Denver Broncos 2022 Season Preview

By: Keith Richards

With the NFL season right around the corner, there is only one way you can look at the Denver Broncos: New and improved. While there have been some departures, the new arrivals have the state of Colorado brimming with enthusiasm. So, let’s prepare for the 2022-23 Denver Broncos season as we discuss what’s new and improved.

Without question, the most significant change to the Broncos in the offseason was a change in ownership. Since the unfortunate death of Pat Bowlen in June 2019, the Pat Bowlen Trust seemed to be in an endless legal battle as to who would be the face of the team. Finally, in June 2021, the Pat Bowlen Trust agreed to settle their dispute. Then, in January of this year, a Denver judge terminated the right of refusal between the Edgar Kaiser estate and Bowlen estate. This cleared the way for the sale of the team. Enter Rob Walton.

In June of this year, an investment group led by Rob Walton won the bid to buy the Denver Broncos for a record $4.65 billion. Yes, that’s billion with a capital B. This new ownership comes with some big names, including Condolezza Rice and Lewis Hamilton. With a net worth of roughly $58 billion, Walton is the wealthiest owner by a long shot. Colorado residents now sit on pins and needles to see what those deep pockets mean for the team moving forward. As for now, there were other new additions to the team this offseason.

Finally, Vic Fangio was fired as head coach after three lackluster seasons. The overwhelming desire of Broncos Country was the need for the new head coach to be offensive-minded. George Paton would deliver in a big way. In January, Denver hired Nathaniel Hackett as its new head coach. Hackett was the offensive coordinator of the Green Bay Packers before coming to Denver.

Unless you live under a rock, you know Aaron Rodgers is the quarterback of the Packers. Rodgers and Hackett have been very successful in Green Bay, which is success that Nathaniel hopes to bring to Colorado. The 42-year-old Hackett also brings enthusiasm and infectious joy to a team that has lacked both for several years. Adding to that joy, Paton’s next move sent Broncos Country into overdrive.

In March, the Broncos sent Drew Lock, Noah Fant, Shelby Harris, and a host of picks to the Seattle Seahawks to acquire their new quarterback: Russell Wilson. Since Wilson’s arrival with Ciara with their family, the feeling in Denver has been what has become Wilson’s battle cry: Let’s ride! Even with the unfortunate loss of Tim Patrick to a torn ACL, there has not been this much optimism around the Broncos since Peyton Manning joined the team.

Despite the media narrative that the Broncos are Super Bowl or bust, Wilson and the team seek to build a dynasty. Russell is only 33 years old. While no spring chicken, he still has some prime years left. With skill position players like Javonte Williams, Melvin Gordon, Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, Tim Patrick (next season), and KJ Hamler, the Broncos offense can be absolutely explosive under a coach like Nathaniel Hackett.

On the defensive side of the ball, losing Shelby Harris was a definite blow. Not only was he a staple on the defensive line, but he was a leader in the locker room. The leadership of Shelby will be challenging to replace, but his production void may already be filled. Paton added D.J. Jones and Randy Gregory to an already stout defense. Furthermore, Josey Jewell, trending up before missing last season, returns to help shore up the linebacker position. Last but certainly not least, Pat Surtain II has been phenomenal throughout minicamp and could have an even better season than his rookie campaign.

Though new and improved, there is a single negative to the Broncos’ offseason. Denver was not the only team in their division to improve. EVERY team in the AFC West improved. The Chargers added new players in the trenches, the Raiders added an all-pro receiver, and the Chiefs plugged holes as well. So, making the playoffs will be no cakewalk for Denver, but they’re in a better position to do so than they have been in years.

So, where do the Broncos end the season? Given the division they play in, the loss of Tim Patrick, and a new head coach, I think it would be unreasonable to say they win the Super Bowl this year. However, I believe Denver finishes the season 10-7 and makes the playoffs as a wild card. Once in the playoffs, who knows what can happen? Making the playoffs, though, would be a sign that the new and improved Broncos will be a team to fear for years to come.

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