DENVER BRONCOS
2023 Record - 8-9
Head Coach - Sean Payton
Key Additions - Bo Nix (QB), Josh Reynolds (WR), Levi Wallace (CB), Zach Wilson (QB), Cody Barton (LB), John Franklin-Myers (DL)
Key Losses - Russell Wilson (QB), Justin Simmons (DB), Jerry Jeudy (WR), Josey Jewell (LB), Mike Purcell (DL), Fabian Moreau (DB)
2023 STATS LINE
PASSING - Russell Wilson (3,070 yards, 26 TD, 8 INT)
RUSHING - Javonte Williams (774 yards, 3.6 ypc, 3 TD)
RECEIVING - Courtland Sutton (59 receptions, 772 yards, 10 TD)
SACKS - Jonathan Cooper (8 1/2)
INTERCEPTIONS - Justin Simmons (3)
OUTLOOK FOR 2024 - Denver made a vast improvement from the 2022 season as first year Head Coach Sean Payton saw his team get it going after a slow start, that included a record setting 70-20 loss to Miami in the third game. The Broncos will look to crack the .500 mark this year and perhaps challenge for a wild card playoff spot.
The offense will be with a new quarterback as Russell Wilson is now with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Rookie first round draft pick Bo Nix (Oregon) will get a look to be the starting QB as will Jarrett Stidham (496 yards, two TD, one INT in backup role in 2023) and perhaps Zach Wilson, the much maligned QB with the New York Jets the last three years. The Broncos offense ranked 26th a year ago, averaging 298 YPG and they scored 21 points per game. The passing offense must improve and receivers include Courtland Sutton, Josh Reynolds, Marvin Mims, Jr. and tight end Adam Trautman.
The defense was subpar by Broncos standards last season, finishing 29th in the NFL (371 YPG allowed) and they gave up 24.3 points per game. The rushing defense was terrible (30th overall) as they allowed 137 yards per game and the pass defense gave up 234 YPG. Linebackers Jonathan Cooper (8 1/2 sacks) and Nik Bonitto (8 sacks) lead the defense and the secondary will be without standout Justin Simmons (signed with Atlanta Falcons) this season, but Patrick Surtain II and newcomer Levi Wallace will be the corners looking to shut down enemy passing attacks.
The Broncos played better football as the season went along, buying into what Payton was selling them and it showed as they improved from the disaster of the 2022 season. Playing in the AFC West, they (along with Las Vegas and the L.A. Chargers) are looking up at the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, so a wild card spot in the post-season would be a more realistic goal. If they can get the defense straightened out, that would be a big plus and the quarterback position will be the big challenge, especially with a rookie perhaps calling the plays. Each week will be an adventure in the Mile High City this season.
TEAM SCHEDULE
Week One - at Seattle
Week Two - vs. Pittsburgh
Week Three - at Tampa Bay
Week Four - at N.Y. Jets
Week Five - vs. Las Vegas
Week Six - vs. L.A. Chargers
Week Seven - at New Orleans
Week Eight - vs. Carolina
Week Nine - at Baltimore
Week Ten - at Kansas City
Week Eleven - vs. Atlanta
Week Twelve - at Las Vegas
Week Thirteen - vs. Cleveland
Week Fourteen - BYE
Week Fifteen - vs. Indianapolis
Week Sixteen - at L.A. Chargers
Week Seventeen - at Cincinnati
Week Eighteen - vs. Kansas City
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