Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Despite 0-2 start, Broncos QB Russell Wilson deserves some slack

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 9/21/23

The Denver Broncos are 0-2, but beleaguered quarterback Russell Wilson shouldn't shoulder all the blame.

Wilson's reputation is tarnished after a disastrous 2022 season, but the former perennial Pro Bowl QB looks improved thus far. He's completed 45-of-66 passes (68.2 percent) for 485 yards, five TDs and the NFL's fourth-best passer rating (108.5). Per The Ringer's Danny Kelly, he's on track to throw 42 TDs.

"It's not just the stats — the film also shows that Wilson is pretty much the same player he's always been," wrote Kelly. "When it comes to passing, Wilson can still lean on a few of the staples that made him so good for so long with the Seahawks, including his signature downfield moon-shot passes."

The perfect moon ball from Russ! He finds the rookie Marvin Mims for a TD.

: #WASvsDEN on CBS⁰: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/FhXtx7w3wW pic.twitter.com/ij3y2lDs2u
— NFL (@NFL) September 17, 2023

However, Wilson's skeptics remain after he committed two crucial turnovers (an interception and fumble), contributing to an 18-point lead evaporating in a 35-33 loss to the Commanders. Those skeptics seemingly included head coach Sean Payton, who said, "Russ has to be sharper getting the play out," following the defeat.

Nonetheless, that shouldn't distract from Denver's actual problem: an atrocious defense. It's clearly regressed under new devensive coordinator Vance Joseph. Nick Kosmider of The Athletic reported the Broncos lead the league in defensive penalties (12) and allow the third-most points per drive (2.89).

"I don't know what the hell [the defense] is doing now," former Jets and Bills HC and ESPN analyst Rex Ryan recently said on "First Take." "We gotta them playing to what the expectations were. When I saw that talent on that defense, I was like, this should be the No. 1 defense in the league."

The Broncos hold some elite defensive pieces, including stars like safety Justin Simmons and cornerback Patrick Surtain II. The unit should be much better, and Denver should solve the issue before pointing the finger at Wilson.

More must-reads: