean Payton has worked his offseason magic.

After a disappointing performance last season, Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson is poised for a strong 2023 campaign. A combination of factors, including a new head coach in Sean Payton, an improved offensive line with key additions from free agency, and a better run game, suggest that the former Super Bowl champion could recapture his luster and lead the Broncos to a winning season this time around. 

Before the cleats have even hit the grass for the first time in 2023, Payton has already upgraded the Broncos' outlook and, consequently, Wilson's, too. Let's examine.

A Winning Curriculum

Adding Coach Payton has generated considerable excitement among Broncos Country and the NFL. Payton, who guided the New Orleans Saints to a Super Bowl victory in 2009, is known for his exceptional offensive acumen, player development skills, and high expectations. 

The coach's experience and expertise will undoubtedly benefit Wilson as the two work together to develop schemes to perfect the quarterback's skill set. In addition, Payton has displayed a remarkable ability to extract the best performances from his quarterbacks throughout his career. 

Drew Brees experienced unprecedented success and shattered numerous records during his time with Payton in New Orleans. If Wilson can embrace Payton's leadership and attention to detail, he has a great chance to rebound from last season's slump.

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Upgraded O-Line

A significant factor in Wilson's struggles last season was the Broncos' weak offensive line, which failed miserably in providing adequate protection for the quarterback. As a result, Wilson was frequently under pressure, leading to hurried throws, sacks, and turnovers. 

Recognizing this issue, the Broncos' front office aggressively pursued upgrades on the O-line during the offseason, signing key free agents like guard Ben Powers and veteran tackle Mike McGlinchey, considered by many NFL personnel experts as the top available at his position.

The bolstered line will provide Wilson with the time and space he needs to execute plays more effectively, reducing the number of sacks and allowing him to make better decisions on the field, to say nothing of the impact on the Broncos' run game. With a newfound sense of security, the veteran quarterback can focus on returning to his previous form and orchestrating the Broncos' offense to its full potential.

Improved Run Game

Besides lapses in decision-making, a key contributing factor to Wilson's subpar performance last season was the Broncos' inconsistent run game. Without a reliable ground attack, opposing defenses could focus on shutting down the passing game, making it even more difficult for Wilson to find success through the air. 

Last season, Wilson finished with 3,524 passing yards and 16 touchdowns, with 11 interceptions, which was a significant down-turn from his previous production. Again, though, the Broncos have taken considerable strides to improve the run game this offseason, signing capable free agents upfront, at running back, and wide receiver. 

By establishing a more potent and balanced offense, the Broncos will alleviate the pressure on Wilson, forcing defenses to respect both the run and the pass. This balanced approach will create more opportunities for Wilson to exploit defenses and regain his confidence as a premier NFL quarterback.

Bottom Line

Wilson's prospects for a resurgent season are looking bright, thanks to Coach Payton's leadership, a fortified offensive line, and a revitalized run game. These three factors will create the best environment for the Broncos' quarterback to rebound and lead the team back to its once-winning ways. 

As a result, fans and critics alike should expect a reinvigorated Wilson to emerge as playing with more consistency in the coming season. After last season's dreadful performance, hopefully, Wilson "reads the proverbial room" and directs his energy to improve his on-field performance instead of contemplating the best place to take a swanky Instagram photo.

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