After a terrible maiden voyage with the Denver Broncos, future Hall of Fame quarterback Russell Wilson will be getting some major help in the form of new head coach Sean Payton.
Payton spent many years at the helm of the New Orleans Saints, who had another future Hall of Famer under center in Drew Brees, and many believe he can get the best out of Wilson — if Wilson still has some high-level play in him.
Former New York Jets and Kansas City Chiefs head coach Herm Edwards said that Payton can be a boon to Wilson, but only if Wilson allows him to be.
“Are you (Russell Wilson) humble enough to take coaching? Because if you’re humble enough to take coaching, this man (Sean Payton) can help you.”- Herm Edwards pic.twitter.com/QCc1JuCNts
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 31, 2023
In 10 seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, Wilson was one of the game’s best signal-callers, especially because of his ability to gain yardage with his legs, and they made the playoffs in all but two of those seasons while winning a Super Bowl in 2013.
But this year, Wilson looked like he was on the downside of his career, as he posted career lows in completion percentage (60.5), touchdown passes (16) and passer rating (84.4).
But if he can regain even some of his old form, the Broncos should end up breaking their playoff drought in 2023, a drought that dates back to 2016.
Their offense was wretched this season, as they finished last in points scored, and their fans had to ensure numerous miscues, not to mention many losses in close games.
The hope is that Payton will jump-start that offense and make it considerably more potent, but if Wilson continues to play like he’s over the hill, such an improvement likely won’t happen.
