Every year, the NFL hands out its annual awards before the Super Bowl for both offensive and defensive excellence.
At Broncos Wire, we’d also like to recognize several Denver Broncos players who would be considered for those awards on a team level in 2023.
MVP, Offensive Player of the Year: Courtland Sutton
Wide receiver Courtland Sutton was a big catalyst for the Denver offense in 2023. With 10 scores, he was the first Bronco player to reach double-digit receiving touchdowns since the late Demaryius Thomas and Julius Thomas in 2014. Sutton was the go-to receiver for quarterback Russell Wilson in the red zone, coming up with spectacular catches on an almost weekly basis. He was clearly one the most consistent parts of the Broncos in 2023.
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Jaleel McLaughlin
After the Broncos decided not to use a draft pick on a running back in the 2023 NFL draft, many fans wondered if the Broncos would try to find another option to complement Javonte Williams and Samaje Perine. During training camp and the preseason, Denver found the answer to their question in undrafted running back Jaleel McLaughlin. The young ball-carrier rushed 76 times for 410 yards and a touchdown, along with 31 receptions for 160 yards and two more scores. McLaughlin solidified a three-work horse backfield, providing energy and speed off the bench through the year.
Honorable mention: WR Marvin Mims, who was selected to the 2023 Pro Bowl as a return specialist.
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Drew Sanders
The Broncos’ 67th overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft made an immediate impact on special teams and contributed on defense. Linebacker Drew Sanders started four games and appeared in all 17 games in 2023, recovering one fumble and recording 24 tackles (13 solo, 11 assisted). Despite his limited snaps on defense as a rookie, Sanders could be a possible candidate to replace Josey Jewell if the Broncos decide to let Jewell walk in free agency.
Defensive Player of the Year: Alex Singleton
The green-dot leader of the Broncos defense had another fantastic year, setting a franchise record and career-high in tackles (177). Singleton has now totaled 340 tackles through his first two seasons in Denver.
Comeback Player of the Year: Javonte Williams
Running back Javonte Williams is far and away the winner of the team’s comeback player of the year award. Williams made a remarkable recovery from a serious knee injury in 2022, and returned to the team as the lead back in 2023. Even though his numbers weren’t eye-popping (only three rushing touchdowns, 774 rushing yards, 47 receptions for 228 yards and two touchdowns), Williams will hopefully return to his rookie dominance with an extra offseason of rest and recovery to heal his knee in 2024.
Honorable mention: QB Russell Wilson, who was a top-10 quarterback in most passing categories before being benched by head coach Sean Payton for the final two games of 2023.
Coach of the Year: Vance Joseph and Sean Payton
Sean Payton criticized former head coach Nathaniel Hackett before the season, and all eyes were on him to see if Payton could follow through on his words. Early on, it didn’t look promising. After a couple of close losses reminiscent of Hackett’s regime in Weeks 1-2, and losing to Hackett’s Jets in Week 5, it looked grim.
It looked especially bad for former Broncos coach and current defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. After giving up a league-high 70 points against the Miami Dolphins in Week 3, many called for Joseph’s job.
However, both men orchestrated a remarkable turnaround. Payton’s offense showed life, and Joseph’s defense started to generate turnovers at a rate that most teams would only dream of. Together, they helped author a five-game win streak in the middle of the season that propelled the team into the thick of the playoff conversation. Although Denver finished 8-9, Broncos Country saw glimpses of what the team’s potential could be next year and beyond with these coaches.
