Broncos OC Joe Lombardi Outlines Bounce-Back Year for Russell Wilson

No singular element can explain the tumult which defined the 2022 Denver Broncos and its $245 million quarterback, Russell Wilson. There was a multitude of factors that led to yet another losing record in yet another playoff-less season.

Poor coaching, worse situational management, and, yes, Wilson's own faulty play all contributed to the team's 5-12 finish. This was apparent to even the most biased observer.

But, upon further review of the forsaken film, one component stood out among the rest. According to new Broncos offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, it's the key to unlocking a bounce-back year for Wilson and company.

"Injuries are always a big deal," Lombardi told reporters following minicamp practice last Wednesday. "As you look at what happened last year, a lot of it was injuries. So, it’s about staying healthy. I don’t know what’s going to happen, but for June 14, we’re really happy with where he’s at. There’s some muscle memory that we have to overcome. He’s used to doing things a certain way and we’re presenting a new way of doing things. He shows up every day ready to work. He’s the same guy every day—same attitude, and he’s really fun to work with. I think the answer for him is what the answer is for everyone. Work hard every day, get your fundamentals down and understand what you’re trying to accomplish. So far, it’s been really good.”

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Making his Broncos debut after arriving via Seattle, Wilson indeed suffered through an injury-riddled fall — a strained throwing shoulder, partially-torn hamstring, and concussion, causing him to miss two starts. He also underwent arthroscopic surgery this offseason to repair nagging discomfort in his knee.

The result? Wilson posted career worsts in completion percentage (60.5%), passing touchdowns (16), and QB rating (84.4). It wasn't the same nine-time Pro Bowler for whom Denver paid a king's ransom. Nowhere close.

Consider: In 2020, his last fully healthy season, Wilson threw for 4,212 yards and 40 touchdowns, completing 68.8 percent of his attempts with a 105.1 rating. That's the Russ the Broncos thought they had acquired.

The hope is that he returns to such a level. And a noticeably slimmer Wilson is doing his part, morphing into a "leaner, meaner" face of the franchise. His commitment was never in question.

All my life. #RestorationSzn pic.twitter.com/Skd53J8UyE
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) June 17, 2023

Plenty, however, question whether Wilson can in fact revert to prior form. Whether he'll finally justify his massive salary. Which won't be answered until the games start again.

For now, it's a fresh slate, a blank canvas despite remnants of chicken scratch. But before moving forward, the collective must take a final peek behind.

“He’s a guy that has been in the NFL a long time, so I’ve watched a lot of film on him," Lombardi said. "Certainly, we watched last year to see what happened. ... You want to see what a player does well and maybe what he struggled with, but also you don’t want to make too many assumptions. It’s a new year, a new coaching staff and a new scheme. We have a lot of time to figure out exactly the best plan forward for all these players.”

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