Broncos listed as most improved team after free agency by ESPN analyst
The Denver Broncos were on a mission during the offseason. I think they knew that a repeat of last season just could not happen. 2022 was so bad, fans got restless, drama was started, and people were fired. It just wasn't good, especially for a team that had a ton of high expectations for the […]
The Denver Broncos were on a mission during the offseason. I think they knew that a repeat of last season just could not happen. 2022 was so bad, fans got restless, drama was started, and people were fired. It just wasn't good, especially for a team that had a ton of high expectations for the season.
The last offseason we thought was a successful one for the Broncos, as they were finally able to get their franchise quarterback in Russell Wilson, or so we thought. They also got a young head coach that seemed like he had a ton of potential.
Obviously, neither of those things really came true. They started the offseason by getting a new head coach, and a better one at that in Sean Payton, and addressing all of the issues not named Russell Wilson.
The biggest issue, besides coaching, was the offensive line, one that allowed Russell Wilson to be sacked 55 times last year, tied for the most in the league with the Chicago Bears. So the first few big signings for them were offensive line pieces.
That was the start of what everyone is calling a successful free agency. Heck, some ESPN analysts are even saying the Broncos are now the most improved team in the league after the first wave of free agency.
Mike Tannenbaum: Denver Broncos. When you factor in the hiring of coach Sean Payton and the signings of guard Ben Powers and offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey, this sets up the best-case scenario for any hope of success for quarterback Russell Wilson. Having offensive tackle Garett Bolles and running back Javonte Williams return from injury will also go a long way.
The Broncos' addition of Powers and McGlinchey is huge because they are instant upgrades over what the Broncos had in place last season. That takes the offensive line from bad to good, as McGlinchey allowed just 27 pressures in over 560 pass block snaps, and Powers allowed 12 pressures on 597 pass block snaps, with no sacks allowed either.
It's not as much about the sacks as it is pressures allowed. Wilson didn't have much time to do anything last season because he was constantly being pressured. If you take that away and give him more time in the pocket, then good things are bound to happen.
The Broncos got so much better, on paper at least, from last season to this season. They deserve that most improved tag for sure.
You can read the rest of the ESPN article here.
