Russell Wilson feeling 'lean and mean' entering summer

By Trevor Woods | Last updated May 25, 2023 8:00 PM ET

It was a rough 2022 season for Russell Wilson and the Denver Broncos.

Denver went 5-12 and Wilson had the worst statistical season of his career. The veteran signal-caller threw for 3,524 yards, 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions while being sacked 55 times (the most in the NFL).

Now new coach Sean Payton is bringing a new offensive scheme to the Broncos. The hope is Payton can help resurrect Wilson's career and it sounds like Wilson's doing his part by making sure he is in the best physical condition possible.

"I feel great," Wilson said on Thursday. "I feel lean and mean ready to go. And focused."

Wilson seems to have lost a couple steps as a dual-threat quarterback. Instead of showcasing impressive escapability, Wilson has looked sluggish in recent seasons. After rushing for 513 yards in 2020, Wilson has rushed for just 460 yards combined over the past two seasons. If Wilson is indeed leaner and meaner, that means he will presumably be able to play a more aggressive brand of football this fall – from both a mental and physical perspective.

"I want to have the best offseason of my life," Wilson said, per Broncos team reporter Aric DiLalla. "I want to be the best version of me, and I'm looking forward to the work of it all and doing that."

Sean Payton said that Wilson has looked sharp in practice so far and that he is picking up the offense. If the Broncos are to have any chance of success in the AFC West this coming season, the offense will have to do something it didn't do last year – pull its weight. Denver ranked dead last offensively with 16.9 points per-game. That will never cut it in a division with elite quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert.

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