High Point:
Determining the pinnacle of the Broncos’ 2023 season is challenging. Is it Russell Wilson’s three-touchdown performance against Kansas City, breaking a streak with a win? However, the team had only 240 yards that day. Could it be the 169 rushing yards in a 29-12 victory against Cleveland? Possibly, but Wilson threw for just 125 yards in that game. The most positive output was 399 yards and 33 points in Week 2 against Washington, even though it resulted in a loss. Despite leading 21-3, the Broncos managed the game poorly. Nevertheless, they scored three touchdowns on their first three possessions but failed to replicate this success throughout the rest of the season.
Low Point:
Russell Wilson faced numerous challenges during his time with the Broncos, but one of his worst performances occurred in Week 6 against Kansas City, just before contributing significantly to Denver’s resurgence. Wilson threw for only 95 yards, leading to a season-low total offensive output of 197 yards in a 19-8 loss on Thursday Night Football. The game was not as close as the score indicated, and the Broncos were only within that margin because of the defense’s commendable performance. Wilson threw two interceptions, was sacked four times, and Denver was shut out until the final 6:07. Despite bouncing back with five consecutive wins after this loss, leaving Arrowhead at 1-5 marked the lowest point for the Broncos’ offense.
Key Turnover Statistics:
– Three turnovers: 0-4 record
– Two turnovers: 0-2 record
– One turnover: 4-2 record
– Zero turnovers: 4-1 record
– Turnover Differential:
– Minus-3: 0-2 record
– Minus-2: 0-2 record
– Minus-1: 0-4 record
– Even: 0-0 record
– Plus-1: 3-1 record
– Plus-2: 2-0 record
– Plus-3: 2-0 record
– Plus-4: 1-0 record
MVP:
Courtland Sutton emerged as the MVP for the Broncos. Despite modest yardage (772) and receptions (59), Sutton scored 10 touchdowns and became a crucial asset in the red zone, where the team struggled under Sean Payton’s offense. Sutton’s first eight touchdowns were in the red zone, showcasing his importance. Despite missing one game due to a concussion, Sutton’s consistent performance in the red zone was a highlight.
Tough Season:
Greg Dulcich experienced a challenging season. Despite high expectations based on Sean Payton’s preseason praise, the second-year tight end faced ongoing hamstring injuries and a late-season foot issue, limiting his playing time. Dulcich, a dynamic playmaker, has struggled with injuries, appearing in only 12 games out of 34 since being picked No. 80 overall in the 2022 draft.
Under the Radar:
Quinn Meinerz, the Broncos’ right guard, quietly ascended to become one of the league’s best during his third pro season. Although relatively unheralded, Meinerz demonstrated excellence in both run blocking and pass protection. He is positioned to be a crucial element in Denver’s offensive line for the foreseeable future.
Run Offense – Five Key Numbers:
– 106.5: Rushing yards per game (No. 18)
– 6.82: First downs by rushing per game (No. 10)
– 74%: Run block win-rate, via ESPN (No. 3)
– 1: Game with multiple rushing TDs (Week 12 vs. Cleveland)
– -0.09: Expected Points Added per attempt, via Sumer Sports (No. 12)
The Good:
The Broncos demonstrated progress in both premium and cost-effective aspects of the run game in 2023. Notable investments in left guard Ben Powers and right tackle Mike McGlinchey paid off, contributing to improved run performance. Undrafted rookie Jaleel McLaughlin added a dynamic element to the rushing attack. Despite the mid-season surge, the Broncos struggled to maintain strong rushing performances, averaging just 89.9 yards per game and 3.3 yards per carry over the final 2-4 stretch.
The Unknown:
Javonte Williams’ return after a devastating knee injury in October 2022 deserves admiration. Despite playing in all 16 games in 2023, questions linger about whether Williams will regain explosiveness with another offseason of work. His average of 3.6 yards per carry and a longest gain of 21 yards raise concerns. The offseason decisions will involve evaluating whether Williams, Samaje Perine, or both remain in the Broncos’ plans for 2024.
Pass Offense – Five Key Numbers:
– 28: Passing TDs (T-8 and 10 more than 2022)
– 191.6: Passing yards per game (No. 24)
– 3.06: Russell Wilson’s average seconds to throw, via Next Gen Stats (T-3 longest).
– 61%: Pass block win-rate, via ESPN (No. 8)
– -0.04: Expected Points Added per attempt, via Sumer Sports (No. 20)
The Good:
The passing offense excelled in producing touchdowns, with Russell Wilson throwing 28, the most since his 2020 season in Seattle. The distribution of touchdowns beyond Courtland Sutton showcased the offensive diversity. Several players, including Brandon Johnson, Adam Trautman, Lil’Jordan Humphrey, Javonte Williams, and Jaleel McLaughlin, contributed multiple touchdowns. Sean Payton’s
