Russell Wilson Benched, Sean Payton Rumors, Jerry Jeudy Breakout - Denver Broncos News

Russell Wilson Speaks Out After Being Benched By The Broncos

The Denver Broncos made headlines last week when they announced that veteran quarterback Russell Wilson would be benched in favor of backup Brett Rypien. The move came as a shock to many, as Wilson was expected to lead the Broncos back to contention after being acquired in a blockbuster trade during the offseason.

Wilson spoke to the media for the first time since being benched and made it clear he was unhappy with the decision. "It was definitely tough for me," Wilson said. "As a competitor, you always want to be out there on the field."

A Disappointing Season For Wilson and The Broncos

When the Broncos traded for Wilson in March, the expectation was that he would help turn around a struggling offense and lead the team back to the playoffs. The Broncos even signed Wilson to a massive 5-year, $245 million contract extension shortly after acquiring him.

However, things have not gone according to plan this season. Despite Wilson's presence, the Broncos rank last in the NFL in points per game and have limped to a 3-8 record. Wilson's individual numbers have also been pedestrian at best. He has thrown for just 2,369 yards, 8 touchdowns and 5 interceptions while completing a career-worst 59.5% of his passes.

"This season has been very disappointing," Wilson admitted. "We haven't executed the way we need to on offense."

Injuries Have Slowed Wilson This Season

Wilson has been dealing with injuries for much of the year, including a partially torn lat muscle near his right shoulder. He suffered the injury in a preseason game but opted not to have surgery in order to avoid missing regular season games.

"The lat injury happened early in camp. I wasn't able to throw much all camp, had to rehab a lot," Wilson said. "I felt good coming into the season but then I got hurt the first game."

That first game injury was a hamstring issue that clearly limited Wilson's trademark mobility and scrambling ability. His inability to make plays with his legs has made life more difficult in the pocket.

The Decision To Bench Wilson

With the Broncos losing grip on any playoff hopes, head coach Nathaniel Hackett finally made the call to sit Wilson down and give Rypien a chance. Hackett had been facing growing pressure to make a change at quarterback with the offense sputtering each week.

"We just weren't playing good offensive football," Hackett explained. "We needed a spark."

Rypien ended up playing decently well in his first start, throwing for 225 yards and 1 touchdown against the New York Jets. However, the Broncos still lost and were officially eliminated from postseason contention with the loss.

Wilson Vows To Come Back Stronger

While obviously disappointed with the benching, Wilson took a positive stance on the situation. He vowed to come back stronger next season after having a full offseason to get completely healthy and master Hackett's offensive system.

"For me, it's always focusing on the next opportunity," Wilson said. "Let's start again and let's get better together."

Wilson will still have 3 more games this season to get live reps in Hackett's offense. Although the Broncos won't be playing in January, the additional experience could pay dividends for Wilson in 2023.

Sean Payton To The Broncos Rumors Heat Up

With Russell Wilson struggling and the Broncos assured of a losing season, speculation has heated up that major changes could be coming in Denver. Rumors are swirling that former New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton could end up taking over the Broncos in 2023.

Payton Is Reportedly Very Interested

Payton stepped down as Saints head coach after last season but made it clear he hoped to return to coaching in the future. According to reports, Payton is very interested in the Broncos job if it becomes available.

"I think he looks at [Denver's] roster and sees a team ready to win now," said ESPN's Adam Schefter. "He sees Russell Wilson and all that talent on defense led by Bradley Chubb and thinks 'I could win with this group.'"

Payton accumulated a 152-89 record and won Super Bowl XLIV during his 15 seasons in New Orleans. His offensive creativity could help unlock Wilson's talents next season.

Getting Out Of His Contract

Payton still had 2 years left on his contract with the Saints when he stepped away last January. That means the Broncos would have to work out a trade with New Orleans to secure Payton's rights.

However, Saints GM Mickey Loomis has made it clear that they won't seek much compensation to let Payton leave. Most expect it would take a mid-round draft pick to pry Payton out of New Orleans.

"We wouldn't seek much," Loomis said recently. "Sean deserves the chance to go somewhere else if that's what he wants."

What Would It Mean For Hackett?

Current Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett would obviously have to be fired to make room for Payton. Hackett has come under heavy criticism during a disappointing first season in Denver.

"I think Hackett will get one year but if it fails, he's gone and Payton comes in," said NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. "That's the buzz I'm hearing from people around the league."

Players like Tim Patrick have vocally supported Hackett but the rookie head coach may not be given much time to figure things out.

Jerry Jeudy Breaks Out In Big Win Over Texans

Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy finally had his long-awaited breakout game in the team's win over the Houston Texans last Sunday. Jeudy hauled in 6 catches for 63 yards and his first touchdown of the season in the 38-10 victory.

A Disappointing Start

Expectations were high for Jeudy coming into this season after the former first-round pick put up 467 receiving yards in 2021 despite playing just 10 games. However, he largely struggled over the first half of this year.

Jeudy had just 324 receiving yards through the Broncos' first 10 games. He also battled some uncharacteristic drops and struggled to find a consistent rhythm.

"This isn't the season Jerry or any of us envisioned to this point," admitted head coach Nathaniel Hackett. "But his talent is obvious and we knew it would come together at some point."

Chemistry With Russell Wilson

Part of Jeudy's early struggles stemmed from trying to build chemistry with new quarterback Russell Wilson. The two just didn't seem in sync during the first couple months of the season.

But Jeudy said he worked extensively with Wilson over the past month to improve their connection in practice. That extra time finally paid off against Houston as Jeudy consistently got open and hauled in 6 of 8 targets from Wilson.

"You could see the chemistry with me and Russ was there," Jeudy said. "We're going to build on it."

A Promising Finish?

While the Broncos have been eliminated from postseason contention, the final 5 games of the year will still be important for Jeudy's development. He can build momentum heading into the offseason.

Jeudy will also have a chance to showcase himself as a potential top receiving threat for whoever is under center in Denver next season. The Broncos picked up Jeudy's 5th-year option but will eventually need to decide on a long-term extension.

"I'm going to finish this season strong," Jeudy declared. "I know what I'm capable of."

Injury Updates On Javonte Williams, Tim Patrick

The Denver Broncos have been hit hard by injuries this season. Two key offensive players, running back Javonte Williams and wide receiver Tim Patrick, both suffered severe knee injuries in October.

Javonte Williams

Williams went down with a torn ACL and LCL in Week 4 against the Raiders. It was a crushing blow for the Broncos as Williams figured to be a centerpiece of the offense.

The good news is Williams' rehab has gone smoothly so far. Head coach Nathaniel Hackett said he expects Williams to be ready to return for the start of next season.

"Javonte has been diligent in his rehab," Hackett said. "We think he'll make a full recovery."

Tim Patrick

Patrick tore his ACL in practice leading up to Week 7. The injury erased Patrick's chance to be Denver's top receiver this year after posting 788 yards in 2021.

Patrick faces a tougher road to recovery than Williams. ACL tears for skill players often take a full 12 months of rehab. The Broncos may need to make contingency plans in case Patrick isn't ready by Week 1 next season.

"Tim's working hard but the timetable for him to return is uncertain right now," Hackett admitted.

Looking Ahead To 2023

Getting Williams and Patrick back will provide a big boost to Denver's offense next season. Both are still young, talented playmakers who fit well into new coach Nathaniel Hackett's scheme.

However, the Broncos may need to add some depth at both running back and receiver via the draft or free agency. Relying solely on injured players to bounce back is always risky.

But if Williams and Patrick return at full strength, it raises the ceiling for what should be an potent group around quarterback Russell Wilson in 2023.

FAQs

Why was Russell Wilson benched by the Broncos?

Wilson was benched due to poor performance and the Broncos' losing record this season. Wilson has struggled with injuries and a new offensive system, leading to mediocre stats and a 3-8 record for Denver so far.

Could Sean Payton become the next head coach of the Broncos?

There are rumors that Sean Payton is interested in the Broncos job if it opens up. Payton would have to be traded from the Saints. Current coach Nathaniel Hackett likely needs to show major improvement next year to keep his job.

How did Jerry Jeudy finally break out for the Broncos offense?

Jeudy broke out for 6 catches, 63 yards and a TD against the Texans. He developed better chemistry with QB Russell Wilson after extensive practice time together. Jeudy hopes to finish the season strong.

Will Javonte Williams be ready for next season?

Williams suffered a torn ACL in Week 4 but rehab has gone well so far. The Broncos expect Williams to recover fully and return as their starting RB for 2023.

What is Tim Patrick's injury timeline?

Patrick tore his ACL in October. ACL rehab for receivers often takes up to 12 months so Patrick's status for the start of next season is uncertain.