The Denver Broncos’ expectations for the 2022 season went through the roof after they acquired Russell Wilson from the Seattle Seahawks in a blockbuster trade. Denver has been on the lookout for a quarterback since Peyton Manning hung up his cleats following the Super Bowl in 2016.
That was actually the last time the Broncos even qualified for the postseason, as they have missed six consecutive seasons, finishing with a losing record in the last five. Wilson was brought in to help snap that streak.
Having him under center will elevate the entire team, especially the offense. The Broncos were competitive last season, but the lack of explosiveness from their offense was ultimately their undoing. This season, that should change.
While Pete Carroll wanted the Seahawks to be a run-first team, Wilson still was able to put up some gaudy statistics. In fact, there isn’t a quarterback in the league with more big-play scores than Wilson since 2020.
According to PFF, Wilson leads the NFL with 22 20+ yard touchdown passes in the last two seasons. What makes that number even more impressive is the fact that Wilson missed three games last season and battled through the injury that was hampering him even when he was back on the field.
Right behind Wilson on the list are his new division rivals. Justin Herbert of the Los Angeles Chargers is second with 21, while Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs is third with 20.
There are going to be some epic shootouts when the AFC West teams face off against each other. The Las Vegas Raiders are no slouches either, as Derek Carr now has his collegiate teammate Davante Adams to target downfield.
The Broncos are hoping that Russell Wilson can keep pace and remain at the top of that list. Given the weapons that Denver has put together in recent seasons, there should be plenty of passing offense in The Mile High City during the 2022 season.
