Getty Image / Christian Petersen
Last season was an unmitigated disaster for the Denver Broncos and new quarterback Russell Wilson. And, early on in their preseason debut on Friday, it looked the same as last year.
Last year’s Broncos’ offense was last in the league in points per game at 16.9, despite trading for Russell Wilson and investing heavily over the last few years in that side of the ball. After head coach Nathaniel Hackett was unceremoniously fired, they brought in Super Bowl winner and future Hall of Fame coach Sean Payton.
Payton has ruffled feathers the last few weeks, blaming the struggles of Russell Wilson and the offense on Hackett. But, for a large stretch of Friday’s preseason game against the Cardinals, they didn’t look any better.
Early on, Russell Wilson struggled mightily.
Russell Wilson in midseason form
1 of 4 for 19 yards
1 sack taken
1 fumble (recovered)
sheesh
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) August 12, 2023
It did end up okay, as he ended up 7-13 for 93 yards and a touchdown. Not great by any means, considering he played a quarter-and-a-half. And, the memes were out in full force.
Russell Wilson drops back to pass
The Cardinals defense: pic.twitter.com/cIDY0ppE4F
— FanDuel Sportsbook (@FDSportsbook) August 12, 2023
Sean Payton cleaning out Russell Wilson locker after watching him play #DENvsAZ #BroncosCountry pic.twitter.com/3eYKewVNBl
— iregretlikingsports (@Jimmy2424555) August 12, 2023
The Broncos to Russell Wilson after tonight #BroncosCountry #DENvsAZ pic.twitter.com/9xexs8wXRd
— iregretlikingsports (@Jimmy2424555) August 12, 2023
Russell Wilson after completing a slant route against 3rd string dbs pic.twitter.com/ngQ8zMh15W
— AD FANATIC (@tywow28) August 12, 2023
Denver ended up losing to the Cardinals, 18-17, not that winning or losing really matters in the preseason. They will look to play better next Saturday against the 49ers.