The Denver Broncos were arguably the most disappointing team in the NFL during the 2022 season. High expectations existed after they acquired quarterback Russell Wilson from the Seattle Seahawks, but he never quite gelled with new head coach Nathaniel Hackett.
Russell’s struggles were a big reason Hackett was fired after only one season. Replacing him is Sean Payton, who Denver acquired from the New Orleans Saints. Expectations will exist once again as Payton is tasked with turning things around in the Mile High City as quickly as possible.
While the results last season weren’t ideal, the cupboard certainly isn’t barren in Denver. There are some talented players to work with offensively and things can only go up with Wilson. Defensively is where the strength of this team lies.
Despite trading away Von Miller and Bradley Chubb in consecutive years, the Broncos boasted one of the better defenses in the NFL in 2022. They ranked 14th in points allowed and seventh in yards allowed. The pass rush wasn’t as daunting without those players, but the rest of the unit more than held their own.
This offseason a few holes could open up on the defense. One of them could be in the secondary, where Kareem Jackson is set to hit free agency. Even if the Broncos are able to re-sign him, a player such as C.J. Gardner-Johnson would be a great match for them in free agency.
Having a strong secondary is of the utmost importance for the Broncos. Slowing down the Los Angeles Chargers, Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders through the air is no small task. There is a lot of pass-catching talent on all of those teams, especially working the seams and middle of the field.
Adding a player as talented in the slot as Gardner-Johnson would be a major boost for the Broncos’ defense. He had a very strong 2022 season with the Philadelphia Eagles and with the number of free agents that they have, some are bound to depart.
The Broncos would be getting someone who allowed 8.8 yards per target in 2022, but only 6.2 in the previous three seasons with the Saints. Despite playing in only 12 games, Gardner-Johnson also set a career-high with 67 total tackles and six interceptions, which led the league.
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