Should Sean Payton bench Russell Wilson for the Denver Broncos?

The Denver Broncos had high hopes for the 2023 season when they hired former Super Bowl-winning head coach Sean Payton to turn things around after a disappointing previous season with quarterback Russell Wilson. In a division known for its strong offenses, the Broncos believed that hiring one of the most innovative play-callers in the league would help them stay competitive. However, after just two games, the team has started with a disappointing 0-2 record.

Despite Wilson’s decent performance, many are questioning whether it’s time for the head coach to consider finding a new quarterback to bring the team back to its former glory. Is there still a chance that Wilson can lead the Broncos to success with Payton’s guidance?

To fully understand the current state of the Denver Broncos, it’s important to look at where they’ve come from. Since Peyton Manning’s retirement in 2015, the Broncos have gone through a string of quarterbacks including Brock Osweiler, Trevor Siemian, Paxton Lynch, Case Keenum, Joe Flacco, Drew Lock, Jeff Driskel, and Teddy Bridgewater.

In an effort to break free from this cycle of mediocrity, the Broncos made a significant trade with the Seattle Seahawks to acquire Wilson in the spring of 2022. The deal included a five-year, $245 million contract with a $50 million signing bonus. In exchange, the Seahawks received tight end Noah Fant, defensive lineman Shelby Harris, quarterback Drew Lock, 2022 and 2023 first-round picks, and 2022 fourth and fifth-round picks.

Unfortunately, the 2022 season was a disappointment for the Denver Broncos and their fans. Despite hiring a new coach, former Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, and bringing in Wilson, a former All-Pro quarterback, the team struggled.

By the end of the season, Wilson had thrown for 3,524 yards with only 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, resulting in a career-low passer rating of 84. %. His completion percentage was also at a career-low of 60. %. Given the assets invested to acquire Wilson, it is crucial for both Sean Payton and Russell Wilson to significantly improve the team’s offense and make things work this season.
Unfortunately, the team’s performance has not met expectations so far. The Broncos started the season with a 17-16 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders and suffered another loss in Week 2 to the resurgent Washington Commanders, with a final score of 35-33. The second loss was particularly disappointing, as the Broncos had a 21-3 lead in the game, and the Commanders were playing with a second-year quarterback, Sam Howell, who was making his first start.

Howell outperformed Wilson, throwing for 299 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions, while Wilson threw for 308 yards with three touchdowns, one interception, and a completion percentage of only 56%. Wilson’s 50-yard Hail Mary pass in the final seconds of regulation saved the team from a complete loss, but they failed to convert the two-point conversion to send the game into overtime. Payton’s offense struggled in the second half, allowing the Commanders to outscore them 21-6 before the Hail Mary.

The question now is how long Payton will stick with Wilson as the starting quarterback. Wilson was chosen by the previous regime, so Payton doesn’t have any personal loyalty to him. Additionally, the NFL is a results-driven business, and the team’s performance has been disappointing so far.
Broncos fans hope that Payton can revive Wilson’s career, much like he did with his previous star pupil, Drew Brees, during his time with the New Orleans Saints. When Brees arrived in New Orleans, he was recovering from a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder and was not seen as the future Hall of Fame quarterback he became. Payton’s innovative offensive mind and strategic play-calling played a significant role in Brees’ success.

Wilson and Brees share a similar height of around six feet, and Payton understands how to work with quarterbacks of slightly smaller stature and adjust play-calling accordingly. With a challenging schedule ahead, it is crucial for Payton to quickly assess whether this season can be salvaged with Wilson as the starting quarterback. If not, the head coach may need to search for a younger and more flexible quarterback for the next phase of his coaching career.