To say events aren’t unfolding as planned for the Denver Broncos is an understatement. After a disastrous 2022 season where Denver went 5-12, it has somehow gotten considerably worse so far in 2023.
The Broncos are now 1-4 (they were 2-3 at this point last year) following an embarrassing 31-21 home loss to Zach Wilson and the New York Jets. Despite leading 13-8 at intermission, Denver was completely shut down in the second half. But a late touchdown drive and a Patrick Surtain interception had the Broncos with one final shot late to march down the field to either win or tie the game. Quarterback Russell Wilson had an opportunity to cook.
Buy Seahawks TicketsUnfortunately, all Wilson was serving up was turnovers, as he literally fumbled the game away.
ONCE AGAIN, YOU CAN'T MAKE THIS STUFF UP!!!
📺: #NYJvsDEN on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/LxW25sxPWA pic.twitter.com/zK3BUJtKir— NFL (@NFL) October 8, 2023
Needless to say, head coach Sean Payton wasn’t necessarily impressed with the play from his quarterback.
Russell Wilson Sean Payton. What a vibe. pic.twitter.com/V46z658OmF
— vinny oats (@SlipperyPete360) October 8, 2023
Payton has seemingly been at odds with his quarterback for some time now. From suggesting the need to wear a wristband (something Pete Carroll mentioned last year and was criticized by some for being “petty”) to outright insulting comments regarding Wilson’s personal brand, it appears this marriage is rocky waters.
Denver’s struggles does beg the question: are Wilson’s days as the starting quarterback for Payton in jeopardy? A thought practically unthinkable not too long ago, but as the Broncos’ losses continue to mount, Payton’s previously undisputed status as one of the better head coaches is quickly unraveling.
Denver has a Thursday Night Football showdown with the Chiefs this week, which is obviously followed by extended rest that many consider to be a “mini bye” week. If Wilson – or the Broncos as a whole – have another poor showing, I wouldn’t put it past Payton to
make his former Pro Bowl quarterback a sacrificial lamb of sorts. Perhaps the extra time between games could be spent preparing backup Jarrett Stidham (who was signed to a two-year, $10 million dollar contract) to start.
Things are getting desperate in the Mile High City, and the one move a struggling head coach on a struggling team can always play is to make a quarterback change to buy a few extra weeks of grace.
We very well could be at this point in Denver.
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