Broncos' 'Upgrades' Hint at Smashmouth Plan for Russell Wilson
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Picking the most improved team over an NFL offseason is highly subjective. The teams that win free agency or make the splashiest selections in the draft are hardly ever the ones competing for the Lombardi Trophy come the last game of the season.
Even still, being acknowledged as a team that has vastly improved from the year prior, with the signings all pointing towards a synergistic vision for a franchise, doesn’t hurt. Long-time NFL reporter Jim Trotter dubbed the Denver Broncos as the most improved team in free agency so far this offseason in an appearance on NFL Network.
"(Payton) understands that he has to get Russell Wilson right. One of the best ways to do that is to create a running game. He’s gone out and he’s gotten two offensive linemen who are known as run blockers when you are talking about Ben Powers and Mike McGlinchey. He goes out and gets a tight end (Chris Manhertz) who is a run blocking tight end. He also goes out and signs Samaje Perine, a running back, in case Javonte Williams is not fully healthy. So I love what Sean Payton is doing in terms of upgrading this offense to take pressure off of Russell Wilson."
The Broncos continued their onslaught of adding personnel to bolster the run game by signing ninth-year fullback Michael Burton from the Kansas City Chiefs. While many teams have begun to phase out the fullback in the 11 personnel, pass-happy NFL landscape, this season, the Broncos appear to be “zigging” while opponents are "zagging" and loading up to be a run-oriented team that can live in 12 and 21 personnel. Perhaps this newfound rushing focus is why Denver seems so eager to shop its wide receiver talent.
Outside of the vision and additions on the offensive side of the ball, Trotter also praises the Broncos' signing of 25-year-old defensive lineman Zach Allen. An ascending player who has the ability to play edge in heavy packages while also reducing inside in more pass-rush-based fronts, Allen has a body type and skill set the Broncos did not possess prior to his signing.
A big contract for Allen should indicate a well-demanded talent, but Trotter doesn’t think the addition is getting enough praise, stating that “people aren’t focusing enough” on the defensive front addition.
“He came on well for Arizona last year and I believe that he will help this club this year as well. So I would say Denver from my standpoint has made some tremendous upgrades.”
Just how far the Broncos can go this season will likely depend on the play of quarterback Wilson. Fortunately, even if Wilson’s play does not return to his best form in Seattle, the current direction and construction of the Broncos' offense indicate the team won't be as pass-game-dependant as it was in 2022.
With the Broncos' free-agent additions, Trotter may be correct in his assessment that Denver is the most improved team in the NFL going into 2023. Only time will tell whether that projection is correct.
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