The quicker Russell Wilson and Denver Broncos forget the 2022 season, the better. For Broncos fans, the season started with high hopes and aspirations. However, it ended with disappointment and despair, with the team from Denver winning only 5 out of their 17 matchups. This left the fans and pundits scrutinizing Wilson’s ability to lead the team. However, amidst the doubts and skepticism, one former Broncos player, Melvin Gordon, remains firm in his belief when it comes to trusting Wilson’s capabilities.
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Despite the struggles of the previous season, Gordon believes that Wilson still possesses the potential to deliver an MVP-caliber performance. However, somewhere down the line, Melvin also knows that if things go south for Wilson in the 2023 season, the repercussion might be drastic for the veteran QB.
Can Russell Wilson reward Melvin Gordon’s faith in him?
You might have heard the saying – “Comeback is always greater than the downfall”. Similar can be the case with Russell Wilson in NFL’s 2023 season if we are to believe in Melvin Gordon’s words. Recently, Melvin, with a lot of confidence, told Jim Rome on his show, “Yeah, he do… and he has an MVP coach,” when he was asked if Wilson still has the capability to have an MVP-type season.
Melvin Gordon forecasts a better season ahead for Russell Wilson and the Broncos: “They got the pieces there now that’s going to put him in the best situation. What he does this year, it’s on him.”https://t.co/jlGhSVfBVK pic.twitter.com/hiv0jpvIO3
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) June 23, 2023
However, Wilson’s performance in the 2022 season was far from impressive. Churning out poor numbers, his worst career stats included only four wins as a starter, a completion percentage of 60.5%, an 84.4 QB rating, and a 36.7 QBR. To make matters worse, Wilson was sacked a career-high 55 times. Gordon acknowledged the unfavorable situation, stating, “The situation wasn’t good… It wasn’t good.”
Daniel Jones and Russell Wilson had very similar 2022 stats. Russell got crushed for it, especially considering the contract. Daniel Jones is really about to get $40m+ per year on a new deal? At least Russ had a history of being a very good QB. DJ had a career high 24 TD’s. 😬 pic.twitter.com/zudMCyMAU6
— Steven Kriz (@skrizPO) March 3, 2023
Moving on, there are signs of progress and optimism surrounding Wilson’s future. The Broncos’ new head coach Sean Payton may hold the key to Wilson’s career revival and the team’s resurgence. Gordon firmly believes that Payton is the right man for the job. He’s counting on Wilson to thrive under his guidance.
This might be Russell Wilson’s last chance to reverse the public perception
Russell Wilson was acquired by the Denver Broncos in March 2022. The team added him to restore stability to the quarterback position after the departure of Peyton Manning. However, many regard the trade as a disastrous move. Public sentiment towards Wilson and the trade has been overwhelmingly negative, especially after his tumultuous 2022 season.
Russell Wilson has a massive contract extension with the Denver Broncos valued at $296 million over seven years. The deal includes an unprecedented $124 million fully guaranteed amount as well. With so many dollars involved, Russell has no option but to deliver big time in 2023.
It is no secret that Wilson needs to do well this coming season to keep his job, otherwise, the Broncos might be forced to make some drastic changes.
