Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) calls out in from the line of scrimmage in the first quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High. Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Russell Wilson proving he can be fixed with new HC in 2023

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 1/8/23

In Denver's final game on Sunday, quarterback Russell Wilson proved he's not a question mark and is fixable, which is pertinent for candidates interested in the Broncos' head-coaching vacancy.

Former Saints head coach Sean Payton confirmed he already spoke with Denver's ownership group on FOX Sports. Additionally, NFL Network Insiders Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport reported the team plans to meet with Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh.

If either is interested in the job, it's more than likely that they're keeping a close eye on Wilson, who looked like the player Denver thought it was getting when it traded two first-round draft picks in March of 2022.

In a 31-28 victory over the playoff-bound Chargers (10-7), Wilson tossed a 57-yard dart to Jerry Jeudy at the end of the second quarter, threw three touchdown passes, and finished with a 118.3 passer rating.

JERRY. JEUDY.

: CBS pic.twitter.com/s6sV4BFsRT
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) January 8, 2023

WIDE. OPEN. @SuttonCourtland | : CBS
pic.twitter.com/lK4RetR6aS
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) January 8, 2023

It was his second solid performance without recently fired rookie head coach Nathaniel Hackett. Since firing Hackett after Week 16, Wilson improved with four touchdowns and a 99.9 passer rating in his past two starts. Wilson threw 12 touchdowns and had a 4-9 starting record in 13 games with Hackett.

Los Angeles didn't rest its starters in preparation for the postseason, so Wilson seemed rejuvenated due to Denver playing well against a legitimate opponent.

"We'll be able to come back stronger than ever (next year)," Wilson said in a post-game news conference.

Despite a 5-12 record, The Broncos may have the pieces to build a winner, including the nine-time Pro Bowl QB. All they need is the right HC that can put them together.

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