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Fri. Feb. 17, 2023....... vs. Minnesota Duluth* .......................................................... 7:00 p.m.
Thur.-Sun. March 23-26, 2023 NCAA Regionals TBA
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Fri. Dec. 2, 2022 vs. Arizona State 7:00 p.m. Sat. Dec. 3, 2022 vs. Arizona State 6:00 p.m.
Fri. Nov. 4, 2022 ........ vs. St. Cloud State*................................................................ 7:00 p.m.
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Fri. Dec. 16, 2022 vs. Lindenwood 7:00 p.m. Sat. Dec. 17, 2022 .... vs. Lindenwood 6:00 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 1, 2022 vs. UNLV (Exhibition) 6:00 p.m.
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Thur.-Sat. April 6-8, 2023 NCAA Frozen Four (Tampa, Fla.) TBA denverpioneers.com
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Fri. Feb. 10, 2023 vs. North Dakota* 7:00 p.m.
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Sat. Feb. 18, 2023 vs. Minnesota Duluth* 6:00 p.m.
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Sat. Nov. 26, 2022 vs. Omaha* 6:00 p.m.
Fri. Jan. 6, 2023 vs. Alaska Fairbanks 7:00 p.m.
Sat. Nov. 5, 2022 ...... vs. St. Cloud State*................................................................ 6:00 p.m.
Sat. Jan. 14, 2023 vs. Miami* 6:00 p.m.
Fri. Jan. 27, 2023 vs. Colorado College* 7:00 p.m.
Sat. Jan. 7, 2023 vs. Alaska Fairbanks 6:00 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 8, 2022 vs. Maine (Ice Breaker Tournament) 6:00 p.m.
If you’re Russell Wilson in Denver, you’re suddenly a big thing, whether you deliver pizza or fix air conditioners. Find out from the “other” Russell Wilsons around town how big of a deal it has become.» 15
DENVERPOST COM • THE DENVER POST • SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2022 «3
BRONCOS “D” EVERO TAKES REINS, LOOKS TO GET KEY STOPS
Broncos coach Nathaniel Hackett brings enthusiasm to his new job, but can he get the wins needed to get Denver in the playoffs? AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post
RUNNING GAME WILLIAMS, GORDON BRINGING THUNDER
Almost lost in the excitement over the addition of Russell Wilson are the many changes on defense. Yes, Denver had one of the top defenses in the league in 2021, at least statistically. But during crunch time the Broncos could not get stops. That must change for Denver to get back in the playoff picture » 35 10 GAMES TO WATCH
Russell Wilson takes the reins of the Broncos offense with hopes of bringing the team back to relevancy. AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post
The Broncos’ depth, and talent, in the backfield with second-year pro Javonte Williams and veteran Melvin Gordon could take the pressure off Russell Wilson in the new look Denver offense. This year, Williams gets to start and Gordon is the backup.» 25
First-year head coach Nathaniel Hack ett has brought off-the-chart enthusiasm to his new job. But it’s his coaching chops that have impressed his players, who have bought into his hands-on, positive style. Now comes the hard part: winning. » 17
Quarterback
BRADY, RODGERS AMONG HEADLINERS
Broncos’ general manager George Paton went all in this offseason, not only trading for quarterback Russell Wilson but hiring a new head coach and plugging holes in a roster to make a run at the playoffs after a six year drought » 23
COACH HACKETT CAN ENTHUSIASM BREED SUCCESS?
The Broncos looked to have excellent depth at wide receiver before veteran Tim Patrick, their most dependable wideout, went down with an injury dur ing training camp. First year head coach Nathaniel Hackett will need veteran Courtland Sutton and third year pro Jerry Jeudy to step up their games » 29
A breakdown of the top 10 games to watch in what promises to be an excit ing NFL season as the Rams look to defend their title and quarterbacks Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers defy Father Time.» 44
MARK KISZLA RUSSELL’S NEW GAME PLAN UNDER COACH HACKETT
JEUDY, SUTTON NEED TO STEP UP THEIR GAME
WIDE RECEIVERS
BRONCOS PREVIEW
Ready to ride
For Russell Wilson to succeed in Denver, he’ll have to buy into a new offensive philosophy. If Nathaniel Hackett has his way, gone are the days of Wilson extending every play and getting sacked multiple times a game. The first-year coach hopes he can get his quarterback to buy into a new plan to preserve his health and protect the franchise’s most prized player.» 4
Denver’s trade for quarterback Russell Wilson sent shock waves through the NFL — and the team offices at Dove Valley. General manager George Paton watched his phone light up with congratulatory texts. Broncos coaches bolted out of meetings to high-five each other and celebrate the news. Not since Peyton Manning joined the Broncos has there been this much excitement among the fan base. And, in a short time, Wilson has won over his teammates who see the work he puts in on a daily basis to make the team better. »6
SEAN KEELER MEET DENVER’S OTHER RUSSELL WILSONS
BRONCOS JOURNAL PATON GOES ALL IN THIS OFFSEASON
Mark Kiszla: mkiszla@denverpost.com or @markkiszla
4» SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2022 • THE DENVER POST • DENVERPOST COM
“Quarterbacks want to stand back there and shred people. They want to throw the ball 60 times. I don’t care if it’s Tom Brady or Russell Wilson They want to throw the ball and shred de fenses. So you have to be able to feed that hunger,” Hackett said. “But I’ve got to get Russ to understand: ‘Dude, I don’t want you touched I’m going to do everything I possibly can to get the ball out of your hands, into our playmakers’ hands and keep you upright.’” The whole point of this fascinating experiment being conducted between an established franchise quarterback and his rookie head coach? Let Russ cook without getting him smushed.
Just as it took a messy divorce from Dan Reeves before Elway embraced a new way of thinking the game under Mike Shanahan’s guidance, maybe the fresh, enthusiastic voice of Hackett can convince Wilson there’s a smarter way for him to win a championship with the Broncos than the rambling, gambling style that made DangeRuss famous in Seattle.
“Can a quarterback get better in his 30s? Yes. Without a doubt, you can get better and better. Look at Aaron Rod gers. He has won back to back MVPs in Green Bay,” Hackett told me. Everything about Wilson’s track re cord in Seattle suggests he’s a worthy heir to John Elway and Peyton Manning as a hero capable of carrying a team to the playoffs. He averaged 10 victories and 29 touchdowns passes per year during a glorious decade with the Sea hawks. But there’s one troubling statistic that must change: 476. In 174 regular season and playoff games, Wilson has been sacked nearly 500 times I admire Wilson’s ambition to play into his mid 40s and commitment to do whatever it takes to win the Lombardi Trophy for the fourth time in franchise history In a violent sport, however, it might be difficult for Wilson to survive another 476 sacks without a serious injury that could diminish his effective ness and shorten his career.
“Every single thing I do with (Wilson) is geared to one thing: If Russ Quarterback Russell Wilson has been sacked 476 times in 174 regular season and playoff games. AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post MARK KISZLA Denver Post Columnist slow tempo. And the beauty is you can do so many different things with a vet eran quarterback that understands ev erything on the field to keep the de fense off its game and off him ” As offensive coordinator in Green Bay, Hackett helped Rodgers reduce his long time 6.5% sack rate to a career low 3.7% in 2020. During a previous stint working with Blake Bortles in Jacksonville, Hackett cut the 10 4% sack rate suffered by Bortles as a rookie in half within two seasons. Hackett isn’t here to tell his franchise quarterback to take a seat in a rocking chair on the porch He loves the street ball creativity that made Elway a legend in the Rocky Mountains. So the coach’s sales pitch is to reveal the beauty of quick hitting routes de signed to give ample space for yards after the catch Hackett refuses to buy the claim Wilson’s 5 foot 11 frame makes it difficult for him to be efficient with short passes between the num bers. There’s hope an athletic quarter back will realize discretion is the better part of scrambling valor “With a great quarterback, you must have a reason behind every single thing you do as a coach,” Hackett said. “From the first time we met, Russ said: ‘Just tell me the why Why are we doing this?’ The why is how we’re going to build this beautiful thing that’s going to be the Denver Broncos offense.”
Less DangeRuss is more
Brady or the 3.9% sack rate by young gunslinger Patrick Mahomes, and you get a sense of how dangerously Wilson lives in the pocket. When I floated my health concerns about Wilson to Hackett, his eyes lit up with the megawatt recognition of a stu dent who had already memorized all the answers to the exam. “Everything I communicate with (Wilson) about starts with protection, protection, protection,” Hackett said. “How you do that is very intricate It’s more than just running a particular kind of play. It’s about how you change protections, how many different launch points you give your quarterback, how we run the football and when we run it It’s everything It’s about up tempo, wants to extend his career, we can’t let the defense touch him,” Hackett said on a hot August afternoon during a camp when a rookie coach was trying to con vince a successful quarterback there’s a better way to conduct business. When dropping back to pass, Wilson is fearless, unafraid to extend plays with his legs and relentlessly aggres sive at taking deep shots to blow the top off a defense. That’s how Russ cooks. But Wilson pays for his never surren der courage with a heavy physical toll During his time in the NFL, Wilson has been sacked on 9.8% of his drop backs. Compare that heavy abuse to the 4.6% sack rate over the course of 22 pro seasons by a precision artist like Tom T all cted by aniel Hackett, based on a theory that a rookie NFL head coach is boldly pushing on his franchise quar terback: Less DangeRuss is more. Less hero ball by Wilson equals more wins by the Broncos Will this experiment work? Nothing less than the happiness of Broncos Country, to say nothing of a healthy relationship between Wilson and Hackett, depends on it. When Denver went all in on a block buster trade with Seattle to acquire Wilson, it was based on the premise he has another decade of great football and multiple championship runs left in his 33 year old body It is Hackett’s job to make Wilson a more outstanding quarterback during his second decade in the NFL than the past 10 seasons, when DangeRuss was named to the Pro Bowl nine times. We all know Father Time is undefeat ed The Seahawks pushed a veteran QB that led them to a Super Bowl victory out the door. So I asked Hackett: Is it realistic to believe the best football of Wilson’s life is still ahead of him?
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post
Broncos coach Nathaniel Hackett and quarterback Russell Wilson watch the action against the Minnesota Vikings in the preseason.
The Broncos had to sell themselves to quarterback Russell Wilson so he would waive his no-trade clause and leave Seattle for Denver. AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post
The Broncos traded three players and five draft picks to Seattle for Wilson Atlanta Matt Ryan Marcus Mariota
Broncos get their man General manager George Paton and president/CEO Joe Ellis were in the office of another Broncos executive “We knew it was coming soon and it was unique in that most of the building didn’t know,” Paton said. “I just kind of sat there until my phone started and I had 1,000 texts and you could hear peo ple screaming ” Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, linked to the Broncos since Draft Night 2021, made it known on the morning of March 8 he was staying put and wouldn’t follow coach Nathaniel Hackett to the Broncos. By that point, Wilson and his family were already en route to Centennial Airport, located across the street from the Broncos’ facility Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson jogs off the field after the 17 7 preseason win over the Dallas Cowboys at Empower Field at Mile High in August. AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post Quarterback changes Team 2021 starter(s) 2022 starter Broncos Teddy Bridgewater/Drew Lock Russell Wilson
The Browns went all in (three first round picks) to acquire Watson from Houston. Indianapolis Carson Wentz Matt Ryan Wentz was one and done and the Colts upgraded by acquiring Ryan from Atlanta Pittsburgh Ben Roethlisberger Mitchell Trubisky
Following six consecutive years out of the playoffs and five consecutive losing seasons, the Broncos were rele vant. Finally. They were a part of the AFC conversation. And they had The Quarterback. Finally. A week later, the trade was official. A week after that, Wilson hosted teammates in San Diego for a throwing camp. Two months later, he was on the practice field. And Monday night, he makes his hype-filled return to Seattle to face his former team. It is Game 1 of 17, but it could serve as the catalyst for the Broncos to start their march up the division and conference.
What seemed unfathomable a year ago and unlikely in early March will become a reality: Wilson will lead the Broncos out of the tunnel in the stadium he thought he would always call home. “It’s been a blast,” he said “I feel the best I’ve ever felt I feel strong I feel fast I feel confident. I feel like a winner.”
After 14 years, Ryan requested a trade and the Falcons signed Mariota in free agency Cleveland Baker Mayfield Jacoby Brissett*
DENVERPOST COM • THE DENVER POST • SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2022 «7
* Deshaun Watson suspended 11 games.
A year after reaching the NFC title game, the 49ers shift to Lance, their 2021 first round pick Seattle Russell Wilson Geno Smith
Wilson’s arrival heightens expectations for Broncos season
Can Wentz wear out his welcome with a third team (Phila , Indianapolis) in three years?
The Broncos’ optimistic-but-realistic view of the season — where nearly ev erything would have to go right to make the playoffs — was flipped 180 degrees to aspirations of playing deep into January because of Wilson’s experience, leadership and play-making ability.
Throughout the Broncos’ facility, assistant coaches, who had no idea the team was pursuing Wilson, equal parts sat shocked in their office chairs and bounded into the hallways to celebrate.
Ready to ride
Big Ben called it a career after 18 years; Trubisky is keeping the seat warm for Kenny Pickett
An underwhelming quarterback draft forced the Seahawks to go with Smith Washington Taylor Heinicke Carson Wentz
By Ryan O’Halloran The Denver Post They all remember the morning of March 8, when their phones started buzzing. They all remember the instant wave of emotion. They all remember the moment everything changed. Quarterback Russell Wilson was joining the Broncos in one of the biggest trades in NFL history. Throughout the country, Wilson’s new teammates rejoiced when they read their social media channels, heard from their agents or were bombarded with calls from family members. “I said, ‘What’s going on? Why is ev erybody calling me?’ ” outside linebacker Bradley Chubb said.
San Francisco Jimmy Garoppolo Trey Lance
in
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“Competitiveness. Winners,” Russell told The Denver Post. “We were always shooting hoops, playing basketball, throwing the football around and tackling in the backyard — 24/7.”
Russell’s dad played football at Dartmouth, older brother Harry played football and baseball at Richmond and younger sister Anna completed her bas ketball career at Stanford in April.
98
77
73
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Wins Tom
The Broncos needed to close the Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson hugs his son, Future, during training camp at UCHealth Training Center. AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post
Starring at N.C. State Wilson, 33, grew up in Richmond, Va., the second of three children of Harrison, a lawyer, and Tammy, a nursing director.
the
The Broncos had to sell themselves to Wilson so he would waive his no-trade clause. “Oh yeah, we sure did,” Paton said. “He had to get to know what we’re all about as we did him. Now, we knew him probably more than he knew us. We had a month to do a lot of work and I know he did a lot of work on a lot of teams so I knew he knew our personnel, but he didn’t know me, he didn’t know Nathaniel, he didn’t know what we are trying to build here. Those were really important conversations.” Wilson embraced the Broncos’ message and signed the document approving of the trade, which the club sent back to the Seahawks.
Player
Wilson threw 74 touchdowns in his final two years of high school football. A two-star recruit by Scout and Rivals, Paton saw the news break — Wilson and a fourth-round pick to the Broncos for quarterback Drew Lock, defensive end Shelby Harris, tight end Noah Fant, two first- and second-round draft choices apiece and a fifth-round selection — and then waited for the noise. The wait was brief. “It was like the Fourth of July,” Paton said during an interview with The Den ver Post in his office. “You know, on the Fourth, when it gets dark and then, ‘Boom, boom, boom.’ There was obviously a lot of joy.”
Consistent
Paton was naturally thrilled. He and Seahawks general manager John Schneider had their first Wilson-related discussion at the Senior Bowl in late January and the conversations gained momentum at the scouting combine in Indianapolis. The work, though, wasn’t done.
For the first time since Peyton Man ning retired after the 2015 Super Bowl, the Broncos had a franchise-level quar terback. Defensive backs coach Christian Parker was in his office.
A look at top 10 quarterbacks season wins since the Broncos’ Russell Wilson entered the NFL 2012: Teams(s) Brady Patriots, Bucs Russell Wilson Seahawks Aaron Rodgers Packers Ben Roethlisberger Steelers Drew Brees Saints Matt Ryan Falcons Matthew Stafford Lions, Rams Ryan Tannehill Dolphins, Titans Philip Rivers Chargers, Colts Cam Newton Panthers, Patriots
deal. “We had a lot of things to prepare for: What’s the plan? Where is Russ going when he lands? Let’s get the (fieldhouse) ready,” Paton said.
winner
in regular
“I was watching some draft guys and my Twitter updated and, yeah, there was a whole bunch of yelling and running around the hallways. (Defensive coordinator) Ejiro (Evero’s) office is right next to mine. He was the first high-five.”
“We were in the hot tub,” Anderson said. “And we were freaking out. I thought it was fake news. My agent called and said, ‘You guys are getting (No.) 3.’ It was nuts.”
Wilson’s father passed away on June 9, 2010, at age 55 due to complications from diabetes.
Playoff success Quarterbacks with at least five playoff victories since the Broncos’ Russell Wilson entered the league in 2012: Player Team(s) Wins Tom Brady Patriots, Bucs 19 Russell Wilson Seahawks 9 Patrick Mahomes Chiefs 8 Aaron Rodgers Packers 7 Jimmy Garoppolo 49ers 5 Peyton Manning Broncos 5 Joe Flacco Ravens 5
Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson holds up the Vince Lombardi Trophy after the Seahawks defeated the Broncos 43-8 in Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Feb. 2, 2014. Hyoung Chang, The Denver Post
Wilson was drafted 75th overall (third round) by the Seahawks in 2012. Quarterbacks selected ahead of him were Andrew Luck (No. 1), Rob ert Griffin III (No. 2), Ryan Tannehill (No. 8), Brandon Weeden (No. 22) and Brock Osweiler (No 57) Tan nehill is the only one still active Wilson beat out Matt Flynn for the Seahawks’ starting job and didn’t give it up for the next decade. He started 174 of a possible 176 regular season/ playoff games, reached two Super Bowls (one win) and had eight sea sons of double digit wins.
Now a father, Wilson was asked what parenting attributes he learned from his dad. “Encourage rather than discourage,” he said. “My dad always encouraged us that all things were possible and mom, too. I don’t have limits in my mind. I don’t have limits in my thought process. There are no limits. The only limits we have are the ones we put on ourselves.”
Rising fast in Seattle Broncos right tackle Calvin Anderson had completed a workout with left tackle Garett Bolles in Orange County, Calif.
Since entering the NFL, Wilson is third in touchdown passes (292), sev enth in completion percentage (65 0), third in lowest interception rate (1 8) and second in regular season wins (104) and playoff wins (nine).
Stretching the field
Wilson’s commitment to play in the Rockies’ minor league system didn’t sit well with N C State, which led to him to Wisconsin, where he went 11 3 and threw for 33 touchdowns (four interceptions).
“One pitch at a time; one play at a time,” he said. “You have to be in the moment and not let anything get to you and reset your mind every day.”
“Russell is a championship quarter back,” Dallas coach Mike McCarthy said “He can make all the throws Dynamic The game is never over That’s as huge of a compliment you can give only to the great ones.”
The Broncos’ offensive coaches were in a staff meeting “All of a sudden, our phones started blowing up,” tight ends coach Jake Moreland said. “That’s how we found out. It was crazy. The whole offensive staff was like, ‘What the heck is going on? Is this real?’ It was pretty cool. There were high-fives, hooting and hollering. The defensive coaches poked their heads out their doors and it started spreading.” he signed with North Carolina State. He spent four years on the Wolfpack’s campus, throwing 76 touchdowns and rushing for 17 scores. Before his junior year, Wilson was drafted by the Rockies in the fourth round. He hit .230 in 32 games with the Tri-City Dust Devils and developed a mental skill set that helped him at quarterback.
Obsession with winning
The Seahawks, though, didn’t get back to the NFC title game after 2014 even as Wilson threw at least 31 touchdowns from 2017 20 (including 40 in ’20) and had five years with a passer rating of at least 103.1. A per fect storm developed early in the off season when the Seahawks were open to dealing Wilson and, more impor tantly, Wilson was open to being traded. The Broncos emerged and started a whirlwind of quarterback movement that was followed by De shaun Watson to Cleveland, Matt Ryan to Indianapolis and Carson Wentz to Washington.
One of new Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson’s strengths is throwing the deep ball. Where he has ranked since entering the league in 2012 in completions of at least 20 yards: Year Total Rank 2012 42 18th 2013 49 T9th 2014 54 7th 2015 60 4th 2016 51 10th 2017 58 6th 2018 47 T15th 2019 55 8th 2020 45 14th 2021 45 14th Red zone efficiency Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson’s year by year red zone touchdown passes and where they ranked in the NFL: Year TDs Rank 2012 18 T9th 2013 18 T9th 2014 13 T16th 2015 16 15th 2016 15 14th 2017 22 4th 2018 23 T3rd 2019 25 1st 2020 29 1st 2021 15 T16th
High accuracy quarterbacks The top 10 quarterbacks in completion percentage (minimum 4,000 attempts) since the Broncos’ Russell Wilson entered the NFL in 2012: Player Team(s) Comppct. Drew Brees Saints 69 6 Matt Ryan Falcons 67 0 Kirk Cousins Wash , Vikings 66 9 Philip Rivers Chargers, Colts 65 7 Aaron Rodgers Packers 65 3 Ben Roethlisberger Steelers 65 3 Russell Wilson Seahawks 65.0 Derek Carr Raiders 65 0 Tom Brady Patriots, Bucs 64 5 Ryan Tannehill Dolphins, Titans 64 2
DENVERPOST COM • THE DENVER POST • SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2022 «9
Wilson doesn’t need caffeine to operate his non stop schedule.
Mr. Available Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson has missed only two regular season games. A look at the quarterbacks with the most starts since Wilson entered the NFL in 2012: Player Team(s) Starts Matt Ryan Falcons 160 Russell Wilson Seahawks 158 Tom Brady Patriots, Bucs 157 Matthew Stafford Lions, Rams 153 Aaron Rodgers Packers 144 Philip Rivers Chargers, Colts 144 B Roethlisberger Steelers 134 Drew Brees Saints 133 Ryan Tannehill Dolphins, Titans 131 Andy Dalton Bengals, Cowboys, Bears 97
Since he entered the NFL in 2012, the Broncos’ Russell Wilson has been sacked more than any other quarterback: Player Team(s) Sacked Russell Wilson Seahawks 427 Matt Ryan Falcons 365 M Stafford Lions, Rams 351 Ryan Tannehill Dolphins, Titans 350 Aaron Rodgers Packers 338 Cam Newton Panthers, Patriots 297 Andy Dalton Bengals, Cowboys, Bears 296 Philip Rivers Chargers, Colts 294 Tom Brady Patriots, Bucs 267 Alex Smith 49ers, Chiefs, Wash. 260
Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson greets the crowd gathered for training camp at the UCHealth Training Center. Andy Cross, The Denver Post
10» SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2022 • THE DENVER POST • DENVERPOST COM
A grinder himself, Paton said Wil son “pretty much” beats him to the parking lot each day.
“It’s not a mistake he is who he is life is ball for him,” offensive coordi nator Justin Outten said “With his work habits, it’s rubbing off on those other guys, which is exciting. You can’t beat that.” Said receiver Courtland Sutton: “There is a different level of standard and I would say that definitely began when Russ got picked up ” The buzz is back Outside linebackers coach Bert Watts received a cryptic text message “I was in my office and I got a text saying, ‘You just got a lot better.’ And then I ran out of the office and was asking, ‘What is it?’ And them, boom, everybody was fired up.”
Under pressure
“Just incredible detail,” Paton said. “He doesn’t waver. It’s an obsession with winning That’s his day That’s what he thinks about 24/7 Everyone here sees it and everyone feels it. You talk to him and it’s, ‘How are we get ting better?’ I’ve never seen anything like it.”
“It’s not for show,” Paton said “This guy is all about it ” All about the process and arriving early for meetings and self run walk throughs with his skill position play ers. Conferring with coaches during every break in practice Throwing routes post practice. And repeating it all the next day.
Like Manning 10 years ago, Wilson had instant credibility before he said one word to a teammate or coach. Young players were in high school when Wilson began his pro career. Mid career veterans were in college when he won the Super Bowl And older players see Wilson as the key to an elusive championship. If Wilson’s end of press confer ence saying is, “Let’s ride,” it should be, “Ready to ride,” for coaches and players They will go whatever direc tion Wilson leads them.
“I don’t drink coffee because I don’t get tired,” he said. “People ask me, ‘How do you do all this stuff?’ We never stopped (as kids) A big part of that is knowing you have only so much time to live and how I maxi mize my hours. I don’t spend time doing much else ” Wilson arrives at the Broncos’ facil ity in the range of 5:30 6 a.m.
Watts was an entry level Broncos assistant when Manning was acquired in 2012, which makes him qualified to compare Manning Mania to Russ Fest “There are definitely some similari ties,” Watts said. “It’s been great to have this energy out here. I think from Day One when Russell got here, I have felt that déjà vu The type of people they both are, the professional and automatic credibility they bring onto the field. It’s been exciting to go through it again.” The Broncos’ secondary ticket pric es are among the highest in the league a 100 level seat for the San Francis co game on Sept 25 is $984 They have been scheduled for five national television games, including the first Monday night game and a Christmas Day date against the defending cham pion Rams If the “Orange Crush Defense” was Chapter 1 of winning Broncos football, followed by John Elway (Chapter 2) and Manning (Chapter 3), a Wilson led resurgence will be Chapter 4 Elway and Manning both won their second Super Bowl titles in the final game of their Pro Football Hall of Fame careers. Wilson wants to add to his legacy by joining Manning and Tom Brady as the only quarterbacks to win Super Bowls with two franchises. Manning helped the Broncos to two Super Bowls (one win) and five con secutive division titles Wilson will be the point man to help dig the franchise out of its cur rent slump. Before he has thrown a regular sea son pass, Wilson has brought the buzz back to the Broncos “It feels great,” Wilson told The Post. “There are two ways to look at things: In a negative manner or an opportunity manner I look at every thing as an opportunity manner ”
Regular season TD passes
The top 10 quarterbacks in regular season touchdown passes since the Broncos’ Russell Wilson entered the NFL in 2012: Player Team(s) TD passes Tom Brady Patriots, Bucs 324 Aaron Rodgers Packers 317 Russell Wilson Seahawks 292 Drew Brees Saints 290 Matt Ryan Falcons 272 Matthew Stafford Lions, Rams 263 Philip Rivers Chargers, Colts 258 B Roethlisberger Steelers 253 Kirk Cousins Wash , Vikings 223 Andy Dalton Bengals, Cowboys, Bears 206 Smart decision maker A look at the top 10 quarterbacks in lowest interception rate (minimum 4,000 attempts) since the Broncos’ Russell Wilson entered the NFL in 2012: Player Team(s) PInt.ct
Aaron Rodgers Packers 1 1 Tom Brady Patriots, Bucs 1 5 Russell Wilson Seahawks 1 8 Derek Carr Raiders 1 9 Drew Brees Saints 1 9 Matt Ryan Falcons 2 1 Kirk Cousins Wash , Vikings 2 2 B Roethlisberger Steelers 2 2 Matthew Stafford Lions, Rams 2 2 Joe Flacco Ravens, Broncos, Jets 2 4
Jim McMahon: After leading the Bears to a victory in Super Bowl XX, his lone Pro Bowl season, McMahon went on to play for the Chargers, Eagles, Vikings, Cardinals and Packers. The champ-turned-journeyman won a sec ond Super Bowl ring as a backup to Brett Favre on the Packers team that won Super Bowl XXXI.
How Super Bowl winning quarterbacks do with new teams
“It’s kind of like, ‘You never know what you had until it’s gone.’ ” Nathaniel Hackett told The Denver Post. “And for us, that’s why we’re so excited to have somebody here like (Russell Wilson).” The last time the Broncos brought a Super Bowl champion quarterback to town, Peyton Manning produced two Super Bowl trips and one championship. The Colt-turned-Bronco became the first starting quarterback to win the big game for two different teams when the Broncos beat the Panthers in Super Bowl 50, a feat that was later matched by Tom Brady (Patriots/Buccaneers).
Johnny Unitas: After 17 years in Baltimore, three MVPs and a win over the Cowboys in Super Bowl V, Unitas finished his career in 1973 at age 40 with the Chargers. He was 1-3 in four starts after getting traded to San Diego and was replaced by rookie and future Hall of Famer Dan Fouts in Week 5.
Tom Brady: After winning six Super Bowls in New England, Brady’s relationship with coach Bill Belichick deteriorated. Brady thought he could play well into his 40s, and Belichick disagreed. So, after spending 20 seasons with the Patriots, Brady signed with Tampa Bay and won Super Bowl LV in his first season down south.
Ken Stabler: The Snake led the Raiders to a Super Bowl XI win over the Vikings and played three more seasons in Oakland. But he finished with two years in Houston and three in New Orleans, going 16-12 with the Oilers and 11-11 with the Saints. He was a backup to Richard Todd in his final year in 1984.
But for every successful second act, there are many more examples of Super Bowl champion quarterbacks who came up short or busted altogether after leaving the team they won the title with. As Hackett and the Broncos look to feed off a Hall of Fame talent in Wilson — whom his coach called “reenergized” following 10 seasons in Seattle — here’s a look at how other Super Bowl champion quarterbacks did in their next stop(s).
Mark Rypien: The uncle of Broncos backup quarterback Brett Rypien led Washington to a win in Super Bowl XXVI, the second of the QB’s Pro Bowl seasons with the team. He went on to play for the Browns, Rams, Eagles and, following a three-year hiatus due to retirement, finished as Peyton Man ning’s backup on the Colts in 2001.
Brett Favre: The gunslinger led the Packers to a Super Bowl XXXI victory over New England and then back to the big game the next year, where they were upset by the Broncos. He had a hard time deciding when to retire; he played a season for the Jets, then two with Minnesota, which featured an NFC title game appearance.
Peyton Manning: A neck injury put Manning’s career in jeopardy, forcing him to miss the 2011 season and ulti mately leading to his release from the Colts. He signed with the Broncos at age 36, and led them to four AFC West titles in four seasons, including two Super Bowl appearances and a champi onship in Super Bowl 50.
A second act
By Kyle Newman The Denver Post Whenever a quarterback who’s already raised a Lombardi Trophy joins a new team, the natural reaction is universal: Increased excitement, and increased expectations.
Joe Flacco: The MVP of Super Bowl XLVII played 11 years in Baltimore before the Ravens traded him to Denver in 2019 in exchange for a fourth-round pick. His lone season with the Broncos was a dud. He went 2-6 and suffered a season-ending neck injury. He’s been Zach Wilson’s backup with the Jets the past two years.
Brad Johnson: He was a Pro Bowler while leading the Buccaneers to a blow out of the Raiders in Super Bowl XXXV. He didn’t have another winning season in Tampa Bay after that, then was 13-10 in two seasons in Minnesota and finished with a couple years as the Cowboys’ backup to Tony Romo.
Trent Dilfer: The lone Super Bowlwinning QB to not return to lead his team the next year, Dilfer was 11-1 as the Ravens’ starter in 2000 but Baltimore elected to not re-sign him in free agency. He then started 12 games over four years in Seattle and finished with a year each in Cleveland and San Francisco.
Peyton Manning became the first ever starting quarterback to win the big game for two different teams when the Broncos beat the Panthers in Super Bowl 50. AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post
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Joe Namath: Broadway Joe led the Jets to an upset over the Colts in Super Bowl III and spent his first 12 years in New York. At 34, he finished his career playing one season with the Los Angeles Rams in 1977, going 2-2 over his first four starts before being knocked out of a game and never winning his job back.
Hostetler started 21 games over the next two seasons before becoming a Pro Bowler with the Raiders (33 22 over four years) and finishing with one season in Washington.
Kurt Warner: The grocery store clerk turned Super Bowl XXXIV champion eventually lost his job in St. Louis, and was released. He signed with the Giants, going 5-4 in one season before getting benched for Eli Manning. Warner’s career found new life in Arizona, and he led to the Cardinals to Super Bowl XLIII, losing a classic game to the Steelers.
Joe Montana: He led San Francisco to a 4-0 record in Super Bowls, but fin ished his career with Kansas City in 1993 and ’94. An elbow injury and the emergence of Steve Young ultimately led to Montana’s trade to K.C., where he was 17-8 and led the Chiefs to two playoff appearances and an AFC championship game.
Jeff Hostetler: He quarterbacked the Giants to a win over the Bills in Super Bowl XXV as New York’s backup, having been thrust into action late in the year due to Phil Simms’ broken foot.
Nick Foles: He came on for an injured Carson Wentz late in the year and led the Eagles to an upset of the Patriots in Super Bowl LII, earning MVP honors in that game and out-dueling Tom Brady. But he’s been injury-riddled since then; he was 0-4 as the Jaguars’ starter in 2019, and 3-5 over the last two years in Chicago.
Kyle Newman: knewman@denverpost.com or @KyleNewmanDP
Denver’s high secondary market prices are compounded by the fact that the majority of the 76,125 seats at Empower Field are accounted for by season ticket holders. And, there are about 90,000 people on the waiting list for season tickets. So the past six years of home games highlighted by no-shows in the thousands, and correspondingly lower secondary market ticket prices, were an aberration. “Historically, the Broncos have al ways been among the top (of the NFL secondary market) in terms of average ticket price,” Zorn said Ticketing isn’t the only business realm the “Russ Effect” has touched. His Broncos No. 3 jersey is also a bestseller. Per NFL Shop, Wilson had the No. 1-selling jersey in the NFL through the first six months of 2022.
“I’d be shocked if any Broncos game was that affordable this year,” Zorn said. “Winning is always a significant variable, so if the Broncos get off to a hot start, you’re definitely going to see the average for the get-in prices increase for the later-on games.”
The average price for a ticket to a Broncos home game on the secondary market last year was $210, which ranked 14th in the league, according to Tick Pick. But with Wilson bringing playoff expectations back to Empower Field, the average ticket price rose to $340 this year as of Aug. 31, a 62% increase that’s made the Broncos the sixth-priciest ticket in the NFL “As soon as Russell Wilson got traded, we saw demand spike,” said Kyle Zorn, TickPick’s brand manager.
Hot commodity Value of tickets on secondary market has increased 62% since 2021
In Denver, the days of getting a cheap ticket to see the Broncos — as has often been the case during the team’s six-year playoff drought — are over. Last December, as the Vic Fangio era was spiraling to a close, Denver’s final three home games saw tickets as cheap as $40 against the Lions, $52 against the Ben gals and $59 against the Chiefs, per TickPick.
The acquisition of QB Russell Wilson created an immediate spike in demand — and cost — of tickets on the secondary market. AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post
The Broncos’ season-opening show down against the Seahawks on Monday Night Football is the most expensive ticket on Denver’s schedule. That game has a floor price of $270 and an average purchase price of $570 to get inside Lumen Field for Wilson’s return to Seattle. Those prices can clearly be attributed to Wilson’s return considering the floor price for Seattle’s second home game is $96.
This year, the average secondary market ticket price for the home opener against the Texans on Sept. 18 is $286, while the Broncos-Cardinals game on Dec. 18 currently presents the best value at a $91 average. Meanwhile, Denver’s Sunday Night Football show down against San Francisco on Sept. 25 is the most expensive home game on the schedule, with an average purchase price of $430.
By Kyle Newman The Denver Post With Russell Wilson in orange and blue, the Broncos are again one of the NFL’s most expensive tickets.
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“Especially when the schedule was announced and their first game is in Seattle, that average ticket price just ballooned.”
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Significance: First Wilson card in a Broncos uniform Cheek & Dom’s price: $2 00 (base, unsigned card) Dom’s take: “There’s also an autographed version of this that you can pull in hobby boxes”
Significance: Features Wilson in a Wisconsin Badgers uniform. Cheek & Dom’s price: $450 00 Dom’s take: “(2011, Wilson’s senior collegiate season) was one of the best years Wisconsin’s ever had”
Significance: One of Wilson’s most valuable cards and one whose rise in value has proven to be meteoric Cheek & Dom’s price: $2,800 00 Dom’s take: “A couple years ago, this (cost) about $250 to $300”
Tracing Wilson’s career from Wisconsin to Seattle ... and Denver
The Denver Post recently visited Cheek and Dom’s, which opened in 2020, and asked Maligranda to pull five of his favorite Wilson cards from the shop’s collection and break down what makes them so special.
CAMO Significance: Serial number on the back adds to the scarcity and the value Cheek & Dom’s price: $350 00 Dom’s take: “It’s only the third one (stamped), but because (No 3) is his jersey number, it carries that premium value”
Maligranda said that even though as of mid-August only one card a 2022 Panini Legacy had been printed with Wilson in his new Broncos uniform, he’s seen a value increase of up to 20% since Denver’s quarterback arrived via a trade this past March.
A story in 5 cards
Significance: A piece of Wilson’s jersey is embedded into the card’s base Cheek & Dom’s price: $200 00 Dom’s take: “It’s a ‘hard sign,’ meaning (Wilson) held every single booklet and signed it himself on the card.”
2012 TOPPS CHROME REFRACTOR AUTOGRAPHED
2022 PANINI LEGACY
2021 PRIZM SENSATIONAL SIGNATURES
By Sean Keeler The Denver Post Russell Wilson trading cards and Front Range real estate have something in common: If you think the prices are ridiculous now, you ain’t seen nothing yet.
“We have a few rookie (cards on hand),” Maligranda said. “They come in and they leave the same day.”
2012 PANINI PLAYBOOK BOOKLET
2020 PANINI FLAWLESS COLLEGIATE GREATS SIGNATURES
“Demand for his stuff (locally) has gone up 1,000%,” noted Dominik Mali granda, co owner of Cheek and Dom’s Awesome Card Shop in Lakewood. “Everyone’s looking to get that card before (Wilson) makes his regular sea son debut and takes the Broncos to the Super Bowl. And everyone wants to jump on it before that happens.”
OLB Bradley Chubb stands with fans in hopes of getting his very own Russell Wilson autograph during training camp. AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post
“Everyone stops him at the bank and the grocery store,” Sharon laughed “At the bank, he’s always like, ‘Yeah, my account should improve greatly soon.’ ” Hasn’t happened yet. Still, Sharon added lovingly, “I wouldn’t trade this Russell Wilson for that Russell Wil son.” We’ll have to check back with you in January on that one, ma’am. “He’s got the city by the toenails,” Sharon’s husband said of his NFL namesake “He can do everything he wants here. He’s got it made right now. Name your price. He’s flying high. Enjoy it while you’re there and see what hap pens because who knows what’s
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“And I said, ‘Hey, that’s cool,’ ” Air Comm Wilson said. “I might have to get one someday, too (But) he’s gotta do well ” Heck, if Russellmania takes off, Wil son added, he might even score a tiny No. 3 jersey for his newborn son Davis.
When Broncos GM George Paton traded for the QB Wilson late last win ter, Air Comm Wilson’s phone blew up with texts. A co worker even snapped up one of Wilson’s No. 3 jerseys re cently and wore it to work, hoping it might get a rise out of the other Rus sell in the office.
Well, almost never. See, there was the time Russell Wilson nope, still not that one made the mistake of getting a pizza delivered to him along the Front Range the night of Super Bowl XLVIII. You know, at the same time the Broncos were getting plucked like a chicken by that other Wilson and the Legion of Boom.
T hey’ll let Russ cook, but they won’t let this Russell Wilson eat without shooting him a funny look? Or threatening to pop him in the kisser?
Courtesy of the Russell Wilson Family
“I think it’s funny,” Air Comm Russ said “It’s all good I really hope he does do well Because if it goes badly and I go out to bars, that might become an issue.”
Arvada Russell is rootin’ for ya, Big Russ. Heck, so is our Russell Wilson who ran into pizza problems earlier.
His day job, by the way, is as a focus factory fabrication manager with Westminster based Air Comm, which manufactures heating and air condi tioning units for helicopters and fixed wing aircraft.
“The kids have been getting me lots of shirts that say, ‘Russ is the Best,’ and ‘We think Russell Wilson is the best,’ ” chuckled Russell Lowell Wil son, 75, a former pipe fitter and school bus driver in Arvada, a Front Range fixture for almost five decades “So they’re playing around with it It’s been kind of fun. Everybody’s got high hopes and they’re flying the flag. I hope it works out.” This Russell Wilson settled in Ar vada in 1973 He’s been married happi
“But it’s possible that I’ve made parts that are in it ” ly to his wife, Sharon, for 54 years And right now, she kinda digs the idea of a husband with the same name as the most popular athlete in town.
“In 2014, Broncos Seahawks, I’d or dered a pizza during the Super Bowl,” our other Russell recalled. “The guy who showed up with it told me he wanted to punch me in the face ” Yeah, well, so much for the tip, pal “I said, ‘It’s not me,’ ” Wilson contin ued. “He was like, ‘Yeah, I know.’ But he was all (fired up) and people were riled up ” According to WhitePages com, there are 17 listings for a “Russell Wilson” in greater Denver. Based on convos with a few of them during the Broncos pre season, their lives just got a little more interesting once the other guy yep, that one, the Pro Bowl quarterback acquired in a blockbuster trade last March with the same name rolled into town.
Given how much time the Broncos’ quarterback spends in the air, jet set ting around the world with his family and wife, Ciara, that means there’s a chance his trips have been made more comfortable thanks to the work done by his namesake “It would depend on the type (of aircraft),” said Air Comm Russell Wil son, a California native who’s lived and worked here for roughly 12 years.
Trade for Wilson changed lives of Denverites who share his name
“A couple weeks ago, I was picking up an order at Sunnyside Supper Club, and the guy at (the front) was making a joke,” Wilson no, not that one recalled to The Denver Post recently. “He was like, ‘Did you just put that down as a fake name?’ (I told him) ‘No ’ I get it all the time It’s never really a negative.”
Broncos fan Russell Wilson, who shares his name with the new Denver QB, poses outside his family home in Arvada.
Sean Keeler: 303-954-1516, skeeler@denverpost.com or @seankeeler going to happen?”
SEAN KEELER DenverPost Columnist
Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett is recognized as one of the league’s brightest offensive minds. RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post
By Ryan O’Halloran The Denver Post Forget about the “Star Wars” and pop culture references in his play calls and move away from the rah-rah and hugging for a moment. At his core, new Broncos coach Nathaniel Hackett is about ball. Drawing up run blocks and pass routes. Creating mismatches for his players. Considering all ideas, knee-jerk or otherwise. “He really doesn’t have a difficult time trying something new, looking beyond what he’s already doing,” said his father, Paul, who coached in college and the NFL for four decades. “He does that much better than his dad did. He’s not afraid to look outside. That really is a great trait.” It may be the best trait Hackett brings to the Broncos as the club’s fourth coach since 2016, and one tasked with stopping a six-year playoff drought. Hackett is about the juice, which the Broncos’ organization desperately craves. He is a walking B12 shot whether he’s in the hallways of the facility, in the auditorium addressing his players and staff, or on the practice field insisting he spot the football during the twominute drill. Broncos general manager George Paton went with the opposite of Vic Fangio when hiring his replacement. Hackett is 22 years younger than Fangio. He’s more extroverted. He calls the offensive plays as opposed to the defensive plays for Fangio. Fangio is renowned as one of the NFL’s best defensive minds, but he could never figure out the Broncos’ quarterback situation. Hackett is recognized as one of the league’s bright offensive minds and he has Russell Wilson, acquired less than two months after Hackett first checked out his new office.
“Total engagement” Throughout training camp, when days are spent under an unforgiving sun and mornings and evenings are spent in cave-like meeting rooms, Paton noticed something interesting. “Players, coaches, staff — everyone looks forward to going to meetings and I’ve never seen that anywhere I’ve been,” said Paton, who entered the NFL in 1997. “Usually, it’s head down, especially in the dog days of camp and people are like, ‘Oh, here we go again.’ But people are excited to sit down and see what’s going to happen.”
One such meeting was at the start of training camp when Hackett addressed a room of more than 125 players, coaches and support staff. “It was just total engagement,” Paton said. If it seems like Hackett is going above the speed limit, he is to a point. Behind closed doors? “Just normal,” Paton said. “He has a lot of energy, but he can reel it in. He’s very genuine.”
Hackett knows the deal, though. He needs to be the figurative compass to lead the Broncos out of a mess years in the making. And it may not be overnight, but the expectations are for significant progress from last year’s 7-10 record. Throughout the journey, he will have fun. “He’s a different coach, especially (compared to) where I came from,” said defensive lineman D.J. Jones, who joined the Broncos from San Francisco. “I’m not bashing them at all, but it was to-the-book. There wasn’t any shooting (basketballs) during team meetings. He brings a sense of enjoyment.”
In 2016, Hackett joined Jacksonville as the quarterbacks coach, responsible for developing Blake Bortles, the third overall pick. In their first season togeth er, Bortles’ 35 touchdowns tied for second in the league and his 18 intercep tions were the most.
The Hackett Experience will only be enjoyable if the Broncos win, starting Monday night in Seattle.
“Outside of the guys who taught me Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett jokes with players on the field during a practice session at Dove Valley at the UCHealth Training Center. Helen H Richardson, The Denver Post
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Running backs coach Tyrone Wheatley has worked with Hackett in Buffalo, at Syracuse and in Jacksonville. During the offseason, Wheatley, who left his job as the head coach at Morgan State to reunite with Hackett, was asked how players respond to the non-stop enthusiasm and positivity.
“Here’s the deal,” Wheatley said. “If the energy is fake and overboard and if the energy does not give them a chance to advance their career, then the energy is just lost. Scientifically, they say energy can’t be lost, it can only be transferred, but with these young people, it is transferred only if they feel they are being developed and cared for. Nathaniel never, never, never harnessed his energy.” Hackett has remained upbeat during the usual highs and lows of a coaching career in general and a professional coaching career in particular. Hackett’s bosses were fired after 2007 (Jon Gruden in Tampa Bay) and during the ’09 (Dick Jauron in Buffalo) season, and Doug Marrone resigned in Buffalo in ‘14, Hackett’s second year in his first NFL play-calling post. All three times, he was not retained.
Keeping it upbeat
Hackett brings “sense of enjoyment” to work. Can he bring wins?
Texans are in Year 2 of a massive rebuild and may contend for the top overall 2023 draft pick
The perception of Hackett changed before he even led a practice when Wilson was acquired in March. If Hackett had designs on the offense he wanted to implement, that changed when Wilson arrived. This is going to be the Nathaniel Hackett-Russell Wilson Offensive System. “My job is to be there for Russell Wilson — the end,” Hackett said. “Anytime you get around somebody brand new who loves football as much as Russell does and as much as I do, it’s intoxicating for everybody.”
6. Kevin O’Connell, Minnesota 37 L A Rams offensive coordinator A candidate for the Broncos’ job, O’Connell should get the Vikings to second in the division
4. Dennis Allen, New Orleans 49 New Orleans defensive coordinator Allen gets a second head coaching shot and the Saints are just good enough to be interesting.
“They hear it every day,” Paton said. “It’s emphasized in every practice and every meeting. It’s resonated with me and it rings in your ears. That’s the identity. That’s the culture Coach
“I thought Nathaniel got a bad rap and was a scapegoat when he got fired,” said Pro Football Hall of Fame offensive tackle Tony Boselli, who is a part of the Jaguars’ radio team. Hackett had to start the cycle over again. He was hired by Matt LaFleur to be Green Bay’s offensive coordinator, but did not call the plays. Working for/ with LaFleur, he got the chance to be around quarterback Aaron Rodgers and was exposed to the inner workings of the offense popularized by the Mike Shanahan Coaching Tree. “The shock of Jacksonville sort of centered him again to realize what this world and business is all about,” Paul Hackett said. “I give a lot of credit to (LaFleur). He gave Nathaniel a lot of responsibility and they worked together beautifully. There is no doubt that time made him a better (head-coaching candidate).”
In three years, the Packers went 39-10 and reached two NFC title games (both losses). LaFleur called the plays, but Hackett was responsible for leading the red zone installation meetings.
“I hadn’t been around him for three years and to see the knowledge he has continued to gain and how he had grown as a person and his ability to connect with anybody in the facility … he has always impressed me,” said Bortles, who spent two stints with the Packers last year. Hackett was ready for his star turn and the Broncos hired him after a series of interviews. Wilson partnership Along the walls leading from the Broncos’ practice fields to their locker room are three large slogans in block letters.
Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett has a laugh with a player during training camp at the UCHealth Training Center.
2. Nathaniel Hackett, Broncos 42 Green Bay offensive coordinator Russell Wilson, Javonte Williams and a ready for the next step defense make playoffs expected
Andy Cross, The Denver Post Set up for success ... or not
Hackett and his staff are preaching.” They preach the team (protect each other, commit to a common goal), they focus on the football (keeping it and taking it) and they prioritize the west (the best way to the playoffs is winning the AFC West). Until the Broncos can beat Kansas City (13 consecutive losses), the divi sion title will be elusive From 2000 19, the Broncos finished last twice; they finished last the last two years. To beat the Chiefs, Las Vegas and the Los Angeles Chargers, Hackett needs to lead an offensive awakening During the playoff drought, the Broncos have finished 22nd, 27th, 24th, 28th, 28th and 23rd in scoring. They’ve been bad and boring, cycling through offensive coordinators (five in six years) and quarterbacks (same).
“There is just so much buzz and excitement,” Simmons said “I know every year I’ve talked about how excited I am for the season and how I really feel confident and comfortable with the group we have going in. But this year is just a little different.” how to play the game growing up, I owe everything to Nathaniel in how to play the NFL game and how to understand it,” Bortles said. “His ability to break things down and simplify them — he took the complexities of the schemes and defenses and explained them.” Halfway through the 2016 season, Jaguars offensive coordinator Greg Olson was fired and Hackett was named the interim play-caller by coach Gus Bradley. With two games remaining, Bradley was turfed. Marrone was promoted to replace him and retained Hackett as coordinator.
The Broncos’ players are drinking up everything Hackett has to offer. Of course, they’re 0-0 and a subplot will be how Hackett handles criticism during times of inevitable adversity. But guys like safety Justin Simmons, receiver Courtland Sutton and left tackle Garett Bolles have never played in the postseason. Wilson’s words and actions carry enormous weight and he wants back in the Super Bowl for the first time in eight years. The players want to follow Hackett and feed off his optimistic nature.
THE TEAM THE BALL THE WEST
The Jaguars reached the AFC title game in ’17 and Hackett was on the cusp of being considered for head-coaching openings. Just one more good year. Instead, he was fired in-season.
The Broncos are one of 10 NFL teams with new head coaches this year A look at each team’s new coach, ranked in chances for immediate success Coach, team Age Previous job 1 Todd Bowles, Tampa Bay 58 Tampa Bay defensive coordinator Bowles has Tom Brady, 45, at QB and four combined games against Carolina and Atlanta.
3. Josh McDaniels, Las Vegas 46 New England offensive coordinator Head coach for the first time in 12 years, McDaniels has plenty of offense, but enough defense?
5. Mike McDaniel, Miami 39 San Francisco offensive coordinator Challenging New England for second in the AFC East would represent progress for McDaniel
7. Doug Pederson, Jacksonville 54 Philadelphia coach (2020)
Getting to 6 7 wins would be a positive first step for the Super Bowl winning coach 8. Brian Daboll, N.Y. Giants 47 Buffalo offensive coordinator
Daboll helped develop Buffalo’s Josh Allen, but Daniel Jones will be more difficult 9 Matt Eberflus, Chicago 52 Indianapolis defensive coordinator Do the Bears even have a plan? It starts with QB Justin Fields and then we don’t know what 10. Lovie Smith, Houston 64 Houston defensive coordinator
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As play-calling head coach, Hackett will lean on staff for support
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Siranni also pointed to Hackett’s life — his father, Paul, was a coach for four decades — as a plus for handling the play-calling and game-managing.
“It’s different for every guy,” said Smith, who had play-calling experience as Tennessee’s offensive coordinator.
“There is a lot that goes into calling the game and preparing the team for the week,” he said. “The best thing I had was experienced play-callers on my staff and that helped the transition.”
Siranni, who was also a first-time play-caller, said a key was surrounding himself with veteran coaches.
The Broncos’ Nathaniel Hackett will call the offensive plays in his first year as coach A look at which head coaches are play callers (offense unless noted): Team Coach Years with team Broncos Nathaniel Hackett 1st Arizona Kliff Kingsbury 4th Atlanta Arthur Smith 2nd Cincinnati Zac Taylor 4th Cleveland Kevin Stefanski 3rd Green Bay Matt LaFleur 4th Houston Lovie Smith (defense) 1st Indianapolis Frank Reich 5th Jacksonville Doug Pederson 1st Kansas City Andy Reid 10th Las Vegas Josh McDaniels 1st L A Chargers Brandon Staley (defense) 2nd L.A. Rams Sean McVay 6th Miami Mike McDaniel 1st Minnesota Kevin O’Connell 1st New Orleans Dennis Allen (defense) 1st Philadelphia Nick Siranni 2nd San Francisco Kyle Shanahan 6th Tampa Bay Todd Bowles (defense) 1st *Note: In training camp, Detroit and the N Y Giants had not declared if coaches Dan Campbell and Brian Daboll would be calling offensive plays By Ryan O’Halloran The Denver Post It was the second question asked of Nathaniel Hackett during his Jan. 28 introductory news conference: Will the Broncos’ new coach also be the Broncos’ new offensive play-caller? Hackett said he would return to the role for the first time since mid-season 2018, making him the first Broncos coach to call offensive plays since Gary Kubiak in 2016. Hackett will be one of at least 15 NFL head coaches this year who will double as their team’s offensive play-caller. Included are fellow first-time head coaches Mike McDaniel (Miami) and Kevin O’Connell (Minnesota). Because of his previous play-calling experience — two years apiece at Syracuse and for Buffalo and Jacksonville — Hackett’s transition should be manageable. “That will help him, no doubt,” Broncos general manager George Paton said. “He’s had successes to draw upon. He’s very quick-minded and can handle a lot, but he does have a lot of people to help him with game management.” Last year, Atlanta’s Arthur Smith and Philadelphia’s Nick Siranni were new head coaches who called the plays.
“I’ve been around really good head coaches all my life and I got to sit at home with my dad (who was a coach) and Coach Hackett is the same way,” he said. “There were definitely challenges (last year), but I felt like my path leading up to it helped me prepare for it.”
Head-coaching play-callers
“You have to know yourself and how involved you’re going to be on game day and find a process that works best for you.”
On Hackett’s offensive staff, only quarterbacks coach/passing game coordinator Klint Kubiak has NFL play-calling experience (last year with Minnesota). Offensive coordinator Justin Outten is stationed in the coach’s box to serve as the eyes in the sky for the Xs-and-Os and football strategy analyst Brad Miller is also upstairs ad vising on game management. “We have a lot of conversations,” Hackett said of he and Miller “It’s really great to have somebody in your ear giving you the ‘go,’ if you want to go for it on fourth down and when to take a timeout and always keeping me up to date with that.” During the preseason games, Hackett was trailed on the sideline by assistant to the head coach Derek Haithcock. “Derek is there to make sure I don’t do anything crazy and make sure I have the red flag (to challenge),” Hackett said. “He’s right there if I need the (Microsoft) Surface (tablet) and he’s also charting plays and doing all kinds of things just so I can (make) transitions to be there for defense and special teams and make it efficient.”
Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett yells from the sideline during a preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys at Empower Field at Mile High. AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post
Double duty
The Denver Post
Jan. 9: Paton fired coach Vic Fangio after three years and a 19-30 record.
The changes started less than 24 hours after the Broncos lost to Kansas City to complete a sixth consecutive year out of the playoffs and a fifth consecutive losing season, things that are unheard of around these parts.
Jan. 27: A travel by private plane search spanning the country ended with the hiring of Green Bay Packers offen sive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, followed by a massive staff turnover.
Paton began communicating with the ownership group after they agreed to the purchase so there wouldn’t need to be introductory handshakes once the sale was approved on Aug. 9. “We had great discussions through the process,” he said. “You don’t do it in one day. 100%, I’ll learn more from them than them from me (about) man aging people and the entire football operation I’ll learn a lot from them.”
Late April: Paton’s second draft was completed.
June 7: The Walton-Penner ownership group agreed to buy the Broncos for $4.65 billion. Get all that? “It was like back-to-back years of starting over,” said Paton, who was then quick to add that “there are so many great people that have been here a long, long time that I lean on.”
“Very comfortable,” Paton added. “I just knew we had to get better (after last year).”
The Broncos haven’t won a postseason game since beating Carolina in the Super Bowl after the 2015 season A look at the last playoff win (by year) for each franchise: 1991: Detroit 2000: Miami 2002: Las Vegas 2005: Washington 2010: Chicago, N Y Jets 2011: N.Y. Giants 2015: Denver, Arizona, Carolina 2016: Pittsburgh 2017: Atlanta, Jacksonville 2018: Indianapolis, Dallas, L A Chargers, Philadelphia, New England 2019: Houston, Minnesota, Seattle, Tennessee 2020: Baltimore, Cleveland, Green Bay, New Orleans 2021: Buffalo, Cincinnati, Kansas City, L A Rams, San Francisco, Tampa Bay
When everything was buttoned up — new coach hired, new quarterback acquired, second draft completed and new ownership group selected to buy the Broncos — general manager George Paton was finally able to get away for two weeks this summer. The Paton family traveled to Costa Rica. “That’s our happy place,” he said last month during an interview with The Denver Post in his second-floor office. “Getting on that plane was really good.” Also really good, Paton hopes, were the moves he made in his second offseason running the Broncos’ football operation.
Broncos general manager George Paton, left, had a busy offseason hiring head coach Nathaniel Hackett, right, and trading for quarterback Russell Wilson, center. Hyoung Chang, The Denver Post
Feb. 1: The Broncos were put up for sale. Feb. 3: Paton promoted Darren Mougey from player personnel director to assistant general manager, solidifying him as the No. 2 person on the football side of the front office.
First up was hiring Hackett, who was a stark detour from Fangio. “There are challenges of going through a coaching search and getting a bunch of new (assistant) coaches,” Paton said. “What’s the personnel that fits the schemes?”
Paton said Year 1 of being a general manager felt “very natural,” likely because of his experience in Minnesota as Rick Spielman’s chief lieutenant.
Playoff win drought
Division woes The top eight teams in division record since the start of the 2016 season and where the Broncos rank: Team Division record 1 Kansas City 31 5 2 Pittsburgh 26 9 1 T3 Dallas 26 10 T3 New England 26 10 5. New Orleans 25 11 6 Green Bay 23 12 1 7 Tennessee 23 13 T8 L A Rams 2115 T8 Philadelphia 2115 T29 Broncos 11 25 T29. Jacksonville 11 25 Starting over GM Paton believes non-stop offseason will lead to winning era 20» SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2022 • THE DENVER POST • DENVERPOST COM
March 8: Paton traded three players, two first- and second-round picks apiece and a fifth-round selection for quarterback Russell Wilson.
Creating a rapport with Hackett was critical. “The No. 1 thing for me is the relationship with the head coach and now the new owners and that doesn’t happen overnight,” Paton said. “Nathaniel and I are tied at the hip. I’m as close with him as I have been with any coach (in his personnel career).”
Paton, in the second season of a six year contract signed in January 2021, finally got to exhale while in Costa Rica. “I was still taking calls and texts and you’re never really off the grid,” he said. “But it was a good time. Get up, work out, body surf for two hours. We just love getting into the ocean.” Fast forwarding six plus months, what Paton would really love is getting the Broncos into the playoffs.
By Ryan O’Halloran
Broncos general manager George Paton is building a relationship with new coach Nathaniel Hackett and the new owners, too. AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post
The Broncos drafted Montrell Washington of FCS Samford in the fifth round.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post
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The Broncos want to be this year’s version of six teams from the past decade:
The Broncos tried to win last year with quarterbacks Teddy Bridgewater and Drew Lock. No dice, of course, especially in a division that featured the fourth- and fifth-highest scoring offenses in the Chiefs and Chargers, respectively, and a Raiders group led by quarterback Derek Carr and an array of skill-position threats. Wilson has brought an off-the-charts level of commitment and juice to a building that sorely needed it.
2015: Carolina went from 7-8-1 (albeit a division champion) to 15-1 and a Super Bowl loss to the Broncos. Cam Newton was NFL MVP.
2020: Tampa Bay went from 7-9 to 11-5 and a Super Bowl win over Kansas City. Tom Brady was signed in free agency.
But … The … Quarterback … Needs … Help. Look at those aforementioned teams.
The Broncos, after six consecutive non-playoff seasons, are back in the mix. They are relevant. They have warts (as do all teams). They have lessthan-ideal depth at inside linebacker and cornerback. They have multiple plans at right tackle.
2016: Atlanta went from 8-8 to 11-5 and a Super Bowl loss to New England. Matt Ryan was MVP. 2017: Philadelphia went from 7-9 to 13-3 and a Super Bowl win over New England. Carson Wentz was the MVP favorite until he sustained a knee injury in December.
• Hope the Broncos could win with a great running game and a solid defense? Not in the AFC West.
Acquiring Wilson was necessary to end the half-decade losing streak to Kansas City, required to keep up with dynamic Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert and, heck, a must to overtake Las Vegas in the division.
By Ryan O’Halloran
The Broncos used a fifth-round pick on Montrell Washington of FCS Samford, who was surprised he was drafted.
2019: San Francisco went from 4 12 to 13-3 and a Super Bowl loss to Kansas City. Jimmy Garoppolo played every game after tearing his ACL in Week 3 of ’18.
All Washington did in the first two preseason games was have a kick return of 35 yards and punt returns of 27 and 18 yards.
It was tough to ignore the depth issues exposed against Buffalo last month (42-15 loss), but I have the Broncos going 10-7 and losing at Cincinnati in the wild-card round Progress? Absolutely. Momentum for 2023? Totally. But not a Super Bowl level-jump. Ryan O’Halloran: rohalloran@ denverpost.com or @ryanohalloran
Broncos adopted aggressive approach this offseason
The Denver Post Closing the margins in pro football isn’t about taking halfmeasures. It is about building and building and building and then going for it. The Broncos have done just that.
• Hope an undrafted player or jour gles had Zach Ertz and Alshon Jeffery, the 49ers had George Kittle and three running backs who gained at least 540 yards, the Buccaneers had Mike Evans, Rob Gronkowski and Chris Godwin, and the Bengals had Joe Mixon, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Carolina, Atlanta and Cincinnati lev el-jumped with first-round quarter backs. That wasn’t an option for the Broncos so Paton was forced to get aggressive and creative. This wasn’t the time for hoping.
The Panthers had Jonathan Stewart and Greg Olson, the Falcons had De vonta Freeman and Julio Jones, the Ea-
While completing the Wilson trade, Paton was plotting his free agent strategy.
• Hope outside linebacker Bradley Chubb can carry the pass rush after being plagued by injuries in two of the last three years? Not feasible.
Confident he had the right core of players on the roster, general manager George Paton swung for the figurative fences this past offseason, trading three players and five draft picks to Seattle for quarterback Russell Wilson. Paton spent his first year acquiring draft picks and being smart with the salary cap so he had equal parts assets and money to acquire Wilson in order to stop the quarterback upheaval that has plagued the franchise.
The Broncos signed edge rusher Ran dy Gregory to a five-year, $70 million contract, a high risk/high reward move because of Gregory’s disciplinary issues. But the move was rationalized as vital after trading Von Miller last year even though the Broncos knew Gregory would undergo shoulder surgery dur ing the offseason
2021: Cincinnati went from 4-11-1 to 10-7 and a Super Bowl loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Joe Burrow flourished in his second year. The Broncos want a similar vaultover-a-few-levels journey.
• Hope the run defense, which ranked a misleading 15th in the league last year but often was unable to make a stop when it counted, would be improved via internal players? Not an option. Shelby Harris was a part of the Wilson deal. The Broncos filled his spot with D.J. Jones from San Francisco, a 6-foot, 305-pound shot put-like player who can also provide an interior pass rush.
Broncos defensive tackle D.J. Jones, acquired from San Francisco, is a 6-foot, 305-pound veteran who can also provide an interior pass rush. Jintak Han, The Denver Post
neyman veteran can ignite a stagnant return game? Yeah, right.
Broncos running back Javonte Williams enters this season atop the depth chart after an impressive rookie season. RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post
Gordon, who acknowledged new coach Nathaniel Hackett wants Williams to be “the guy,” said he anticipated some sort of alternating scheme.
Dallas Ezekiel Elliott (237), Tony Pollard (130) 2,119 (9th) 12 5
Denver Javonte Williams (203), Melvin Gordon (203) 2,025 (13th) 7 10
N Y Giants Saquon Barkley (162), Devontae Booker (145) 1,688 (24th) 4 13 L A Rams Sony Michel (208), Darrell Henderson (149) 1,683 (25th) 12 5
Inevitably, Wilson, who was Gordon’s teammate at Wisconsin after transferring from North Carolina State, will have some say. When asked his impression of Williams, Wilson gushed about his potential.
Running backs Williams and Gordon haven’t settled on a nickname
Whatever they’re called, their partnership is bound to draw scrutiny as the ballast to quarterback Russell Wilson’s aerial attack — with the focus primarily on who gets the most work.
Thunder & lightning?
Minnesota Dalvin Cook (249), Alexander Mattison (134) 1,930 (17th) 8 9
“I feel like at first, that’s what I was doing, but now I’m starting to really understand running back,” Williams said. “How to set people up, how to hit the hole. When I was in college, I was playing running back as a linebacker, but now I’m starting to understand how to play running back.”
The Broncos had the most balanced 1 2 running back duo in the NFL last year A look at which teams had two running backs with at least 125 attempts: Team Running backs (carries) Team rush yards (rk) Record
Williams, who enters this season atop the depth chart after an impressive rookie season, laughed when asked to recall that moment. “I don’t know, I just heard a whole lot of yelling,” he told The Denver Post during training camp. Whether through fans’ social media posts or his own interest in re-living arguably his best highlight of 2021, Williams estimated he’d seen the clip around 500 times. In it, he harnessed the power and effort the Broncos want to see from their lead back starting Week 1 at Seattle.
*Does not include Baltimore and Philadelphia, which had quarterbacks Lamar Jackson and Jalen Hurts carry 133 and 139 times, respectively
“Me and Mel are cool,” Williams said. “We hang out with each other. Just like any other teammate. There’s no bad blood or none of that. I feel like a lot of people always want it to be that, but at the end of the day, we understand what’s going on.”
“I heard a lot of people saying thunder and lightning,” Williams joked of their still-unnamed partnership. “But I feel like both of us are really thunder, though.”
Broncos running back Melvin Gordon, left, anticipates some sort of alternating scheme with teammate Javonte Williams. Jintak Han, The Denver Post
In other words, his running style — both punishing and explosive — was groomed to seek contact.
“When I turn on the film and watch Javonte, I am like, ‘Wow, this guy is amazing,’ ” Wilson said. “ ‘He’s special.’ Just watching his decision-making, his cuts, and his vision — I know he’s a Tar Heel, so I don’t know if I can brag about him too much.” What Wilson perhaps didn’t know is that Williams is only now starting to learn the nuances of the position. During his first three seasons in high school, Williams was a linebacker. His coach moved him to running back before his senior season in an effort to garner more Division I attention.
If fans were upset a year ago when veteran running back Melvin Gordon “took” carries from Williams, then at least the dynamics have shifted. Each back had 203 rushing attempts a year ago and both finished with more than 900 yards on the ground. Last winter, Denver general manager George Paton was patient as Gordon tested free agency, ultimately settling on a modest oneyear deal to return.
By Mike Singer
The result, as the Broncos enter a season with increased expectations, is another timeshare backfield featuring two power runners, each capable of bullying through crevices or catching the ball in space. (Williams finished last season with 43 catches to Gordon’s 28.)
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“(Hackett) told me coming in, it’s about the Super Bowl,” Gordon said “It’s about winning the Super Bowl and we are going to do whatever is best for the team. I’m bought into that 100% because I want the ring more than anything.”
Atlanta Cordarrelle Patterson (153), Mike Davis (138) 1,451 (31st) 7 10
Tennessee Derrick Henry (219), D’Onta Foreman (133) 2,404 (5th) 12 5
Detroit Jamaal Williams (153), D’Andre Swift (151) 1,886 (19th) 3 13 1
The first contact came at the line of scrimmage. Broncos running back Javonte Williams shirked it like he was slicked in oil. Next, he ducked inside where four would-be Baltimore tacklers appeared to have him boxed in. Williams bludgeoned through the traffic, piercing holes in the Ravens’ defense. Yet Williams, then a rookie trying to establish himself in the pecking order of Denver’s backfield, saved his best trick for last. Once Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey wrapped both arms around his torso, the bowling ball back carried him from his own 30-yard-line another 20 yards. It took two other defenders to eventually bring last season’s second-round pick to a halt.
Sharing the load
“I don’t know how they will do the rotation,” Gordon said “I have to go back and look at how they did things in Green Bay (where Hackett was the offensive coordinator) with the carries and things like that. … I don’t know what the future holds but I just want to put my best foot forward so when I do go out there, they go, ‘OK, we need to get him out there more.’ I know I have the game.” Last year in Green Bay, A.J. Dillon and Aaron Jones carried 187 and 171 times, respectively. Regardless of his role, Gordon’s moti vation is clearly defined.
Mike Singer: msinger@denverpost.com or @msinger
The Denver Post
Green Bay A J Dillon (187), Aaron Jones (171) 1,900 (18th) 13 4
Albert Okwuegbunam is the Broncos’ best receiving option at tight end after the loss of Noah Fant in the Russell Wilson trade. AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post
Involving the tight ends
In the first half, Okwuegbunam lined up in three-point stance at both right and left tight end, right and left slot, bunch right with two receivers and three-point stance/off-the-line. Against Buffalo, Okwuegbunam motioned left to right, stopped to line up on Saubert’s outside hip and ran an out-and-up route to easily beat linebacker Andre Smith for a 26-yard catch.
1. Lining up Okwuegbunam out wide and hoping a linebacker follows him. “That’s one of the main things I love about our offense — how complex it is and how the positioning is,” he said. “We can be all over the formation. Put me on a linebacker and I’ll be fast. Put me against a (defensive back) and I’m bigger than him. That’s where it directly creates a mismatch.’
One play that appears to have potential is a quick bubble screen to Okwuegbunam. “Albert has a really good first step so he can get up to speed quickly,” tight ends coach Jake Moreland said. “And he’s a big body. It’s making it look he’s in pass protection or something and then slipping him out into a screen and get him out in the open (field) and let his athleticism take over.”
“They can (do that),” Paton said “They’re big, they’re long, athletic, have ball skills and are big targets. We can’t replace Tim Patrick, but hopefully with some of the other weapons, we can kind of fill that void as much as we can.”
Other emphasis points (which will be applicable when Dulcich debuts):
A look at how Wilson involved tight ends with Seattle (2012 21): Year No 1 TE Catches Yards TDs 2012 Zach Miller 38 396 3 2013 Zach Miller 33 387 5 2014 Luke Willson 22 362 3 2015 Jimmy Graham 48 605 2 2016 Jimmy Graham 65 923 6* 2017 Jimmy Graham 57 520 10* 2018 Nick Vannett 29 269 3 2019 Jacob Hollister 41 349 3 2020 Jacob Hollister 25 209 3 2021 Gerald Everett 48 478 4 * Made Pro Bowl Broncos tight end Greg Dulcich will start the season on injured reserve. AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post
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By Ryan O’Halloran
“Albert has the ability to run away (from defenders),” Wilson said during camp. “I’ve been pretty hard on him. We’ve been pushing (him) and he’s working his butt off every day.” A look at Wilson’s 10 years with Seattle provides a guide on how he has implemented tight ends. From 2015-17 Jimmy Graham averaged 56 catches, 682 yards and six touchdowns and made two Pro Bowls. In the seven other years (2012-14 and 2018-21) the leading Seahawks tight end averaged 27 catches, 350 yards and 3.9 touchdowns. The high catch total was 48 by Gerald Everett last year. The Broncos would like more production than that. “(Wilson) throws to the tight ends quite a bit,” general manager George Paton said. “Everybody says he doesn’t throw over the middle, but if you watch practice he’s hitting those big guys across the middle, down the field, in the flat — all over. Russ is going to throw to who’s open. The tight end group, it’s a little of everything. I like them and I think they’re going to help him.”
2. Using Okwuegbunam and Dulcich on the field at the same time. “They’re a match up problem,” More land said. “They can both run, have great ball skills, but they’re tough and can block You can’t just get into them and hold on because they’ll run through you.” If a defense plays base personnel (four defensive backs) against Okwuegbunam and Dulcich, the Broncos are comfortable.
Translation: It’s on you, Albert Ok wuegbunam.
“Base sounds good,” Moreland said with a laugh. “The cool thing about the NFL, you get a lot of different kinds of defenses and we’re trying to get a lot of matchup problems on paper and then onto the field. The way they can move, it really complements what we do offensively.”
The first preseason game against Dallas provided some clues as to how head coach/play-caller Nathaniel Hackett will deploy the tight ends.
“He’s working on his craft and I’m really proud of him,” Wilson said. “He’s going to have an exceptional year, I believe.”
The Denver Post Nearly lost in the early March throw a-parade-like celebration for the acquisition of quarterback Russell Wilson was that the cost included tight end Noah Fant, who led the Broncos with 68 catches last year. Fant was at times maligned because his per catch average (11 2 yards) and touch downs (10) over three years didn’t match his status as a first round draft pick. But he was reliable. To replace him the Bron cos stayed within the organization.
A base defense against the tight end duo would include two receivers and one running back (“12” personnel). If the Broncos motion one or both tight ends out, that takes two players out of the “box” to defend the run. Advantage, Broncos.
3. Prioritizing Okwuegbunam and Dulcich in the red zone. The red zone was a strength of receiv er Tim Patrick (six of his 11 touchdowns over the last two years), but he was lost to a torn ACL early in camp. Okwueg bunam and Dulcich are listed at 6 foot 5 and 6 foot 4, respectively.
Big targets
The Broncos traded tight end Noah Fant in the deal for quarterback Russell Wilson, but drafted Greg Dulcich, signed Eric Tomlinson and re signed Eric Saubert to join Albert Okwuegbunam
Okwuegbunam, unlike nearly all of the other projected offensive starters, saw action in the first two preseason games last month. Rookie third-round pick Greg Dulcich, meanwhile, could never get out of the blocks in training camp as he battled a hamstring injury and will miss at least the four games while on injured reserve From a skill standpoint, Okwuegbunam is the Broncos’ best receiving option at tight end, at least until Dulcich gets more time on the field. Eric Tomlinson and Eric Saubert are blockers/ short-area receivers and Andrew Beck is part tight end/part fullback.
Okwuegbunam, Dulcich give Denver two options at tight end
Knee surgeries and rehab have already eaten a chunk out of Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton’s promising career. AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post
Wilson raises the standard for wide receivers like Jeudy, Sutton
2013 Tate (64 5) Baldwin (50 5) Jermaine Kearse (22 4) 2014 Baldwin (66 3) Kearse (38 1) Paul Richardson (29 1) 2015 Baldwin (78 14) Tyler Lockett (51 6)+ Kearse (49 5)
“We always talk about the root, not the fruit,” Azzanni explained. “Meaning if we can just work on the root of what we need to do, our foundation, our tech niques, then that fruit will be there at the end “But if you think about the fruit before we do anything out here, then we get ahead of ourselves, and all sudden you look back and you have regret. So we’re just gonna keep watering the root ” Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy was the Broncos’ 2020 first-round pick out of Alabama. AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post
Doing their part
The Broncos hope to get consistent production from the receiving trio of Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler A look at the top three receivers during Russell Wilson’s 10 years with Seattle: Year Top three receivers (receptions-TDs)
By Sean Keeler
Something’s gotta give. Or, in this case, receive.
The Denver Post
2012 Sidney Rice (50 7), Golden Tate (45 7) Doug Baldwin (29 3)
“Not to take anything away from all the guys (at quarterback) we’ve had here, and we’ve had some great players, but Russ is just different,” noted Azzanni, one of the few holdovers from former coach Vic Fangio’s staff
“He’s got a different mentality He raises the standard for those guys. The second he walks in the room, they all sit up and get the notebooks out. It’s more player led, which is what you want in this league So these guys, they want to learn from him … they follow along and they don’t talk back. They do everything he says.” Especially if you want to get paid. Per Spotrac com, Broncos wideouts only account for 7 1% of the team’s cap space this fall a relative bargain. But that’s likely to change in the years to come as the Sutton and Patrick exten sions signed last year progress and Jeudy either has to be compensated or re placed. Wide receivers are projected to account for $40.57 million in space, or 18.6% of expected 2023 Broncos cap room, and $33.4 million, or 14.7% of the team’s cap allotment, in 2024
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Wilson and his receivers
2018 Lockett (57 10) Baldwin (50 5) David Moore (26 5) 2019 Lockett (82 8) D K Metcalf (58 7) Moore (17 2) 2020 Lockett (100 10) Metcalf (83 10)* Moore (35 6)
2016 Baldwin (94 7)* Lockett (411) Kearse (411) 2017 Baldwin (75 8)* Lockett (45 2) Richardson (44 6)
If folks are sleeping on the guys in his position room a wideout group that includes former Pro Bowler Courtland Sutton, the gifted but mercurial Jerry Jeudy and rookie sleeper Montrell Wash ington or cranking up the hype train, Azzanni noted, his outlook is the same It’s all outside noise, noise that’s dead to him. The only voice that matters is Wil son’s. “When you look at quarterbacks that have won the Super Bowl for the Denver Broncos, I mean, there’s a common de nominator there,” Azzanni said, refer encing a pair of Hall of Famers in John Elway and Peyton Manning. “But we’ve got to do our part out there And we’ve had some injuries and some guys are fighting to make a team. So once the dust settles here in a couple of weeks, and we’re able to hone in on who we are, what we are, and who’s running out there with (Wilson), every snap, I think, we’ll keep growing faster ” As a room, Broncos wideouts, who make up one of the youngest units in the NFL in 2022, have had to grow up togeth er sometimes the hard way The 6 foot 4 Sutton is just 26, but knee surger ies and rehab have already eaten a chunk out of what looked to be such a promis ing career right out of the gate. KJ Ham ler, who just turned 23, same deal. And football fans from Tuscaloosa to Fort Collins are waiting for the 23 year old Jeudy, the 2020 first round pick out of Alabama, to put up the kind of NFL pro duction the former Tide star went without a touchdown over 10 appearanc es in ’21 that matches his talent Is Russ the tide that lifts all boats in the wideout room? Or is it the other way around? As a group, Broncos wideouts are at something of a professional cross roads. For two years, the built in excuse was that they were missing a front line quarterback Drew Lock and Teddy Bridgewater, bless them, couldn’t meet that standard who could unlock all those gifts With Wilson on board, that excuse is gone Unfortunately, so is Pat rick, whose season ending knee injury during training camp excised from a new offense the kind of big catch radius (6 4) and soft hands that made No. 81 one of the roster’s most reliable targets “He was my Binky,” Azzanni joked “I always say that he was my safety blan ket.” Patrick had developed the kind of chemistry with Wilson in the spring and summer that he was setting up to be one of Big Russ’ safety blankets, too. But that role in 2022 will likely go to Sutton, whose quick rapport with his new signal caller has proven to be one of the high lights of an up and down August
“These guys are smart enough to fig ure (that part) out. They don’t need me to tell them or remind them,” Broncos wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni told The Denver Post recently.
“They know more than I do. They’re on social media and Twitter and see all that and watch it on TV. We don’t watch TV as coaches, we barely have time to eat a sandwich I can’t tell you who’s in the (NFL Network’s) Top 100 … or if one of our (guys) is on it. But they know that I don’t need it. Our motivation is winning this year ”
2021 Metcalf (75 12) Lockett (73 8) Freddie Swain (25 4) * Selected to Pro Bowl; + Made Pro Bowl as returner
The 2022 NFL season marks the first time since 2015 that Russell Wilson is entering Week 1 without a skill target on his roster wide receiver or tight end who also isn’t among the NFL Network’s most recent list of Top 100 players in the league And it’s the first time since 2016 that DangeRuss isn’t throwing to a wide out who’d just made that list.
Broncos left tackle Garett Bolles gets ready during training camp at the UCHealth Training Center.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post
“(Wilson) does a great job of keeping those (linemen) on-point, keeping those guys accountable and sticking together as an offense,” new offensive line coach Butch Barry told The Denver Post. “And he’s a winner. And all those things factor in for our whole offense, factor in for our room.”
Unfortunately, that room has also been in something of a state of flux, particularly at right tackle. Projected starter Billy Turner, a free-agent signee from Green Bay, took only a handful of team practice reps in August.
With the exception of a strong performance in an open practice setting against the Dallas Cowboys in mid-August, which was the first chance to hit someone in a different colored helmet all summer, the voracity of the Broncos’ starting five up front was still something of a mystery as the preseason drew to a close. Which isn’t the most sunny narrative, given that the No. 1 acquisition of the offseason was a franchise quarterback in 33-year-old Russell Wilson — an investment, it goes without saying, that needs protection at all costs.
“Listen, the guys on the offensive line, all across (the front), from (left tackle) Garett Bolles to (right tackle) Calvin Anderson, (guards) Quinn (Meinerz) and Dalton (Risner) I feel like we’ve got a great offensive line unit,” Browning, the Broncos’ breakout outside linebacker, said.
In early August, one of the World wide Leader’s sports analytics writers, Seth Walder, projected the Broncos this fall to produce the fourth-best offensive line in the NFL, behind only the top-ranked Chiefs, Packers and Eagles. Other than that, hey, no pressure, Butch.
Broncos could have a top-5 O-line – and why that’s huge for Wilson
“I didn’t see (the report). I didn’t notice it,” Barry said of the site’s projection. “I mean, it’s always nice to be respected. But we’ve got to go prove ourselves.” And if you’re having a heck of a time believing Barry, well, Browning isn’t done gushing yet. “I think they look a lot better,” the Broncos pass-rusher offered when asked about the offensive line. “And I (didn’t say) they didn’t look good last year, but everybody’s gotten better this year.
Hyoung Chang, The Denver Post
Putting it on the line
“They really make us be true to how we set up our (fronts) and how we have to attack them. So I definitely feel like going against those guys for the last few weeks, it made me better.”
Broncos right tackle Calvin Anderson stretches for the training camp at the UCHealth Training Center in Centennial.
By Sean Keeler The Denver Post If you’re having a heck of a time believing in the Broncos’ offensive line, then would you believe, um, Baron Browning?
One of the few guarantees for an NFL offensive line over the course of a long season is losing healthy bodies for spells at a time. Which is why Barry and first-year head coach Nathaniel Hackett have preached flexibility as much as continuity up front, mixing and matching with different line combinations all summer.
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“Anytime that you have to move around, you have to learn the offense better,” Barry said. “And then when you play multiple positions (on the line), you really have to know what you’re doing. And it shows if you don’t, you know what I mean?” We know. The 27-point preseason loss at Buffalo back on Aug. 20 showed us plenty, on both sides of the line of scrimmage. Especially when it came to how important the Broncos’ starters up front — who didn’t play against the Bills — could be for both the health of Wilson and the health of the offense, period. As the nimble Wilson looks to extend the later stages of his career, he may not be able to extend plays with his legs the way the nine-time Pro Bowler could seven or eight years ago. Wilson’s Seahawks line in 2021, per FootballOutsiders.com, ranked 24th among NFL teams in adjusted opponent sack rate, at a clip of 8.0% of all dropbacks. Seattle’s pocket checked in at No. 30 (8.2%) two years ago. The Broncos, meanwhile, ranked 21st (7.5%) and 19th. (6.8%), respectively. The league average for adjusted sack rate was 6.6% in ’21 and 6.4% in ’20. “I think the accountability factor here at the Denver Broncos has changed dramatically,” veteran guard and Wiggins native Dalton Risner observed near the start of preseason camp. “There’s been a sense of urgency since I showed up in April. I think that everyone can feel that sense of urgency and that starts with Russell. It starts with QB1. And he’s done a great job ever since he stepped foot in here of holding everyone accountable. But the thing he does best is, he holds himself accountable first.” If you’re still having a heck of a time believing in the Broncos’ offensive line, then would you believe, um, ESPN.com?
“I feel like we’ve got a whole new coaching staff and a (new) vibe in the building. Sometimes, change is good. I think it’s been working for us so far. Just a whole new energy.”
Quarterback
Tight end STARTER
Wide receiver STARTER Courtland Sutton | 14 6 foot 4, 216 pounds, 26, 5th season, SMU In coming back off an ACL tear last year, Sutton had 58 catches for 776 yards and two touchdowns He’ll be option 1B along side Jeudy, and Sutton should see his touchdown total spike with Wilson throwing him the ball in Hackett’s new offense
Running back STARTER Javonte Williams | 33 5-foot 10, 220 pounds, 22, 2nd season, North Carolina Williams’ rookie season left Broncos fans wanting more after he rushed for 903 yards and led the league in missed tackles He’ll be the Broncos’ featured back this season, and if he stays healthy, can surpass the 1,000 yard mark while comple menting Wilson’s arm.
STARTER Russell Wilson | 3 5-foot 11, 215 pounds, 33, 11th season, Wisconsin/N.C. State The renewed hopes of Broncos Country rest almost entirely on Russ’s confident shoulders After coming to Denver in a blockbuster trade in March, Wilson has his teammates and fans amped for a second act similar to Peyton Man ning’s. GM George Paton is betting on that, too BACKUP Brett Rypien | 4 6 foot-2, 202 pounds, 26, 3rd season, Boise State Rypien has been with the Broncos for three years af ter signing as an undraft ed free agent out of Boise State. He appeared in one game last year, throwing two passes, and won his one start against the Jets in 2020. He beat out Josh Johnson for the backup QB spot.
BACKUPS Eric Saubert | 82 6 foot 5, 253 pounds, 28, 6th season, Drake
Mike Boone | 26 5-foot 10, 206 pounds, 27, 5th season, Clemson A preseason quad injury derailed Boone’s first year in Denver when he finished with just four rushes for 35 yards and played only 39% of the special teams snaps. He’ll again see very few carries if Gordon and Williams remain healthy, but should contribute more on special teams
BACKUP Jalen Virgil | 17 6 foot 1, 210 pounds, 24, rookie, Appalachian State Virgil became the team’s 18th undrafted rookie to make the initial 53-man over the last 19 seasons A strong preseason (nine catches for 180 yards over three games) and his abili ty to contribute to special teams, perhaps as the backup returner, solidified Virgil’s case
Note Rosters are as of Aug. 31.
Wide receiver STARTER KJ Hamler | 1 5-foot 9, 178 pounds, 23, 3rd season, Penn State After hamstring injuries limited him as a rookie, Hamler’s promising sec ond season was derailed by an ACL tear in Week 3. Following surgery and a grueling offseason rehab, Hamler sat out some of the preseason as a pre caution, but the Broncos expect him to break out.
ByKyleNewman,TheDenverPost
Offense Broncosroster
BACKUPS Melvin Gordon | 25 6 foot 1, 215 pounds, 29, 8th season, Wisconsin After splitting the load ex actly 50/50 with Williams last year — each tailback got 203 carries — Gordon knows he’ll be the clear second option in 2022. The Broncos will need him on third down, and will inevitably need some throwback Flash touch down runs to spark them.
BACKUP WMontrellashington | 12 5-foot 10, 170 pounds, 23, rookie, Samford The Broncos drafted Washington in the fifth round (No. 162 overall) after the FCS star caught the team’s attention during the draft process with dominating tape against Florida. He’ll be the team’s primary return man, but he’s also demonstrated the ability to make tough catches
Wide receiver STARTER Jerry Jeudy | 10 6 foot 1, 193 pounds, 23, 3rd season, Alabama Jeudy’s rookie season was something to build on, with 52 catches on 856 yards and two touch downs but instead he went in reverse in Year 2. A high ankle sprain limit ed him, and he finished with zero touchdowns. Ex pect a more explosive and dynamic Jeudy in 2022.
BACKUP Tyrie Cleveland | 16 6 foot-2, 205 pounds, 24, 3rd season, Florida After playing about half the team’s special teams snaps over the past two seasons, Cleveland has shown progression as a wideout. That, along with his status as a core special teams player, enabled him to make the team despite missing all of August with a throat injury
OkwuegbunamAlbert | 85 6 foot 5, 258 pounds, 23, 3rd season, Missouri With Noah Fant gone to Seattle as part of the Wil son trade, the time is now for Okwuegbunam, who had 33 catches for 330 yards and two TDs last year in his return from an ACL tear.
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The veteran presence in the tight end room, Saubert appeared in all 17 games in his first year with Denver in 2021. Eric Tomlinson | 87 6 foot 6, 263 pounds, 30, 7th season, UTEP Denver signed Tomlinson on a one year deal, and he brings more veteran experience to the room alongside Eric Saubert. Greg Dulcich | 80 6 foot 4, 245 pounds, 22, rookie, UCLA Denver’s highest drafted offensive player this year was selected at No. 80 overall. He missed much of the preseason with a hamstring injury, and begins the season on IR. Andrew Beck | 83 6 foot-3, 225 pounds, 26, 4th season, Texas Versatile, athletic and physical, Beck profiles as a tight end/fullback hybrid.
Right guard STARTER Quinn Meinerz | 77 6 foot-3, 320 pounds, 23, 2nd season, WisconsinWhitewater The Broncos drafted Meinerz in the third round a year ago and he’s faced, and adjusted to, the steep learning curve of coming from Division III to the NFL. He played in 15 games last year, starting nine, and did enough to earn the starting job from an injured Glasgow BACKUP Graham Glasgow | 61 6 foot 6, 310 pounds, 29, 6th season, Michigan Glasgow’s second season in Denver was ended by an fractured ankle in Week 9, which gave way to Meinerz taking the starting job. The veteran restructured his deal (and took a pay cut) to re up for another season in Denver; he’s the primary backup at all three interi or spots
From left, Quinn Meinerz, Melvin Gordon, Justin Simmons and Lloyd Cushenberry prepare to take the field last season. AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post
Left tackle STARTER Garett Bolles | 72 6 foot 5, 300 pounds, 30, 6th season, Utah After establishing himself with second-team All Pro honors in 2020 that led to a four year contract exten sion, Bolles was depend able again in 14 games in 2021. He’ll be the anchor of the Broncos’ line again this year and, most im portantly, the protector of Wilson’s blindside BACKUP Calvin Anderson | 76 6 foot 5, 300 pounds, 26, 4th season, Texas He made two spot starts in 2020 and three in the same role last year for Bolles. Anderson’s proven to be a dependable backup swing tackle in his tenure with the Broncos, but has been unable to crack the starting lineup He’ll be good insurance if Bolles gets injured.
Center STARTER Lloyd Cushenberry | 79 6 foot-3, 312 pounds, 23, 2nd season, LSU Cushenberry was one of two rookies in the NFL to play every snap in 2020, and then he followed that by playing 16 games last year, missing his first game due to COVID. He missed some of the pre season due to a knee inju ry, with Graham Glasgow snapping in his place.
The Wiggins product has been a staple on the left side of the Broncos’ line since he was a rookie, and will again be counted on in 2022. He’s been durable, starting 47 of 49 possible games over three years, and his continued improvement could be a boon to the tailbacks.
The veteran who spent three years in Miami, Denver and Green Bay returned to the Broncos on a one year deal. He missed training camp and most of the preseason recovering from a knee scope, but the Broncos hope he can bring stabili ty to the revolving door at right tackle BACKUP Cam Fleming | 73 6 foot 6, 320 pounds, 29, 9th season, Stanford Fleming was a two time Super Bowl champion across four seasons in New England, where he appeared in 47 games with 20 starts. He also has experience with the Cowboys and Giants, and the veteran will be Turner’s primary backup after losing the preseason battle
Kicker STARTER Brandon McManus | 8 6 foot-3, 201 pounds, 31, 9th season, Temple Currently the longest ten ured Broncos player and the last remaining member from Super Bowl 50, McManus had an 83.8 field goal percentage last year (26 of 31). He’s the second-most accurate kicker in franchise history at 82.7%, behind Matt Prater’s 82.9%.
Left guard STARTER Dalton Risner | 66 6 foot 5, 312 pounds, 26, 3rd season, Kansas State
After averaging a paltry 19.2 points per game over the three seasons of Vic Fangio’s tenure, Denver’s offense needed a dramatic change in 2022 in order to contend in the high-powered AFC West. Enter quarterback Russell Wilson, who is expected to make the Broncos’ offense fun again. With a future Hall of Fame quarterback at the helm, in conjunction with coach Nathaniel Hackett’s new playbook, the Broncos should be more explosive than the Teddy Bridgewater, Drew Lock and Pat Shurmur combination of a year ago.
Right tackle STARTER Billy Turner | 57 6 foot 5, 310 pounds, 30, 9th season, N.D. State
BACKUP Luke Wattenberg | 60 6 foot 5, 300 pounds, 24, rookie, Washington The Broncos’ fifth-round pick (No. 171 overall) this year, Wattenberg parlayed a consistent camp into a spot on the initial roster. He provides interior depth on the line behind Cushenberry, and could also back up right
Now in his 15th NFL season, Ejiro Evero gets his first chance as a defensive coordinator starting Monday night in Seattle. AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post
The Broncos’ defense gained a reputation last year that was equal parts true and concerning.
Evero, 41, is intent on taking advantage.
Evero’s passion was fueled during his playing days at UC-Davis, where Hack ett was a teammate, and a coaching career that has included three stints in the state of California sandwiched by jobs in Florida and Wisconsin. He has worked for Vic Fangio, Dom Capers, Monte Kiffin and Wade Phillips, among others. Defensive play-calling luminaries, all of them. Now in his 15th NFL season, Evero gets his first chance as a coordinator starting Monday night in Seattle.
D-coordinator Evero embracing previous scheme but with nuances
The Broncos finished eighth in few est yards and third in fewest points allowed but 28th on third down, tied for 21st in takeaways and tied for 17th in sacks.
“Very energetic, very passionate, very direct, very clear and concise with his message,” defensive backs coach Christian Parker said. “And you can feel his passion for the game.”
Evero would observe an individual drill and pat nose tackle Mike Purcell on the helmet after what he judged to be a good rep. He would confer with head coach Nathaniel Hackett, the latter far more animated. And during teamwork, he would be focused on his call sheet and jot down an occasional note. But the light timber of his voice resonated well.
“I’ve been really impressed with him and just his demeanor and edge,” general manager George Paton said. “No one is as confident as (Evero). Really impressive in the room. Great command and presence and a way about him on the field.”
What’s been missing?
True: They would beat up on teams with young quarterbacks or inferior rosters, teams such as Jacksonville and Detroit, the New York Jets and Giants. Those were stat-padding games. Six of their seven wins were by double digits.
Broncos defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, left, and head coach Nathaniel Hackett were college teammates at UC-Davis.
By Ryan O’Halloran The Denver Post As he walked around the practice fields during training camp last month, the voice of Broncos defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero could rarely be heard.
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The Broncos need to stop the run better on early downs, so they signed D.J Jones from San Francisco. It’s on him and defensive end Dre’Mont Jones to set the tone on defense. And the Broncos needed a better pass-rushing presence so they signed Randy Gregory from Dallas. It’s on him and Bradley Chubb to close the deal on defense. Evero believes being better against the run will lead to being better on third down. Despite the struggles of the past six years (no playoff appearances) and many of the same players in place, Evero wanted to have a soft transition. He is keeping many of the same tenets of the Fangio scheme. But he is aware of what needs to improve, and he has add ed his own stamp “As teachers and coaches, we want to make it as easy as possible for the guys,” Evero said. “We want them to play fast. There are a lot of things terminology-wise that are similar and there are things that are different.” Said Parker, the only position coach on defense retained by Evero: “The foundation is definitely Vic, but there are a lot of variations of what we want to do, both on a very small and major scale.”
Concerning: They didn’t have the goods to beat teams like Kansas City and Las Vegas, Philadelphia and Cincinnati. Those were alarm bell-ringing games. There was never a confident feeling that the defense could make a stop and give the offense a final chance; never a belief externally they could create a turnover to provide a short field.
Andy Cross, The Denver Post
Taking the reins
“We have to take the ball away more,” Parker said. “A true pro” During defensive staff meetings, Evero is collaborative. He wants to hear other opinions, even if they aren’t completely aligned with his view Quiet is Broncos defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero runs drills during practice at UCHealth Training Center. RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post
Dre’Mont Jones is in a contract year and had 5½ sacks last year. Chubb is also in a contract year and finally healthy. Safety Justin Simmons is an all-areas-of-the-field playmaker. And cornerback Pat Surtain II should be a breakout player candidate. But the Broncos need to make more plays. More first-down run stops. More sacks. And get more interceptions.
Defensive line coach Marcus Dixon, who followed Evero from the Los Angeles Rams: “He’s been around this for so long and been around some great coaches who have shown him the way And he’s teaching us how to do it.”
Defending How the Broncos have fared against AFC West starting quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs), Justin Herbert (Chargers) and Derek Carr (Raiders): MAHOMES VS. BRONCOS GS W L Comp. Att. Pct. Yards TD INT Rating 9 9 0 193 295 65 4 2,279 12 4 96 7 Mahomes is 5 0 vs Broncos in one possession games Has four 300 yard passing games JUSTIN HERBERT VS. BRONCOS GS W L Comp Att Pct Yards TD INT Rating 4 2 2 100 151 66.2 1,071 8 4 93.4 Herbert has one TD, four INTs in two road games vs Broncos (both losses) DEREK CARR VS. BRONCOS GS W-L Comp -Att Pct Yards TD INT Rating 15 9 6 311 469 66.3 3,486 17 7 94.2 Carr has won four straight and six of last seven vs Broncos (7 TD, 3 INT)
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the enemy. Outside linebackers coach Bert Watts: “He’s a true pro. You see it in his preparation and how he carries the meetings. One of the tough things is when you’re working with someone and you’re not sure what’s going to happen. That’s not the case with E. Every day, we’re prepared.”
Two years ago, Evero was on a Rams staff whose defense was led by first time coordinator Brandon Staley. The Rams led the league in fewest points allowed and Staley was hired as the Chargers’ coach. But first things first for Evero — building a defense that can compete in the AFC West and help break the Broncos’ six-year playoff drought. And he’ll do it his way with a lean toward his previous experiences. “He won’t be giving, ‘The Any Given Sunday’ speech,” said Parker, referring to the Al Pacino character in the 1999 movie. “But in terms of what he’s trying to emphasize and what he wants us to be about defensively, he does a great job of delivering that message.”
Inside linebackers coach Peter Hansen: “His 14 years of experience in the NFL shines through all the time. I’ve been impressed with how he runs the staff and players meetings.”
PATRICK
the division
Those nuances and variations will debut against the Seahawks. More pressure looks? More man coverage? More moving around of the personnel? All to be determined. What Evero knew at the time of his hiring is he had players to build around.
DenverPost staffpredictions Mark Kiszla Ryan O’Halloran Kyle Newman Matt Schubert Sean Keeler Broncos record 9 8 10 7 11 6 9 8 10 7 AFC West predictions 1 L A Chargers; 2 Denver; 3 K C ; 4 Las Vegas 1 Kansas City; 2 L A Chargers; 3. Broncos; 4. Las Vegas 1 Kansas City, 2 Denver, 3. L.A. Chargers; 4. Las Vegas 1 Kansas City; 2 L A Chargers; 3. Denver; 4. Las Vegas 1 Kansas City; 2 L A Chargers; 3. Denver; 4. Las Vegas. Broncos’ first win Week 1 at Seattle Week 1 at Seattle Week 1 at Seattle Week 1 at Seattle Week 1 at Seattle Will Denver make the playoffs Yes Yes Yes No Yes Record at Week 9 bye 5 3 6 2 6 2 5 3 6 2 Russell Wilson TDs/INTs 30/11 29/9 33/7 28/8 28/9 Javonte Williams yards/TDs 1,035/9 1,103/11 1,154/12 1,022/9 1,004/8 Sutton/Jeudy receptions 92/58 71/54 71/76 74/51 68/74 Albert O./Dulcich TD catches 4/1 4/2 7/4 3/2 4/2 Offensive points ranking 13th 17th 7th 16th 15th Defensive points ranking 5th 11th 4th 18th 11th Total sacks 39 40 46 31 42 Total takeaways 25 24 27 20 27 Bradley Chubb sacks 8½ 10 9 8½ 5½ Randy Gregory games played 12 15 15 12 11 Pat Surtain II interceptions 5 7 7 5 3 NFL MVP Cincinnati QB Joe Burrow Buffalo QB Josh Allen K.C. QB Patrick Mahomes Buffalo QB Josh Allen Buffalo QB Josh Allen Coach of the Year Miami’s Mike McDaniel Buffalo’s Sean McDermott New England’s Bill Belichick Detroit’s Dan Campbell Philadelphia’s Nick Siranni Offensive Player of the Year Buffalo QB Josh Allen Indianapolis RB Jonathan Taylor K.C. QB Patrick Mahomes Buffalo QB Josh Allen K.C. QB Patrick Mahomes Defensive Player of the Year L A Chargers DE Joey Bosa San Francisco DE Nick Bosa Broncos CB Pat Surtain II Dallas LB Micah Parsons L A Rams DL Aaron Donald Offensive Rookie of the Year Atlanta WR Drake London New Orleans WR Chris Olave N Y Jets WR Garrett Wilson Pittsburgh QB Kenny Pickett Pittsburgh QB Kenny Pickett Defensive Rookie of the Year Baltimore S Kyle Hamilton Kansas City CB Trent McDuffie Detroit DL Aidan Hutchinson Detroit DL Aidan Hutchinson Detroit DL Aidan Hutchinson Surprise team Miami Carolina Indianapolis Detroit Arizona Disappointing team Kansas City Philadelphia Las Vegas Green Bay New Orleans AFC champion Buffalo Buffalo Kansas City Buffalo Buffalo NFC champion Green Bay L A Rams Green Bay L A Rams Philadelphia Super Bowl champion Buffalo Buffalo Kansas City Buffalo Buffalo Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen is a preseason favorite for NFL MVP and the Bills are a Super Bowl favorite as well. AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post DENVERPOST COM • THE DENVER POST • SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2022 «37
Outside linebacker Randy Gregory joined the Broncos as a free agent in March after starting his career in Dallas. RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post
“There is no doubt,” he said with a laugh during training camp “It is a gift of a room and obviously, they’re very talented. But the personalities they’re all hard working guys, want to get better and want to be coached
Staying available A key for the Broncos’ defense this year is the health/availability of outside linebackers
The Broncos hired outside lineback ers coach Bert Watts in January. He had no idea how much his group would be addressed over the next four months.
“That makes my job easy ” The moves by Paton were not a throw darts at the board exercise, nor easy. The Broncos knew they needed to overhaul their pass rush group with the intention that the Russell Wilson led offense will score more points, producing more get after the quarter back chances.
The Broncos had Miller and Chubb at full flight in ’18, but then Chubb missed 12 games in ’19, Miller all 16 in ’20 and Chubb seven of the first eight last year. Miller was traded to the Los Angeles Rams at midseason.
The Broncos’ signing of Gregory is a huge swing. Suspensions and injuries have cost him 63 games, including full season bans in 2017 and ’19 Last year, a calf injury cost him four games But when healthy, he could be a force as he takes advantage of playing opposite Chubb and being moved around the line of scrimmage by new defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero
Reason 2015 4 Ankle cost him Games 2 5 Had no sacks in rookie season 2016 14 Suspended 14 games for violating NFL’s substance abuse policy 2017 16 Suspended entire season for violating NFL’s substance abuse policy. 2018 2 Missed one game apiece for concussion and knee injuries 2019 16 Suspended entire season for violating NFL’s substance abuse policy 2020 6 Missed first six games while on commissioner’s exempt list 2021 5 Missed one game with COVID 19 and four with calf injury Total 63
The Broncos are betting big that Gregory, who played only 50 games in seven years because of suspensions and injuries, has put his disciplinary troubles behind him and can stay avail able But there are multiple question marks surrounding the edge position besides Gregory. Can Chubb, who missed almost all of 2019 and ’21, return to his double digit sack form of ’18? Can Baron Browning, who was moved from inside linebacker, be a quick study as a rusher and run de fender?
Bradley Chubb, Randy Gregory stay healthy More pressure required A look at the teams with the most sacks since 2016: Team Sacks Playoff app. 1 Steelers 311 4 2 Rams 273 4 T3 Cardinals 263 1 T3 Saints 263 4 5 Washington 257 1 T11. Broncos 237 0 T11 Eagles 237 4
“You can never have enough rush ers,” general manager George Paton has said on more than one occasion. Prioritize rushers
“I saw it last year (when Evero was a Los Angeles Rams assistant), putting people in different spots to make plays,” Gregory said. “I fully expect him to do the same with us. We have a lot of guys who can rush inside and outside ” A healthy Chubb would be a boon for the Broncos. He needs to stay available for the team to win and he needs to stay available to get a big contract as he enters free agency in March Chubb had 12 sacks as a rookie, but only 8 1/2 in the last three years (24 missed games). He had a regular off season of training this year for the first time since ’19. “I saw his drive last year; his body (multiple ankle injuries) just didn’t cooperate,” Paton said. “Bradley is focused. He’s on a mission. I love what I’m seeing. Physical. Tough. And he’s tough to block, run or pass, when he’s rolling and he’s been rolling ”
Soon after they signed Gregory to a five year, $70 million contract, the Broncos moved Browning outside and drafted Bonitto. Those players joined Chubb and Jonathon Cooper. ... if Broncos pass rushers
“Sky’s the limit”
Bradley Chubb and Randy Gregory. A year by year look at their missed games: Bradley Chubb Year Missedgames
Total 24 Randy Gregory Year Missedgames
Did Watts ask himself what he did to deserve this?
Last year, the Broncos had one or no sacks in six of 17 games When they needed pressure, they couldn’t get it Enter Gregory and a healthy Chubb.
Leaning on young players
In their most productive seasons, Chubb played 78% of the Broncos’ snaps in ’18 and Gregory 55% of Dallas’ snaps last year. The Broncos knew they needed to make complementary moves in the hope there isn’t a sub stantial dropoff when one or both are off the field Reed started 34 games over three years, but was deemed expendable because of Bonitto and Browning, whose roles will be amplified as the Nos 3 4 rushers Browning finished last year as a starting inside linebacker but was moved this summer. Watts thinks Browning’s experience inside will be beneficial outside.
“Coverage wise, he immediately has the knowledge that other guys at the position don’t necessarily have,” Watts said. “He understands the bigger pic ture of coverage and how he fits into it ” Browning had five sacks for Ohio State in 2020. The final addition was Bonitto, who had 26½ sacks in his final two years at Oklahoma. He impressed during train ing camp practices with his athleticism getting around the corner Watts said Bonitto’s bend is “defi nitely rare. The combination of bend and get off, he has a great ability to anticipate the snap, sink his hips and explode out of his stance When he gets it right, it flashed off the film and I know it’s scary for those offensive tackles.” Chubb. Gregory. Reed. Browning. Bonitto If the Broncos are winning games, there will be enough pass rush shots for all of them, but it starts with Chubb and Gregory. “I feel like if we play on the same level together, the sky is the limit,” Chubb said “I’m excited to get on the field with him and get rolling.”
By Ryan O’Halloran The Denver Post Ahead of last month’s practice and preseason game against Dallas, Bron cos coach Nathaniel Hackett and his offensive staff took a surface level look at the Cowboys’ defense from last year They liked what they saw and it had nothing to do with the current Cowboys “It was funny, the whole time, we’re all looking at each other going, ‘Oh, we’re really happy that guy is on our team ’ ” That Guy is new outside linebacker Randy Gregory, who joined the Bron cos as a free agent in March after start ing his career in Dallas. And if That Guy can approach, match or even exceed the production of the player he is essentially replacing (Von Miller), Gregory will become The Guy to lead the Broncos’ pass rush along with Bradley Chubb.
Reason 2018 0 12 sacks and third in Defensive Rookie of the Year balloting 2019 12 Tore his ACL in the Broncos’ fourth game of season (one sack) 2020 2 7½ sacks and shut down for final two games (ankle). 2021 10 Missed eight total games (ankle surgeries) and one game due to COVID 19
“He’s been working as hard as any body (during shoulder surgery rehabil itation) in this building to get back,” Paton said “He’s got everything He has speed, he has quickness, he has power, he can beat you inside and he can beat you outside.” Gregory certainly looks the part at 6 foot 5, 242 pounds Once he entered team practice work in late August, his athleticism was on full display. He is intrigued about how Evero will move him around.
And can Nik Bonitto, the team’s sec ond round pick this year, learn a vastly new role to help out as a backup? In reality, those are the good kind of questions It means the Broncos have the people to potentially deliver a pass rush boost that can close games.
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BACKUP Matt Henningsen | 91 6 foot-3, 291 pounds, 23, rookie, Wisconsin Henningsen missed most of rookie minicamp with a calf injury, but returned in time for training camp to make an impression. He still needs to work on finishing plays in the backfield, but has a high athletic upside and pro vides valuable depth on the defensive line
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BACKUP Alex Singleton | 49 6 foot-2, 240 pounds, 28, 4th season, Montana State Denver added Single ton on a one year deal in free agency, added insurance at the position that paid off when Jonas Griffith went down with a preseason elbow injury. After a quiet rookie year, Singleton led Philadelphia with 120 tackles in 2020 and 137 tackles last year
Bradley Chubb | 55 6 foot 4, 275 pounds, 26, 5th season, N.C. State The No. 5 overall pick in the 2018 draft enters a huge year after an ACL tear wiped out most of his 2020 and ankle issues plagued his 2021. The re sult was no sacks in seven games last year, and the Broncos are counting on a Pro Bowl, bounce back season from Chubb BACKUPS
Jonathon Cooper | 53 6 foot 4, 257 pounds, 24, 2nd season, Ohio State Cooper underwent three heart surgeries after the Broncos drafted him in the seventh round in 2021. This year brought another hurdle when Coo per torn his finger tendon in the first OTA, knocking him out for three months He had 2.5 sacks last year, showing flashes Aaron Patrick | 94 6 foot 4, 245 pounds, 25, 2nd season, Eastern Kentucky Signed to the active roster last September in the wake of Bradley Chubb’s injury, Patrick made a strong impression in his first year in Denver as a reserve and core special teamer, where he played 72% of the snaps. His strength on those units made his roster case strong this year.
Josey Jewell | 47 6 foot 1, 236 pounds, 27, 5th season, Iowa Jewell was off to a strong start last year before tearing his pectoral in Week 2. He returns this year as the “green dot” play caller on defense, and will be expected to rack up tackles in addition to keeping youngsters like Justin Strnad and Jonas Griffith in their lane
Nose tackle STARTER D.J. Jones | 96 6 foot, 305 pounds, 27, 6th season, Mississippi With Shelby Harris gone to Seattle in the Russell Wilson trade, the Broncos re fortified the defensive line by signing Jones to a three year deal. In five years in San Francisco, Jones played 61 regular season games (46 starts), with 23 tackles for loss and seven sacks BACKUP Mike Purcell | 98 6 foot-3, 328 pounds, 31, 7th season, Wyoming The Highlands Ranch High School product knows he needs to re establish himself as a plug up front against the run after his 2021 was ended by a foot injury, and he missed four games last year with a broken thumb and COVID Step No. 1 for Purcell is staying healthy
Defensive end STARTER DeShawn Williams | 99 6 foot 1, 291 pounds, 29, 5th season, Clemson Williams proved himself as dependable depth on the defensive line the past two seasons, appearing in 29 games (19 starts). Now he gets the chance to start. He has three sacks and 76 tackles since 2020, and will see plenty of action this year.
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BACKUP Eyioma Uwazurike | 96 6 foot 6, 320 pounds, 24, rookie, Iowa State The Broncos added to their D line depth by selecting Uwazurike in the fourth round (No. 116). A first team All Big 12 selec tion in 2021, he had nine sacks for the Cyclones last year. He has a learning curve in front of him, but the Broncos hope that his playmaking ability shows up.
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Inside LB STARTER
Defensive end STARTER Dre’Mont Jones | 93 6 foot-3, 281 pounds, 25, 4th season, Ohio State Jones appeared in a career high 16 games last year, with seven starts. He didn’t have a sack until Week 8, then reeled off 5.5 sacks and 10 solo tackles in a six game span. If he can bottle that consistency this year, Jones could truly break out and be a pass rushing force
Inside LB STARTER Jonas Griffith | 50 6 foot 4, 250 pounds, 25, 2nd season, Indiana State Griffith dislocated his elbow in the preseason opener, but coach Nathan iel Hackett expects him to be available for Week 1 in Seattle. Griffith appeared in 14 games last year with three starts, registering 46 tackles (four for loss) and playing half the spe cial teams snaps
Strongside LB STARTER
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BACKUP Justin Strnad | 40 6 foot-3, 235 pounds, 25, 3rd season, Wake Forest After missing his rookie season with a wrist injury, Strnad appeared in 16 games last year, with five starts. He had 36 tackles (23 solo) in an up anddown performance over all; he’ll surely get more chances this year to grow at the position and prove his worth for the future ByKyleNewman,
BACKUPS Damarri Mathis | 27 5-foot 11, 195 pounds, 23, rookie, Pittsburgh Denver’s fourth-round pick, Mathis earned the trust of the coaching staff during training camp and saw a lot of action in the preseason, running with the No. 1 defense in prac tice when Ronald Darby had a chest injury. Mathis could be this year’s break out secondary star Essang Bassey | 34 5-foot-10, 190 pounds, 24, 3rd season, Wake Forest Bassey made the Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2020, and played in 12 games that year, with three starts and one in terception. It’s been rocky since: He spent most of 2021 recovering from a knee injury, and went to the Chargers, and then came back, on waivers.
BACKUPS Baron Browning | 56 6 foot-3, 240 pounds, 23, 2nd season, Ohio State
Right cornerback STARTER Pat Surtain II | 2 6 foot-2, 202 pounds, 22, 2nd season, Alabama After four interceptions in 16 games last year, includ ing a pick six, the sky is the limit for PS2 in Year 2. He is expected to be the Broncos’ top cornerback and will be tasked with shutting down the top wideouts in the AFC West. A Pro Bowl season could be in the cards
Strong safety STARTER Kareem Jackson | 22 5-foot 10, 183 pounds, 34, 12th season, Alabama The oldest player on the Broncos’ defense, Jackson re signed with the Bron cos on a one year deal in the offseason. He has four interceptions and 248 tackles over the last three seasons in Denver, and will again be the vocal leader of the D along with Justin Simmons BACKUPS P.J. Locke | 37 5-foot 10, 202 pounds, 25, 4th season, Texas Locke got his start in Denver on the practice squad in 2019, and over the past two seasons he’s made his mark as a core special teams player, getting 83.5% of those snaps. That will be Locke’s role again this year unless there’s a swath of injuries ahead of him at safety Delarrin Turner Yell | 32 5-11, 200, 22, rookie, Oklahoma Denver’s fifth-round pick this year, Turner Yell had a strong preseason finale against the Vikings that helped cement his roster spot, beating out veteran J.R. Reed and others. He won’t see much time defensively unless there’s injuries, but will contrib ute on special teams
Weakside LB STARTER Randy Gregory | 5 6 foot 5, 242 pounds, 29, 6th season, Nebraska
BACKUPS
The Broncos moved Browning from inside to outside after last year, and he gave the fans a taste of what he can do off the edge with a 12yard sack in the presea son opener. He’s quality depth behind Gregory and Chubb, and could see his role expand depending on his play Nik Bonitto | 42 6-foot-3, 240 pounds, 22, rookie, Oklahoma Denver’s top draft choice this year, in the second round at No. 64 overall, Bonitto has yet to show signs he’s the game wrecking force the Broncos hoped for But there’s still plen ty of upside. He’ll be edge rushing depth and also contribute on special teams
Free safety STARTER
The Broncos signed Gregory to a five year, $70 million contract with $28 million guaran teed — big money for a guy who’s only made 12 career starts. Gregory had shoulder surgery in the offseason, but returned in training camp and is expected to be a force opposite No. 55.
Michael Ojemudia | 13 6 foot 1, 200 pounds, 24, 3rd season, Iowa After a baptism-by fire as a rookie, appearing in all 16 games with 11 starts, Ojemudia only played two games last year due to a hamstring injury. He provides depth on the back end of the secondary and will also play special teams. He’s starting 2022 on short term IR (elbow) Punter STARTER Corliss Waitman | 17 6 foot-2, 210 pounds, 27, 2nd season, South Alabama The Broncos released in cumbent starter Sam Mar tin on the final cut down day, opting to give the job to Waitman instead. Claimed off waivers from Pittsburgh in February, Waitman had seven punts for the Steelers in 2021 (52.1 average). Long snapper STARTER Jacob Bobenmoyer | 46 6 foot-2, 235 pounds, 25, 3rd season, Northern Colorado After beating out Wes Farnsworth for the long snapper job during 2020 training camp, Boben moyer’s taken the job and run with it. He appeared in all 33 games over the past two years and the former Wyoming prep star will again be a pillar on special teams in 2022. Last year, en route to a sixth consecutive season missing the playoffs, the defense was the strongest pillar of the Broncos. The unit finished third in the NFL in average points allowed at 18.9 and eighth in average yards allowed at 326.1. Now with Russell Wilson bringing playoff expectations back to Denver, the corresponding expectation is the Denver defense can be even better than it was last year. A revamped secondary and key free agent additions (D J. Jones, Randy Gregory, K’Waun Williams) are the big reasons for that belief
K’Waun Williams | 21 5-foot 9, 185 pounds, 31, 8th season, Pittsburgh The Broncos signed Williams to a two year deal in free agency to be the team’s starting nickel back. Williams originally broke into the NFL as an undrafted rookie in Cleveland, then played in 65 games (36 starts) with the 49ers, with four in terceptions and 19 passes defensed.
Left cornerback STARTER Ronald Darby | 23 5-foot 11, 193 pounds, 28, 8th season, Florida State Darby signed a three year, $30 million deal ahead of last season, and was limited to 11 games in his first season in Denver due to 1tionhaspicinjurieshamstring/shoulder.TheBroncosneedksoutofhim;DarbyeightcareerintercepsbutnonesinceWeek2of2019.
Justin Simmons | 31 6 foot-2, 202 pounds, 28, 8th season, Boston College The unquestioned captain of the defense, Simmons has 21 career intercep tions in 91 games (81 starts). His Ironman snap streak came to an end last year, but he’s just one of two NFL players with 400 total tackles and 20 inter ceptions since he entered the league in 2016 BACKUP Caden Sterns | 30 6 foot 1, 207 pounds, 22, 2nd season, Texas After making an impact at the dime last year, with two interceptions, two sacks and 28 tackles in 15 games, Sterns will again be an important reserve He won’t see many snaps at safety, but will be a core special teams player and appear in defensive sub packages
Carrie Walton Penner and Greg Penner of the Walton-Penner group talk on the sidelines at Empower Field at Mile High. AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post
The ownership change happened after the Broncos traded for Wilson, skyrocketing expectations in the league’s toughest division But instant success for an owner (or ownership group) is hardly the norm. Since 1977, 19 current owners have assumed control of an NFL team. Walton and Co., will have to buck an unsuc cessful trend.
At that time, six teams received firstround postseason byes. Now only two teams do.
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Acknowledging his confidence in Paton and Hackett, Walton said: “They’ll have to perform, but we think we have the pieces to fit together and really have a great season.”
The Broncos had been on the market less than six weeks when Wilson was acquired from Seattle.
Quarterback John Elway’s salary was $1.6 million. Russell Wilson’s base salary this year is $19 million. And the Broncos made the playoffs, losing at Seattle.
• Eight teams had winning records in their first year under the new owner, led by Minnesota going 11 5 in 2008.
• Only two teams won a playoff game: Washington and Atlanta won wild-card games, but lost in the divisional round. That Falcons team had a young Mi chael Vick. This Broncos team has a still-has-plenty-left Wilson.
The last time the Broncos played a game in which they weren’t owned by Pat Bowlen or run by his self-appointed brain trust was Dec. 24, 1983. Gas was $1.16 per gallon. It is now, well, much higher.
For a world sports franchise recordsetting $4.65 billion, the Broncos were purchased by the team led by Rob Walton, Greg Penner and Carrie Walton Penner, which includes limited partners Mellody Hobson, Condoleezza Rice and Sir Lewis Hamilton. League owners unanimously approved their bid during a special meeting on Aug. 9. The next day, Penner was named CEO. The day after that, the Broncos hired Damani Leech as president, putting him in charge of the business operations. Under Bowlen’s flag, the Broncos played 608 regular season games and 36 of the team’s 42 all-time postseason games, winning three Super Bowls. Success became the expectation and, for most of the nearly four decades, the norm. From 1984-2015, the Broncos had more Super Bowl appearances (six) than losing seasons (five) “We want to acknowledge Pat Bowlen’s outstanding legacy (and his) leadership and commitment to build a successful team and business,” Walton said. “We’ll continue to build on that. Putting a winning team on the field is our No. 1 priority.”
Penner cited a quote from former San Francisco 49ers offensive lineman Harris Barton. “As my good friend (Barton) said to me, ‘This will be one of the most fun and satisfying things that you do in your life,’ ” Penner said. “It’s also a responsibility and a privilege.”
Jerry Jones’ Dallas club went 1-15 in 1989 and Jacksonville 2-14 in 2012 for Shad Khan.
A responsibility because the Broncos are a regional treasure with a fan base that is fed up with the last six years of being bad and boring.
The Walton-Penner group inherits a second-year general manager (George Paton), a first-year coach (Nathaniel Hackett) and a new quarterback.
By Ryan O’Halloran The Denver Post
• Only four teams qualified for the postseason: New England (10-6 in 1994), Washington (10-6 in ’99), Atlanta (9-6-1 in 2002) and the aforementioned Vikings.
Great expectations
Broncos ownership group takes over seeking instant success
A privilege because owning an NFL team is a rare opportunity.
The postseason is the bar for the Walton-Penner ownership group to match or exceed in their first year atop the organizational masthead.
From left, Greg Penner, Condoleezza Rice, Rob Walton, Mellody Hobson and Carrie Walton Penner pose with their new jerseys at the UCHealth Training Center. The Walton-Penner ownership group, which also includes Sir Lewis Hamilton, paid $4.65 billion for the Broncos. Hyoung Chang, The Denver Post
WEEK 9 Rams at Buccaneers Sunday, Nov. 6, 2:25 p.m. It’s a rematch of last year’s thrilling NFC divisional game, in which Cooper Kupp’s long reception set up the eventual game winning field goal for the defending champi on Rams Brady never forgets a devastating loss, while the Tampa Bay defense has some atoning to do WEEK 10 Cowboys at Packers Sunday, Nov. 13, 2:25 p.m. This will be a game that reveals what the Cowboys are all about If Dak Prescott and Dallas can upset Rodgers & Co at Lambeau Field, it could be a launching pad for a play off run But Rodgers is also capable of send ing his own message to the Dallas D WEEK 15 Patriots at Raiders Sunday, Dec. 18, 6:20 p.m., KUSA 9
10 games to watch WEEK 1 Broncos at Seahawks Monday, Sept. 12, 6:15 p.m., ESPN, KMGH-7 Broncos QB Russell Wilson returns to Seattle in prime time to face his former coach Pete Carroll following a public falling out that led to his trade in March The Seahawks are one of two teams in the NFL that Wilson hasn’t defeated (also: the Chargers) WEEK 3 Packers at Buccaneers Sunday, Sept. 25, 2:25 p.m. One of many showdowns between future Hall of Fame quarterbacks this year Aaron Rodgers is 1 4 all time against Tom Brady Rodgers will no doubt be looking for some payback from when Brady & Co beat Green Bay in the NFC title game at Lambeau Field two years ago WEEK 4 Chiefs at Buccaneers Sunday, Oct 2, 6:20 p m , KUSA 9 After winning Super Bowl LIV three years ago, Kansas City’s last two seasons have ended in bitter disappointment, including a loss to Brady and the Bucs in Super Bowl LV Revenge will be on the minds of Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and coach Andy Reid WEEK 6 Bills at Chiefs Sunday, Oct 16, 2:25 p m It’s a rematch of last year’s instant classic AFC divisional game, when the teams com bined for 25 points and four lead changes in the final 1:54 of regulation Kelce’s TD catch won it in overtime, and one has a feeling Josh Allen & Co will remember that feeling come October.
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WEEK 8 Packers at Bills Sunday, Oct. 30, 6:20 p.m. KUSA 9 In one of several potential Super Bowl pre views on the slate, Green Bay gets a road test in Orchard Park on Halloween weekend It will be Allen’s second career showdown against the Packers (he’s 0 1), and coach Matt LaFleur’s first test against the Bills.
We’ll know a lot about Mac Jones’ growth in Year 2 by this point, as well as the re stocked Raiders’ relevancy in the loaded AFC West. But this one comes down to coaching: Old guard Bill Belichick against his longtime assistant and new Las Vegas head man, Josh McDaniels WEEK 17 Rams at Chargers Sunday, Jan. 1, 6:20 p.m., KUSA 9 Los Angeles’ two teams meet at SoFi Stadi um Matthew Stafford and the Rams should be prepping for a title defense Meanwhile, Justin Herbert and the Chargers will need to finish strong after falling excruciatingly short of the playoffs in a Week 18 loss last year WEEK 18 Ravens at Bengals Sunday, Jan. 8, Time/Network TBA Both of these teams are likely to be in the playoff hunt in the pivotal final week of the regular season Joe Burrow and the Bengals, who clinched the division title in Week 17 last year en route to an AFC title, face off against playoff hungry Lamar Jackson’s Ravens Kyle Newman, The Denver Post Tampa Bay quarterback Tom Brady, right, and tight end Rob Gronkowski celebrate together after their Super Bowl LV win over the Kansas City Chiefs on Feb. 7, 2021. The teams meet again on Sunday, Oct. 2. Steve Luciano, The Associated Press Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers will be in the spotlight several times this season. Jeffrey Phelps, The Associated Press
10. San Francisco: The best way to make quarterback Trey Lance a success? Surround him with Deebo Samuel and George Kittle at receiver and tight end, respectively.
13. Arizona: Will the real Cardinals stand up? They were 10-2 last year, but finished the regular season 1 4 and then were blown out in the wild-card round at the Rams. Expect 9-10 wins.
24. Carolina: Matt Rhule is atop the charts of “First Coach To Be Fired,” and he would immediately be pursued by the college ranks. Christian McCaffrey is the only reason to be interested in the Panthers.
3. Tampa Bay: Who needs training camp? Evidently, Tom Brady doesn’t. If Mike Evans and Chris Godwin can stay available, the Buccaneers are the class of a watered-down NFC.
28. Atlanta: We’re not sure what the Falcons’ plan is. Enough said.
18. Baltimore: The Ravens went from 8-3 to out of the playoffs last year. They sunk from second to 19th in points allowed, so new coordinator Mike Macdonald was hired to revitalize the defense.
32. Chicago: With the first pick in the 2023 NFL draft, the Chicago Bears select Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen looks to pass during a preseason game against the Broncos. Jeffrey T Barnes, The Associated Press
all 32 NFL teams entering 2022 regular season
14. Indianapolis: Some team has to win the AFC South. The Colts get the nod because they improved at quarter back (Matt Ryan replaced Carson Wentz) and defensive coordinator (Gus Bradley replaced Matt Eberflus).
17. New England: The reports from Patriots’ camp weren’t encouraging about an offense that has a promising quarterback (Mac Jones), but the playcalling divided between Joe Judge and Matt Patricia.
19. Minnesota: The quicker the Vikings admit they’re rebuilding and shed veteran salaries, the quicker they can start the road back to challenging Green Bay in the division.
By Ryan O’Halloran The Denver Post Entering the regular season, ranking the NFL teams 1 32:
11. Las Vegas: The Raiders haven’t finished inside the top 10 in fewest points allowed since 2006. Yes, they’ll score points, but can new coordinator Patrick Graham turn the defense around?
27. Jacksonville: The free-agent spending champions, the Jaguars (1-15 and 3-14 the last two years) needed to add reinforcements to support second-year quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
29. N.Y. Giants: New coach Brian Daboll inherits quarterback Daniel Jones. Get through the season, Coach, and start searching for a replacement.
6. L.A. Chargers: A 29th-place finish in points allowed last year led to the acquisition of pass rusher Khalil Mack and shutdown cornerback J.C. Jackson. Expect noticeable improvement defensively.
Bills at top of heap
Ranking
9. Broncos: Pro football is back to being interesting in Denver. Finally. The trade for quarterback Russell Wilson may not put the Broncos in the Super Bowl conversation, but definitely the playoff chatter.
26. Seattle: Why didn’t the Seahawks make a play for quarterback Baker Mayfield? Our guess is they want to use this year as a bridge to drafting a quarterback in 2023 (they have two first round picks).
30. N.Y. Jets: The Jets summed up in two events — they lost left tackle Mekhi Becton for the season in practice and quarterback Zach Wilson injured his knee in the preseason opener.
1. Buffalo: The Bills will have the AFC’s best record thanks to a favorable schedule that includes the mostly-awful NFC North and the overrated AFC North. Josh Allen will win NFL MVP.
31. Houston: Lovie Smith is the Tex ans’ third coach in three years (same for Jacksonville). The floor-to-ceiling rebuild continues this year.
4. Green Bay: Unpopular opinion — Aaron Rodgers’ career has been semiunderwhelming for the talent he has. Only one Super Bowl appearance. A 1-4 record in NFC title games. The clock is ticking on No. 12 to win title No. 2.
22. Detroit: The Lions’ last playoff win was in 1991, also their last division title. Expect coach Dan Campbell to lead a good jump from 3-13-1, setting them up for wild card contention in 2023.
23. Pittsburgh: First-round quarterback Kenny Pickett should start right away. Remember, Ben Roethlisberger took over in Week 4 (2004) when Tommy Maddox was injured. That turned out fine.
21. Washington: New nickname, but same old problems. The Commanders were so desperate at quarterback they traded for Carson Wentz. That will backfire.
12. Philadelphia: The Eagles have two 2023 first-round picks and two 2024 second-round picks. Translation: They have the means to trade up for a quarterback if Jalen Hurts doesn’t show progress this year.
8. Dallas: The Cowboys will win their division but go no further because they have zero discipline. They led the league in penalties the last two years and had 17 in their preseason loss to the Broncos.
2. Kansas City: Make it seven consecutive AFC West titles for the Chiefs, but the power of their division will end their streak of at least 12 wins at four consecutive years.
25. Miami: Denver area native Mike McDaniel takes over the Dolphins, who haven’t won a playoff game since the 2000 season. Watching how McDaniel schemes up receiver Tyreek Hill will be fascinating.
16. New Orleans: Life starts without coach Sean Payton, who led the Saints through Year 1 of the post-Drew Brees Era. Now it’s up to Dennis Allen to win with defense (fourth and fifth the last two years).
20. Cleveland: The Browns knew what they were getting into by trading for quarterback Deshaun Watson A potential redshirt year … for the entire franchise as Watson serves his 11-game suspension.
15. Tennessee: The Titans had their chance last year when they had AFC home-field advantage, but turtled in their second-round game against Cincinnati.
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7. Cincinnati: Enough of Joe Burrow getting beat up. The Bengals signed center Ted Karras, right guard Alex Cappa and right tackle La’el Collins in the offseason, keeping them atop the AFC North.
5. L.A. Rams: Any contending team that goes through a rut this year, take solace. The Rams went 0-3 in November last year … and 8-1 after (including the playoffs).
Doug
Las Vegas Raiders’ Josh McDaniels had his first shot as a head coach with the Broncos. Murray,
The Associated Press
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The new regime has instilled its version of the “Patriot Way” onto the Raiders to try to keep the focus on the field after a 2021 campaign that was nearly derailed by off-field issues.
McDaniels may be in better position to succeed in his second try thanks to having an established quarterback in Derek Carr, a team that is coming off a playoff berth and the knowledge he gained from failing in Denver and the decade-plus since then.
The biggest personnel move of the offseason came when the Raiders traded two draft picks to Green Bay for All-Pro receiver Davante Adams. The deal reunited Adams with Carr, his close friend and former teammate at Fresno State. It also gives the Raiders the No. 1 receiver they had been missing and hopes that that will transform the offense.
The other big addition this offseason was edge rusher Chandler Jones, who replaces Yannick Ngakoue as the pass rusher opposite Maxx Crosby. Jones has been one of the most consistent pass rushers over the past decade, with double-digit sacks his last seven healthy seasons. Crosby emerged as one of the top pass rushers in the league last season, giving the Raiders a formidable duo to help slow down the high-powered AFC West offenses. The questions on defense come in the secondary after the Raiders’ top cornerback from 2021, Casey Hayward, left in free agency. Slot cornerback Nate Hobbs was impressive as a rookie and the Raiders brought in Rock Ya-Sin and Anthony Averett to compete with returning starter Trayvon Mullen, who has been slowed by injuries. Safety Tre’Von Moehrig showed promise as a rookie at deep safety, but it remains to be seen if 2019 first-round pick Johnathan Abram can improve enough in coverage to lock down the other spot.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams is reunited with quarterback Derek Carr, his close friend and former teammate at Fresno State. Rick Scuteri, The Associated Press
Raiders owner Mark Davis brought in McDaniels and new general manager Dave Ziegler from New England despite the playoff run last season in hopes of building a winning culture in Las Vegas.
“I feel like I’ve learned a lot,” he said. “I feel like it’s slowed down for me for sure. It doesn’t mean anything at this point in time of the year. It doesn’t have any bearing on what’s going to happen down the road, but definitely feel a different comfort level now in terms of understanding what my role is and how to do it better.”
Adams led the NFL with 432 catches, 5,310 yards and 47 TDs the past four seasons but feels there’s still room to improve. “I’ve never been the type of guy to be complacent or be content in the spot that I’m at,” he said. “I always feel like I can get better, and I know I can get better.”
The offense is in good shape at the skill positions with Adams, tight end Darren Waller and slot receiver Hunter Renfrow forming one of the best receiving trios and Josh Jacobs leading a deep running back room. The question is on the offensive line, where left tackle Kolton Miller is the only proven player. Last year’s top pick, Alex Leatherwood, struggled at both right tackle and guard as a rookie and is hoping to lock down the starting tackle job across from Miller. Andre James is expected to return at center, with John Simpson, rookie Dylan Parham and Lester Cotton Jr. competing at guard. Whether that unit can give Carr enough time to find his receivers will go a long way toward determining how much success Las Vegas has on offense.
The Raiders still managed to make the playoffs for just the second time in the past 19 seasons by winning their final four games. They hope to build on that this season with an improved roster and more stable environment.
By Josh Dubow The Associated Press Josh McDaniels waited a long time for a second shot as an NFL coach. After flaming out in less than two seasons running the show in Denver in 2009-10 and then spurning Indianapolis at the last second in 2018, McDaniels feels prepared to take over his own team again as coach of the Las Vegas Raiders.
Back in the saddle
“Last year was like such a different situation, different coaches, different GM, different philosophies,” Carr said. “Now, we’re into a new year and it’s nice that it’s just been all football. For the most part, every time I’ve gotten up here, we just were talking football, and that’s what we want to get to anyway ”
Coach Jon Gruden was fired in October following the publication of old, offensive emails he sent and then promising receiver Henry Ruggs III was cut after being charged with DUI felonies following a crash that killed a woman.
Las Vegas Raiders hoping second stint for McDaniels brings success
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Strengths: At running back, Javonte Williams moves ahead of Melvin Gordon III in his second season and success in the team’s new zone running scheme would open things up for Russell Wilson and his playmakers who are trying to make up for the loss of WR Tim Patrick and the trade of TE Noah Fant. The spine of Denver’s defense is second year CB Patrick Surtain II and S Justin Simmons, whose lock down and big play abilities should aid a retooled front seven that features the return of pass rusher Bradley Chubb from ankle injuries and the arrival of OLB Randy Gregory.
Denver Broncos
Weaknesses: The offense has been stuck in neutral going back to 2015, and the loss of Patrick to a torn ACL could have huge implications. This puts an even bigger onus on WR Jerry Jeudy to start living up to his first round status in his third year in the NFL
Kansas City Chiefs
Expectations: The minimum is a seventh consecutive AFC West title, a job that hasn’t gotten any easier with the Broncos adding QB Russell Wilson, the Raiders loading up with WR Davante Adams and the Chargers’ emergence behind QB Justin Herbert
Las Vegas Raiders FanDuel says: Win Super Bowl: 40 1.
Strengths: The addition of Davante Adams as the No 1 receiver gives QB Derek Carr one of the best pass catching trios in the NFL. Adams has averaged 108 catches per season the past four years, TE Darren Waller is one of the best at his position and slot WR Hunter Renfrow had 103 catches for 1,038 yards last season.
Weaknesses: The defense could have as many as six new starters this season, headlined by Mack and cornerback J C Jackson Staley is also hoping that defensive lineman Sebastian Jones Day and linebackers Troy Reeder and Morgan Fox, who were on the Rams 2020 defense, can bring more of that aggressive style that Staley is looking for Expectations: The Chargers invested more than $70 million in free agents on defense during the offseason in order to get to the playoffs for the first time since 2018
Weaknesses: The main thing that could slow down that passing attack is a suspect offensive line While LT Kolton Miller has proven to be very dependable protecting Carr’s blind side, there are questions at the other four spots The biggest issue is at RT where last year’s first round pick Alex Leatherwood failed to provide consistent protection before moving inside and is trying to get another shot this season.
Over/under wins: 8½
FanDuel says: Win Super Bowl: 14 1. Over/under wins: 10 Strengths: QB Justin Herbert made the Pro Bowl last season and set the franchise single season record with 5,014 passing yards in his first season running a new offense under coach Brandon Staley and coordinator Joe Lombardi Herbert has plenty of playmakers to throw to, including wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams along with running back Austin Ekeler The acquisition of Khalil Mack to pair with Joey Bosa gives the Chargers one of the more formidable pass rushing duos in the league
Expectations: With the feuding Bowlen ownership family no longer in the picture, old school Vic Fangio stripped of his head coaching duties and the seven year search for a worthy successor to QB Peyton Manning finally fruitful, the Broncos expect to end their six season playoff drought
FanDuel says: Win Super Bowl: 10 1. Over/under wins: 10½
Expectations: After adding Adams and Chandler Jones to a team that made the playoffs in 2021, the expectations are high in Las Vegas in coach Josh McDaniels’ first season But the problem for the Raiders is their division is brutal and they overachieved last season by winning 10 games despite getting outscored by 65 points The Associated Press
Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes has new options this season with WRs JuJu Smith-Schuster, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Skyy Moore. Ed Zurga, The Associated Press Los Angeles Chargers
Weaknesses: While the Chiefs offense went haywire in the second half of the AFC title game, their defense is what plagued them throughout the stretch run More specifically, their inability to pressure the passer the Chiefs were better than just three other teams in the league at sacking the quarterback
Strengths: The offense will be the Chiefs’ strength so long as Patrick Mahomes is under center. His supporting cast changed dramatically when the Chiefs traded WR Tyreek Hill to the Dolphins for a package of draft picks, but the change could serve to make Kansas City even tougher to defend No longer can defenses hone in on Hill and TE Travis Kelce because WRs JuJu Smith Schuster, Marquez Valdes Scantling and Skyy Moore give the Chiefs more depth and versatility than at any point under coach Andy Reid
FanDuel says: Win Super Bowl 17 1. Over/under wins: 9½
Weaknesses: The depth at linebacker is a question after C J Mosley, Quincy Williams and Kwon Alexander, a veteran who was signed early in training camp Second year linebackers Hamsah Nasirildeen and Jamien Sherwood are former college safeties who are coming off injuries that shortened their rookie seasons
Expectations: The Jets have more talent on their roster than last year, for sure, and maybe more than they’ve had in recent years QB Zach Wilson’s injury threw a wrench into things since New York wasn’t quite sure when it’ll have him back and this season is all about his progress. If he comes back and has a solid year, the Jets know they’ve got their quarterback for now and the future If not, New York could be in the market for a signal caller again Press
Strengths: A Josh Allen led offense returns mostly intact with the only question mark hovering over offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey taking over as a first time NFL coordinator Dorsey is at least familiar with the Bills offense in serving as the team’s quarterbacks coach before being promoted to replace Brian Daboll, who was hired to coach the New York Giants this offseason Despite not re signing Cole Beasley and Emmanuel Sanders, the Bills have an established group of receivers with Gabe Davis and Isaiah McKenzie ready to step up as starters behind Stefon
AFC East
Expectations: There is nothing suggesting the Bills will take a step back If anything, this team has more overall depth from last year, while also driven to overcome how it closed last season with an infamously dubbed “13 seconds” meltdown Buffalo squandered a three point lead in the final 13 seconds of an eventual 42 36 overtime loss to Kansas City in an AFC divisional round playoff The AFC as a whole might be stacked with plenty of contenders, but it would be regarded as a major disappointment if the Bills fail to reach the conference championship game
Diggs
FanDuel Says: Win Super Bowl: 40 1 Over/under wins: 8½ Strengths: Mac Jones has a lot to live up to after a 2021 Pro Bowl season in which his 22 touchdowns and 3,801 passing yards led all rookie quarterbacks Though the playbook has changed some following Josh McDaniels’ exit as offensive coordinator, he’s shown a greater command of the huddle
Buffalo Bills FanDuel Says: Win Super Bowl: 6 1 Over/under wins: 11½
Miami Dolphins FanDuel Says: Win Super Bowl: 40 1 Over/under wins: 8½ Strengths: The Dolphins were second in scoring defense in the final nine games of the 2021 season, and they returned the majority of their defensive starters Most importantly, Miami re signed cornerback Xavien Howard, who leads the league in interceptions since 2016. On offense, the Dolphins have surrounded third year quarterback Tua Tagovailoa with the playmakers he needs to take the next step The receiving duo of second year player Jaylen Waddle and former Kansas City Chief Tyreek Hill figures to be one of the speediest and most electrifying units in the NFL. Weaknesses: Miami did not run the ball well last season in part because of issues and inconsistency along its offensive line The Dolphins brought in three running backs in the offseason: Chase Edmonds, Raheem Mostert and Sony Michel, and they signed Pro Bowl offensive tackle Terron Armstead and Connor Williams to address their offensive line
Expectations: It will be an interesting year for the Patriots They’ve certainly improved on paper, addressing needs at receiver and linebacker. New York Jets Fanduel Says: Win Super Bowl: 150 1. Over/under wins: 5½.
Strengths: The defensive line was solid last season, but is further bolstered by the return of Carl Lawson from a ruptured Achilles tendon that sidelined him all last year, to go with free agent additions DE Jacob Martin and DT Solomon Thomas, and draft picks Jermaine Johnson and fourth rounder Micheal Clemons Along with budding stars Quinnen Williams and John Franklin Myers, New York should put pressure on quarterbacks this season An improved secondary should help buy the big guys up front some time The Jets have quite a few playmakers on offense, too, and that’s something they haven’t been able to say in a while A potential 1 2 punch of Breece Hall and Michael Carter gives New York a versatile backfield to complement an upgraded tight end group with C J Uzomah and Tyler Conklin, with Zach Wilson teaming with Corey Davis and Elijah Moore to stretch the field at wide receiver
Weaknesses: The secondary faces questions with starting CB Tre’Davious White’s season opening status uncertain and with Levi Wallace leaving in free agency White has yet to practice while recovering from a major left knee injury he sustained in late November As it stands, CB Kaiir Elam, a first round draft pick, and third year CB Dane Jackson are the projected starters.
Expectations: The Dolphins brought in a new head coach in Mike McDaniel, who came from a team (49ers) with one of the best rushing attacks in the league If all of Miami’s offseason work pays off, multiple playoff wins are attainable, even in a tough, competitive AFC New England Patriots
Weaknesses: The offensive line had some growing pains during training camp Trent Brown moved back to his natural position of left tackle, the learning curve for rookie Cole Strange has been accelerated as he looks to fill Shaq Mason’s spot at left guard, and Mike Onwenu seems to be back on the right side of the line full time after bouncing around a bit last season.
The Associated
Miami’s Xavien Howard leads the league in interceptions since 2016. Megan Briggs, Getty Images and should benefit from the additional talent around him
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Strengths: Lamar Jackson won league MVP honors three years ago and showed flashes of that ability last season as well before missing the final four games with ankle issues. The Ravens were decimated by injuries last year but still contended for the division title, an indication of what’s possible if they have better luck in 2022 Justin Tucker is one of the greatest kickers the game has seen, giving Baltimore quite an option in close games
Over/under wins: 8½ Strengths: Myles Garrett is already one of the game’s best players The All Pro defensive lineman seeks another level He set a single season team record with 16 sacks last season, a mark he wants to shatter Garrett leads a Browns defense that will be among the league’s fastest Second year linebacker Jeremiah Owusu Koramoah could be on the verge of stardom and Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward leads one of the NFL’s top defensive backfields
Cincinnati Bengals FanDuel says: Win Super Bowl: 22 1 Over/under wins: 9½
The
Expectations: The Ravens were among the group of teams that could reasonably shoot for a Super Bowl appearance before last season, and if you view 2021 as an injury fueled aberration, those kinds of hopes are still plausible Certainly anything less than a playoff spot would be a disappointment
Strengths: With the Bengals signing three new offensive linemen, third year quarterback Joe Burrow should spend more time upright and be even more successful He missed the first three weeks of training camp after having an appendectomy on July 26, but is expected to be ready for Cincinnati’s opener Sept 11 Reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd make up one of the best receiver groups in the league Running back Joe Mixon also will benefit from the improved O line Defensive line and linebackers are solid Weaknesses: The Bengals secondary could be inconsistent last season Safety Jessie Bates III ended a lengthy dispute Cincinnati has high hopes for their two top draft picks, safety Daxton Hill and cornerback Cam Taylor Britt, who is out currently with a core muscle injury
Expectations: With a healthy Burrow and an overhauled offensive line that could open more lanes for running back Mixon who has distinguished himself despite being limited by bad blocking in recent years expectations are off the charts
Over/under wins: 10½
Weaknesses: For the first time in nearly 20 years, the Steelers enter the season with uncertainty at quarterback. Ben Roethlisberger is off into retirement and it seems as if Mitch Trubisky will be given the first chance at replacing a franchise icon How Trubisky fares will play a major factor into when not if first round pick Kenny Pickett gets a chance to show his breakout season last fall for the University of Pittsburgh is not a fluke
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson missed the final four games of last season with an ankle injury. Nick Wass, The Associated Press Baltimore Ravens
Expectations: The Steelers enter the post Roethlisberger era as somewhat of an unknown Can the retooled offensive line be effective enough to let whoever the quarterback is do his job effectively? Associated Press
FanDuel says: Win Super Bowl: 20 1
Weaknesses: The Ravens had problems on the offensive line a season ago, thanks in part to the fact that tackle Ronnie Stanley hardly played at all If his health doesn’t improve, the left tackle spot could be a concern Baltimore also traded receiver Marquise Brown for a first round draft pick, meaning there will be pressure on second year man Rashod Bateman to step up.
FanDuel says: Win Super Bowl: 70 1
Expectations: Hard to predict Deshaun Watson isn’t eligible until Week 13 after agreeing to a settlement with the league for alleged sexual misconduct. It’s not what the Browns had in mind when they signed the three time Pro Bowler to a huge contract in March
Cleveland Browns FanDuel says: Win Super Bowl: 30 1
Strengths: The Steelers are one of the few teams in the league that can boast difference makers at all three levels of the defense Defensive end Cam Heyward is a perennial Pro Bowler and entering his 12th season may be mounting a fringe Hall of Fame candidacy OLB T J Watt is maybe the best edge rusher in the NFL and is coming off a season in which he won the league’s Defensive Player of the Year award after tying a league record with 22½ sacks
Pittsburgh Steelers
Over/under wins: 7½
Weaknesses: The wide receiving group is thin Amari Cooper, who arrived via trade after four solid seasons in Dallas, is a solid No 1, but there’s not much proven value below him Donovan Peoples Jones has shown glimpses of being a game changing playmaker Anthony Schwartz has world class speed but has struggled with consistency and confidence.
AFC North 50» SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2022 • THE DENVER POST • DENVERPOST COM
FanDuel says: Win Super Bowl: 22 1 Over/under wins: 9½
Strengths: Matt Ryan and Nick Foles, both Super Bowl starters, provide a substantial upgrade at quarterback
Expectations: The Titans have put together the second longest active streak of consecutive winning seasons at six, trailing only Kansas City’s nine straight seasons The health of Derrick Henry’s surgically repaired right foot will determine how long this current window stays open
Expectations: The Colts are relying on Ryan’s still strong 37 year old arm to lead them back to the postseason. If Pierce or anyone else emerges as a solid second receiver and Taylor replicates his breakout season, the Colts could finally have the balance coach Frank Reich craves This could also be the best defensive unit of Reich’s five year tenure, a combination that could pay big dividends
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Tennessee Titans FanDuel says: Win Super Bowl: 35 1 Over/under wins: 9½
FanDuel says: Win Super Bowl: 120 1 Over/under wins: 6½
The Associated Press Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor watches a replay during the second half of a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills in Orchard Park, N.Y. Adrian Kraus, The Associated Press
Expectations: Multiple high draft picks and several free agent additions should make the Texans better than they were last season Head coach Lovie Smith, the team’s former defensive coordinator, is committed to turning around the defense and believes the additions of DB Derek Stingley Jr , the third overall pick, and DB Jalen Pitre, a second round pick, can transform a secondary that was terrible last year
Indianapolis Colts
Strengths: The Titans return 10 of 11 starters from a defense that ranked sixth in scoring last season and tied for ninth in sacks with 43 They were the only NFL team with three players with at least eight sacks apiece, and Harold Landry, Denico Autry and Jeffery Simmons all are back Plus, OLB Bud Dupree finally has recovered from the ACL injury that slowed him in 2021
offense for nearly a dozen years The team has finished 25th or worse in scoring nine times in the past 11 seasons, a paltry stretch of futility in which the Jags have finished last in the league in scoring three times. They averaged a franchise worst and league low 14 9 points in 2021, hardly what anyone expected when they drafted Trevor Lawrence with the No 1 overall pick
Strengths: The Jaguars spent big in free agency for the second straight year, with much of the money going toward a much needed defensive rebuild Owner Shad Khan has committed more than $200 million including $125 million guaranteed the past two years to bring in six defensive starters who could help make Jacksonville one of the stingiest units in the league Foye Oluokun, Foley Fatukasi and Darious Williams join last year’s class that included CB Shaquill Griffin, FS Rayshawn Jenkins and DE Roy Robertson Harris GM Trent Baalke also spent significant draft capital on that side of the ball, selecting plug and play starters Travon Walker (edge), Devin Lloyd (linebacker), Andre Cisco (safety) and Tyson Campbell (cornerback) in the past two years
Weaknesses: Jacksonville has been mostly anemic on AFC South
Expectations: The Jaguars could have as many as 13 new starters, a potentially big swing for a team that’s won a combined four games the past two seasons, held the top draft spot in consecutive years and finished last in the AFC South four straight times Jacksonville might have enough young talent to surprise opponents especially if Lawrence makes the jump many are expecting and should benefit from no longer having Urban Meyer in the building
Weaknesses: Ryan Tannehill was sacked 47 times last season, second most in the NFL, and the Titans are replacing Rodger Saffold at LG and will have a new RT possibly in rookie Nicholas Petit Frere, a third round pick out of Ohio State Tannehill’s favorite target since becoming the Titans’ starter in October 2019 now is in Philadelphia with A J Brown traded during the NFL draft
Weaknesses: Michael Pittman Jr could thrive if the Colts find a complementary receiver Expect early growing pains from Alec Pierce, Indy’s top draft pick who has worked largely with the starters Finding a new TE for Jack Doyle also will be challenging, and the sudden retirement of Khari Willis could leave the Colts somewhat thin at safety though rookie Nick Cross has been a pleasant surprise
Jacksonville Jaguars
Strengths: Receiver Brandin Cooks is perhaps the team’s best player, and his veteran presence should help Davis Mills take a step forward in Year 2 Cooks led the team with 90 catches for 1,037 yards last season for his second consecutive 1,000 yard season and sixth overall Houston’s offensive line should also be solid with the return of left tackle Laremy Tunsil, a two time Pro Bowler who missed the final 12 games last season with a thumb injury that required surgery, and the addition of the versatile Kenyon Green, the 15th overall pick Weaknesses: The Texans did little to improve a run defense that ranked 31st in the NFL last season And their secondary is a question mark with the team likely to start at least two rookies, who while talented, will need time to adjust to NFL play before improving the group While Cooks is a solid player, the Texans don’t have a true No 2 receiver
Houston Texans FanDuel says: Win Super Bowl: 300 1. Over/under wins: 4½.
Defending NFL rushing champ Jonathan Taylor will run behind two new starters on what is likely to remain one of the league’s top offensive lines Yannick Ngakoue has added energy on a young, improving defense and Stephon Gilmore looks healthy and aggressive after two injury filled seasons
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay, 36, is the youngest head coach in NFL history to win a Super Bowl. Ashley Landis, The Associated Press
At some point in the season, Odell Beckham Jr.’s injured knee likely will be healed enough for the veteran receiver to decide his next step. The Rams are publicly campaigning for Beckham to return to the team with which he caught a TD pass in the Super Bowl, but if Beckham looks ready to contribute down the stretch, there will be compet itors for his services.
“We’re still hungry, even if we just won,” edge rusher Justin Hollins said.
Matthew Stafford hopes to lead the Rams to the NFL’s first repeat title in 18 years. Doug Benc, The Associated Press
“Everybody wants another one. It’s foot ball heaven We want to stay in football heaven, you know what I mean?” After five winning seasons, four playoff berths, three NFC West titles, two Super Bowl trips and one championship, the Rams know they can trust McVay. His team won nine of 10 down the stretch last season, all the way to that thrilling finale in its home stadium.
Ready to repeat?
So the mindset is in place to become the NFL’s first repeat champions in 18 years, and the talent appears to be sufficient as well. The cornerstones of the title team are nearly all in place, from Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp to Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey. There were changes, of course:
Kupp will be hard-pressed to duplicate last season’s feats: He won the NFL’s triple crown of receiving, earned the AP’s offensive player of the year award and received All-Pro honors before claiming the Super Bowl MVP trophy with the eventual winning TD catch.
The fact that Beckham hasn’t already re-signed with L.A. during his rehab seems to be a discouraging sign for a reunion, yet Beckham clearly still feels close to the Rams, who overwrote a portion of his dramatic past. Beckham could be a huge midseason addition for the second straight year, or he could follow Miller’s path out the door with a ring and a half-season of memories for slightly more money.
The Rams acquired quality over quantity in free agency by adding receiver Allen Robinson and inside linebacker Bobby Wagner. Returning home to Southern California after a decade in Seattle, Wagner will be the Rams’ defensive signal-caller and a major contributor at a position traditionally discounted in Los Angeles’ roster-building strategy.
Robinson appears to be poised for a prolific year after eight seasons with Jacksonville and Chicago. The physical pass-catcher has never played with a quarterback of Stafford’s caliber, and the Rams need Robinson to produce after they traded Robert Woods.
Rams think they have talent, tenacity to win another title
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LOS ANGELES» Sean McVay became the youngest head coach in modern NFL history in part because he’s an excellent communicator and teacher who always seems to know what to say.
The challenge looming this season feels even bigger, but the Rams also seem quite capable of handling it. “We realize that now we’re the ones with the targets on our back,” center Brian Allen said. “We’re not chasing the Tampa Bays, the teams that won the year before. We know we’re going to have a tough schedule this year, and we’re going to get everyone’s best shot. Bring it on.”
It’s a familiar mindset for champions trying to repeat the greatest achievement of their professional lives. But McVay excels at the deceptively simple art of getting his players in the right frame of mind to perform, and he thinks the Rams will have no hangover from last February and a clear vision toward next February.
McVay is now the youngest coach in NFL history to win a Super Bowl, and he’s already presenting the challenges of the upcoming season to his Rams in clear, concise terms. “Let’s turn the page,” McVay said when asked to articulate his message to the defending champions. “Let’s not minimize what a great year last year was, but that’s not going to have anything to do with this year.”
The Rams must replace seven starters from their Super Bowl team. Miller’s absence will be felt, but the Rams already were a strong pass-rushing team with Donald, Leonard Floyd and Hollins applying pressure before Miller arrived.
By Greg Beacham The Associated Press
midseason rental Von Miller, cornerback Darious Williams and right guard Austin Corbett all left for more freeagent money elsewhere, and left tackle Andrew Whitworth retired after spending the last five seasons of his decorated 16-year career as a key part of McVay’s project What remains is execution, health and luck. The Rams excelled in all of those areas last season, and they’re hoping this year is just as generous. “Just because we did something last year doesn’t mean anything’s going to happen this year,” Stafford said. “We’ve got to go out there and earn it. Those opportunities that we got to play in those games last year were earned. You ask yourself, what kind of opportunities are you willing to earn? It comes with sacrifice and hard work and being a great teammate.”
Expectations: A sequel is possible in Hollywood if the Rams can work through their defensive changes while remaining one of the NFL’s top offensive teams
The offense has a plan and anchors in key spots wide receiver, tackles, running back that is just waiting on a quarterback to emerge The schedule is a gauntlet playing in the NFC West, but Carroll has never won fewer than seven games in a season for a reason
The 49ers remain confident that Trey Lance is the quarterback to make them a contender again. Carmen Mandato, Getty Images
Strengths: Coach Kyle Shanahan and GM John Lynch have made the defensive line a priority ever since arriving in San Francisco in 2017 and the roster reflects that. Led by edge rusher Nick Bosa, the Niners have one of the deepest units in the league with Arik Armstead leading the group inside and Samson Ebukam and rookie Drake Jackson providing support for Bosa on the edge.
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Strengths: QB Kyler Murray is with the Cardinals for the foreseeable future after signing a $230 5 million, five year deal during the offseason. Entering his fourth season, he’s already a two time Pro Bowl selection and is one of the league’s most exciting players with his ability to scramble and extend plays RB James Conner is back after scoring a career high combined 18 touchdowns last season and WR DeAndre Hopkins when he returns from a six game suspension is still among the league’s best pass catchers
Los Angeles Rams FanDuel says: Win Super Bowl: 111 Over/under wins: 10½.
Weaknesses: There are several uncertainties with the Seahawks, but the obvious weakness is at quarterback. Seattle knows what its ceiling is with Geno Smith Drew Lock may have more upside, but his past shows a penchant for mistakes
Strengths: Coach Sean McVay’s offense rejoined the NFL elite during the Rams’ championship season, with new quarterback Matthew Stafford fitting in almost seamlessly before leading a series of late game comebacks down the stretch Running back Cam Akers is healthy, and new receiver Allen Robinson is widely expected to be an upgrade opposite All Pro Cooper Kupp.
Strengths: Seattle has an elite pair of wide receivers in DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett even with an uncertain QB situation Linebacker Jordyn Brooks takes the spot of Bobby Wagner after a breakout season in 2021 Quandre Diggs is one of the more underrated defensive backs in the league and Seattle hopes it will be able to use Jamal Adams in ways that utilize his strengths and hide his weaknesses in coverage.
Weaknesses: It’ll be interesting to see how the Cardinals adapt without Hopkins during the first six games of the season The Murray Hopkins combo has been crucial to the team’s success the past two seasons and when Hopkins was hurt last year, the offensive production took a nosedive The defense must figure out a way to make up for the loss of Chandler Jones, who had 71½ sacks over the past six seasons
Expectations: The Cardinals have steadily improved over the past three years, making the playoffs last season after going 11 6
The Associated Press
San Francisco 49ers FanDuel says: Win Super Bowl: 16 1 Over/under wins: 9½.
Weaknesses: The Rams’ defense has thrived around Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey as its unparalleled cornerstones, but the supporting cast underwent significant changes yet again The Rams’ only playmaking addition to the secondary was the return of veteran cornerback Troy Hill, and David Long Jr will get ample playing time and more responsibility as a cornerback. The Rams got better at linebacker with Bobby Wagner’s arrival, but they’ll soon find out if they got worse both at the back and up front with run stopper Sebastian Joseph Day’s absence
Weaknesses: While Trent Williams was an All Pro at left tackle last season and Mike McGlinchey is solid on the right side, the Niners have serious questions on the interior after losing LG Laken Tomlinson in free agency and C Alex Mack to retirement Expectations: The Niners are counting on Trey Lance to make a seamless transition as starting quarterback and expect that will make them contenders again in the NFC While his performance in the summer has been inconsistent at times, the 49ers remain confident the player they traded three first round picks to draft at No. 3 overall in 2021, will ultimately be an upgrade over Jimmy Garoppolo thanks to his running ability and stronger arm
Arizona Cardinals FanDuel says: Win Super Bowl: 30 1
Another jump is expected after locking down Murray to a long term extension
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Expectations: This feels like a redo of 2011 for Pete Carroll The defense is in the infancy of a makeover, but with pieces that show the promise of potentially being very good
Over/under wins: 8½
Seattle Seahawks FanDuel says: Win Super Bowl: +15000 Over/under wins: 5½.
Strengths: The offense should be able to do more downfield with the acquisition of Carson Wentz serving as an upgrade over Taylor Heinicke, at least in terms of being a polished professional quarterback with prototypical size The Commanders also made sure to build up the talent around Wentz, drafting a sure handed option in the passing game in the first round in Jahan Dotson and shoring up the run with Brian Robinson Jr., who could start over 2020 pick Antonio Gibson
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A sign of improvement would be more wins than last season, but a sixth straight losing season is a distinct possibility
The Associated Press
Dallas Cowboys FanDuel says: Win Super Bowl: 20 1 Over/under wins: 10½
Expectations: Making the playoffs is undoubtedly the goal, even though coach Ron Rivera will only say the object of the season is winning Everything Washington did during the offseason, from trading for Wentz to drafting more pro ready prospects with perhaps lower career ceilings, points to the internal expectation of winning now in the first season known as the Commanders
Expectations: The Cowboys still believe they can make their first deep playoff run since the 1995 season after another early exit last season with a wild card loss to San Francisco at home Philadelphia Eagles
Expectations: Not high. The Giants have had five straight losing seasons and Daboll is the third new coach hired to change things, following Pat Shurmur (2018 19) and Joe Judge (2020 21) Nobody is going to be fooled again with the expectation of immediate improvement GM Joe Schoen has cleared up the cap mess in his first season and signed a few good free agents. Still, there aren’t enough good players and Jones hasn’t shown he can be a top quarterback
New York Giants
FanDuel says: Win Super Bowl: 25 1 Over/under wins: 9½
FanDuel says: Win Super Bowl: 70 1 Over/under wins: 8½
Weaknesses: This is a make or break year for quarterback Daniel Jones after the team did not pick up his fifth year option He has been the same old “D J” in Brian Daboll’s offense in camp Tyrod Taylor is waiting in the wings The cornerback spot is shaky with James Bradberry released in a salary cap move Aaron Robinson has replaced him, but he had a very tough opening preseason game. Veteran Darnay Holmes, Cor’Dale Flott and free agent Darren Evans are options Overall the biggest issue is depth There are some very good players, but the gap to the next level is deep
Strengths: Defense isn’t normally where this conversation starts with the traditionally offensive minded Cowboys Reigning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Micah Parsons leads an opportunistic unit that led the NFL with 34 takeaways last season Parsons had 13 sacks as a linebacker, and CB Trevon Diggs intercepted 11 passes to match Everson Walls’ 40 year old franchise record DeMarcus Lawrence headlines what could be a deep and talented defensive line.
Expectations: With a solid returning core, some key offseason additions and a relatively weak NFC East division, the Eagles are poised to return to the playoffs for the second straight season under second year coach Nick Sirianni Washington Commanders
Fanduel says: Win Super Bowl: 85 1 Over/under wins: 7½
Strengths: Philadelphia’s offensive line is deep, talented and experienced Anchored by five time Pro Bowl C Jason Kelce and three time Pro Bowl RT Lane Johnson, the unit has combined for 351 starts all with the Eagles LT Jordan Mailata, LG Landon Dickerson and RG Isaac Seumalo round out perhaps the best line in the NFL.
NFC East
Strengths: Saquon Barkley is looking like the young back who came out of Penn State in 2018 and tore up the NFL He is also benefiting from an improved offensive line that has young bookend tackles in Andrew Thomas and Evan Neal and added Jon Feliciano and Mark Glowinski. The defensive line has two excellent players in Leonard Williams and Dexter Lawrence, who has stepped up in his fourth season
Weaknesses: The group behind new No 1 receiver CeeDee Lamb will be unproven early in the season with Michael Gallup still recovering from an ACL tear in January and free agent pickup James Washington probably out until October after breaking a foot early in training camp The inconsistency of RB Ezekiel Elliott and the run game is a reflection of an offensive line in transition despite still having two anchors in five time All Pro RG Zack Martin and eight time Pro Bowl LT Tyron Smith
second in the NFL, Washington’s biggest strength two years ago on the way to a division title and playoff appearance, and it remains to be seen if the unit can be a difference maker.
Weaknesses: Safety is the biggest question on Philadelphia’s improved defense After playing in a rotation last year, fourth year pro Marcus Epps has been moved to starter after Rodney McLeod signed with the Colts in the offseason Eagles coaches have spoken highly of Epps, who set the stage for a strong training camp with an interception of QB Jalen Hurts on the first day of preseason practice Next to Epps will be veteran Anthony Harris, who led the Eagles with 72 tackles last season in his first year in Philadelphia after spending the previous six in Minnesota. The depth behind Epps and Harris remains murky
Weaknesses: Even with pass rusher Chase Young out for at least the first four games of the season while recovering from a torn ACL, expectations are the defense will be better after a rough showing in 2021 But the bar is no longer
Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Micah Parsons is the reigning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Ashley Landis, The Associated Press
Weaknesses: Each position group on defense might struggle Detroit did attempt to fill a void by taking Aidan Hutchinson No. 2 overall, but it did not do much in the offseason to improve the linebacking group or secondary Expectations: If Detroit’s defense struggles, it will likely lead to at least 10 losses for the fifth year in a row, and a second straight season under coach Dan Campbell Hutchinson appears to be a player to build around, but there isn’t much help behind him right now The Lions should be able to move the ball and score behind a strong offensive line in Jared Goff’s second season with the team, surrounded by an improved group of receivers, a solid duo of running backs and standout tight end T J Hockenson
Minnesota Vikings FanDuel says: Win Super Bowl: 40 1. Over/under wins: 9½ Strengths: With WRs Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen and K J Osborn to throw to and RB Dalvin Cook anchoring the backfield, QB Kirk Cousins will again have plenty of skill by his side Za’Darius Smith and a healthy Danielle Hunter will make a formidable duo of edge rushers at OLB
Strengths: Linebacker Roquan Smith is a disruptive force on the inside who figures to be playing with an extra chip on his shoulder after negotiations on a contract extension ended with no new deal His rookie contract is set to expire after the season DE Robert Quinn broke Richard Dent’s club record for sacks with 18½ last season. RB David Montgomery comes into his fourth season with something to prove after being slowed by a sprained knee and seeing his production dip Weaknesses: The Bears signed Riley Reiff to a one year contract in July, but the offensive line remains a major concern Expectations: The Bears decided to make big changes after going 6 11 and missing the playoffs for the ninth time in 11 years They fired general manager Ryan Pace and coach Matt Nagy and replaced them with GM Ryan Poles and coach Matt Eberflus New management began a massive overhaul and gutted the roster, parting with stars such as Khalil Mack and Allen Robinson But the Bears have a long way to go before they’re challenging for the NFC North title
The Associated Press NFC North 56» SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2022 • THE DENVER POST • DENVERPOST COM
Jeffrey Phelps, The Associated Press Green Bay Packers
Expectations: The Packers have posted the NFC’s best regular season record each of the past two seasons and have reached the conference title game two of the past three years, but they’re still seeking their first Super Bowl appearance since their 2010 championship season Green Bay should win its fourth straight NFC North title, but it’s tough to imagine the Packers getting too far in the playoffs without Adams
FanDuel says: Win Super Bowl: 100 1. Over/under wins: 6½
Weaknesses: The loss of WR Davante Adams is a devastating blow and leaves Rodgers without a clear cut No 1 receiver The Packers’ two best offensive linemen David Bakhtiari and Elgton Jenkins are recovering from knee injuries
Detroit Lions
Strengths: The Lions will lean on their offensive line, hoping their five starters stay together after not playing one game as a group last year They invested first round picks in OTs Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell along with C Frank Ragnow P Jack Fox has ranked among the NFL’s top three in yards per punt during each of his two seasons.
FanDuel says: Win Super Bowl: 12 1. Over/under wins: 10½
Strengths: QB Aaron Rodgers signed a contract extension in the offseason and is back after earning MVP honors each of the past two years Aaron Jones and A J Dillon give the Packers a formidable running back tandem OLB Rashan Gary, DL Kenny Clark, All Pro LB De’Vondre Campbell and CB Jaire Alexander should help the Packers have one of their best defenses in the past several years
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers signed a contract extension in the offseason and is back after earning MVP honors each of the past two years.
Weaknesses: After 12th year veteran Patrick Peterson, the CB group is again unproven with Cameron Dantzler and Andrew Booth Jr in the mix at the other starting spot in the base defense and Chandon Sullivan slotted as the nickel back The interior OL remains a question mark, with C Garrett Bradbury in a contract year and the rookie Ed Ingram Jr on track to take over at RG
Expectations: The pressure on a first year coach in Kevin O’Connell will be relatively low, but the Vikings eschewed a rebuild at what would have been a natural time to reset the roster under new GM Kwesi Adofo Mensah and kept Cousins for at least another year or two By firing Mike Zimmer and GM Rick Spielman and bringing back the same core, the Vikings have put the onus on O’Connell and his staff to get more out of the roster than his predecessor did
Chicago Bears FanDuel says: Win Super Bowl: +12000. Over/under wins: 5½
Weaknesses: The Panthers’ offensive line was one of the worst in the league last season, but they’ve upgraded with the addition of No 6 overall draft pick LT Ickey Ekwonu (NC State) and free agents C Bradley Bozeman (Ravens) and LG Austin Corbett (Rams) The hope is this group will provide some protection for Mayfield something that Sam Darnold and Cam Newton rarely received last season
The run defense anchored by linemen Vita Vea and Akiem Hicks, in addition to LBs Devin White and Levonte David, is among best in the league Coach Todd Bowles is also counting on second year LB Joe Tryon Shoyinka and rookie DL Logan Hall to bolster the pass rush led by LB Shaquil Barrett
Weaknesses: Injuries decimated the offensive line during training camp, spawning questions about how well the Bucs will be able to protect the 45 year old Brady C Ryan Jensen went down with a knee injury on the second day of camp and is sidelined indefinitely Aaron Stinnie, the top candidate to replace the retired Ali Marpet at left guard, suffered a season ending knee injury during the second preseason game Barring a decision to seek help from outside, second year pro Robert Hainsey is the leading option to open the season at center, with rookie Luke Goedeke and second year pro Nick Leverett competing to replace Stinnie at left guard.
Expectations: The Panthers aren’t a trendy pick, even with the addition of Mayfield However, if Mayfield provides some consistency and doesn’t commit turnovers, Carolina’s defense is good enough to keep it in games and give it a fighting chance in the NFC The Panthers open the season with four of their first five games at home and have a chance to make some noise early On the flip side, if things go south early it could cost coach Matt Rhule his job Carolina is 10 23 in two seasons under Rhule
Weaknesses: Where to start? The defense gave up more points than all but two teams in the NFL, and no team had fewer sacks than the Falcons’ measly total of 18. Marcus Mariota is a huge question mark at quarterback. He hasn’t come close to living up to expectations as the No 2 overall pick in 2015 and will be starting for the first time in three years Beyond first round pick Drake London, the wideouts are a bunch of no names
Expectations: Not much The Falcons are taking a huge salary cap hit this season after trading Julio Jones last summer and dealing Matt Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts in March While no one in the organization will publicly use the word “rebuilding,” that’s just what they’re doing.
FanDuel says: Win Super Bowl: 75 1 Over/under wins: 7
starting QB Baker Mayfield WR D J Moore is underrated and the Panthers hope that he and WRs Robbie Anderson, Shi Smith and Rashard Higgins will provide playmakers in new OC Ben McAdoo’s offense The defense, led by DE Brian Burns, LB Shaq Thompson and S Jeremy Chinn is young, but considered the strength of the team
FanDuel says: Win Super Bowl: 40 1 Over/under wins: 8½
NFC
Strengths: The Panthers still have one of the league’s most dynamic players in RB Christian McCaffrey, providing he can stay healthy McCaffrey has missed 22 of the past 33 games because of injuries McCaffrey should provide a huge safety valve outlet in the passing game for newly announced South
FanDuel says: Win Super Bowl: 250 1 Over/under wins: 4½
Atlanta Falcons
Strengths: QB Tom Brady led the NFL in completions, attempts, passing yards and touchdowns last season It’s not difficult to envision the high scoring offense being formidable again with WRs Julio Jones and Russell Gage and TE Kyle Rudolph joining an already impressive group of playmakers that includes WRs Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, RB Leonard Fournette and TE Cameron Brate
Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey has missed 22 of the past 33 games because of injuries. Alex Brandon, The Associated Press
Tampa Bay Buccaneers FanDuel says: Win Super Bowl:+750 Over/under wins: 11½
Strengths: While the Saints lost offensive tackle Terron Armstead, his availability in recent seasons had been limited by injuries Now he could be replaced by first round draft choice Trevor Penning, who blocks with relentless intensity and a mean streak. On defense, the Saints have all starters back on the line, which accounted for more than 30 sacks last season That unit could get an additional boost from 2021 first round pick Payton Turner, who spent much of his rookie year on injured reserve Weaknesses: Beyond defensive captain Demario Davis, the linebacker group has a lot to prove With the Saints having let Kwon Alexander go, second year pro Pete Werner is in line to start in New Orleans’ typical 4 2 5 alignment But Werner has been struggling with a groin injury in camp, prompting the Saints to bring in veteran free agent Jon Bostic for a look late in training camp
Expectations: The Saints narrowly missed the 2021 postseason despite a rash of injuries at key positions. Now their roster is largely healthy and appears stronger and deeper than it was a year ago, particularly at receiver With QB Jameis Winston looking healthy, the Saints have a chance to improve upon last season’s results
Carolina Panthers
The Associated Press
Strengths: TE Kyle Pitts had a dynamic rookie season, leading the team with 68 catches for 1,026 yards and earning a spot in the Pro Bowl CB A J Terrell is a lockdown defender who should pair well with newcomer Casey Hayward RB WR KR Cordarrelle Patterson is one of the league’s most versatile players, giving the Falcons big contributions as both a runner and pass catcher.
New Orleans Saints
Expectations: Brady cited “unfinished business” as one of the reasons for ending his brief retirement, and the Bucs remain committed to trying to surround him with everything the seven time Super Bowl champion needs to win an eighth ring
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2:25 p.m., Oct. 2, KCNC 4 A guarantee: The Broncos will post more than the 158 yards offense they did last year in Vegas (17 13 loss). This is a tone setting game. The same, old Broncos or the new, improved Broncos? Raiders 30, Broncos 27 WEEK 6 AT L.A. CHARGERS 6:15 p.m., Oct. 17, ESPN A second Monday night game in six weeks and expect the Worldwide Leader to make this Russell Wilson vs. Justin Herbert in all of its promos. As it should be. But the Broncos better have a blocking plan for Joey Bosa/Khalil Mack. Chargers 28, Broncos 23
WEEK 10
SAN FRANCISCO 6:20 p.m., Sept. 25, KUSA 9 If there is a good time to catch the 49ers, it may be early as quarter back Trey Lance finds his footing — and he will quickly. Kyle Shanahan makes his first regular season appearance in his hometown as a head coach. Broncos 14, 49ers 12 WEEK 5
WEEK 9 BYE WEEK 8
WEEK 2
AT TENNESSEE 11 a.m., Nov. 13, KCNC 4 The Titans are the league’s only team who will embrace being one dimen sional. Derrick Henry, slowed by a foot injury last year, is that good when healthy Titans 13, Broncos 10
HOUSTON 2:25 p.m., Sept. 18, KCNC 4 Name one Texans player AndyBrfullbacbesidesk/formeroncosfolkheroJanovich?Ex actly, that’s what we thought. Teams who are good (like the Broncos believe) don’t lose to teams like the Texans Broncos 28, Texans 11
KANSAS CITY 6:20 p.m., Dec. 11, KUSA 9 Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is 9 0 against the Broncos. The streak ends under the prime time lights Broncos 28, Chiefs 27 WEEK 13 AT BALTIMORE 11 a.m., Dec. 4, KCNC 4 Sadly, this isn’t a rematch of Vic Fangio vs. John Har baugh a year after their verbal dustup about the Ravens running on the final play to extend a streak of 100 yard games. Baltimore punched the Broncos in the mouth last year Ravens 23, Broncos 19 WEEK 16 AT L.A. RAMS 2:30 p.m., Dec. 25, KCNC 4, Nickelodeon Christmas Day in L.A. Rob Walton vs. Stan Kroenke. Greg Pen ner vs. Josh Kroenke. Ejiro Evero vs. Sean McVay. And, oh, right, Russell Wilson vs Matthew Stafford. Luckily, the Nuggets’ game against Phoenix doesn’t tip off until 8:30 p.m. Rams 38, Broncos 31
BRONCOS SCHEDULE 2022
By Ryan O’Halloran, The Denver Post Games on ESPN, ESPN+ and Amazon will be broadcast on over the air television in the Denver area.
WEEK 3
INDIANAPOLIS 6:15 p.m., Oct. 6, Amazon Prime A short week to prepare for new Colts quarterback Matt Ryan and reigning NFL rushing cham pion Jonathan Taylor. The Broncos feel they are better at stopping the run and Taylor will test that. Broncos 17, Colts 14
WEEK 4
AT LAS VEGAS
JACKSONVILLE 7:30 a.m., Oct. 30, in London, ESPN+ Set your alarms Sunday morning for this Breakfast Spe cial from Wembley Stadium. The Jaguars will be better under coach Doug Ped erson, who replaces arguably the worst coach in NFL history (Urban Meyer). Broncos 24, Jaguars 20 WEEK 7 N.Y. JETS 2:05 p.m., Oct. 23, KCNC 4 This is our Bron cos Lock of the Year. The Jets are rebuilding (again). The Broncos’ first Super Bowl title team will be honored all weekend. And this is a must win Broncos 35, Jets 7
WEEK 12 AT CAROLINA 11 a.m., Nov. 27, KDVR-31 The last time the Broncos visited Charlotte, Drew Lock (Broncos) beat Teddy Bridge water (Panthers). And that was only two years ago. Even if Baker Mayfield doesn’t start in Week 1 for the Panthers, he’ll be starting by now Broncos 31, Panthers 17 WEEK 15 ARIZONA 2:05 p.m., Dec. 18, KDVR 31 If the Broncos can end their 13-game losing streak to the Chiefs, this is a trap game. Old friend Vance Joseph, the Broncos’ coach in 2017 18, is Arizona’s defensive coordinator and this will be the home team’s first game against Kyler Murray Cardinals 24, Broncos 22
WEEK 14
2:05 p.m., Nov. 20, KDVR-31 The Broncos’ 2021 season began to fall apart when it was routed by Las Vegas at home Now we’re getting to the key stretch of ’22 and if a playoff berth is in the offing, the Bron cos must win their division home games. Broncos 20, Raiders 10
WEEK 17 AT KANSAS CITY 11 a.m., Jan. 1, KCNC 4 This game should have playoff impli cations, so expect it to be moved to a 2:25 p.m. start; the Chargers Rams game is the Sunday night contest. Chiefs 24, Broncos 14 WEEK 18 L.A. CHARGERS January 7 or 8, TBD A loser goes home game? Perhaps With a playoff spot on the line, do you take Justin Herbert on the road or Russell Wilson at home? Go with No. 3. Broncos 31, Chargers 24 Final record: 10-7 WEEK 11 LAS VEGAS
WEEK 1 AT SEATTLE 6:15 p.m., Sept. 12, ESPN, KMGH 7 Before the game: Russell Wilson is greeted with smattered boos from his ex team’s fans. After the game: Teammates dump a bucket full of Gatorade on him after he throws three touch downs in his Broncos debut. Broncos 34, Seahawks 13
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