After a disastrous 2022 season that led to the Denver Broncos firing head coach Nathaniel Hackett after one season on the job, the team is looking to turn over a new leaf. Heading into 2023, the organization is looking for a major bounce back.

The quickest way for things to turn around in the Mile High City would be for quarterback Russell Wilson to regain his form. Wilson’s first season with the Broncos was a mess as he had the least productive campaign of his professional career.

Despite his struggles last season, the veteran has remained positive about the future. He is hoping to make major strides with Sean Payton now taking over as head coach and he continues to put in the work to ensure that happens.

His work ethic is something that has drawn the attention of star safety Justin Simmons. Simmons recently had an interview with SiriusXM Blitz with Bill Lekas and Kirk Morrison where he praised Wilson’s determination and gave him credit for improving his own game at the same time.

“I know he’s one of the hardest workers if not the hardest worker I’ve ever been around and that I’ve seen, and his attention to detail and his preparation has already made me a better player, being his teammate. And so, I’m always going to put my full trust and confidence in him as my quarterback, and I can’t wait to see what that looks like heading into Year 2 with us.” (H/T Brenna White of NFL.com)

Simmons has been one of the premier safeties in the NFL the last few seasons, earning three Second-Team All-Pro nominations in the last four years. He does it all at the back end for the Broncos, as he excels as a pass defender and isn’t afraid to mix it up as a run defender.

In addition to the praise he heaped on Wilson, Simmons also spoke about his new head coach. Just like with Wilson, Simmons has a ton of admiration for Payton and is looking forward to learning from him as well.

“He obviously has done it for a long time and it’s been super successful,” Simmons said. “And I think for me, always seeing him on the outside looking in, and now being on the inside, it’s a unique position to be in and I’m going to take… full advantage of that.”

As a whole, the Broncos have their work cut out for them in 2023. They play in a tough division in the AFC West and a lot of their hopes hinge on Payton getting Wilson back on track. But, if Simmons and the defense can have a repeat performance in 2022, Denver will be in a position to win plenty of games this upcoming season.