Broncos OC pleased with Wilson's progress in new system
Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi believes quarterback Russell Wilson is in a good place after the team's offseason program.
"I don't know what's going to happen, but we're really happy with where he's at," Lombardi said, according to the Denver Post's Ryan McFadden.
He added: "(Wilson is) used to doing things a certain way, and we're presenting a new way of doing things. It's a new year, new coaching staff and a new scheme. We have a lot of time to figure out the best plan for all these players."
The 34-year-old passer is entering his second season in Denver following a dismal debut. The nine-time Pro Bowler was traded to the Broncos by the Seattle Seahawks, where he played 10 seasons, compiling a 104-53-1 record and winning a Super Bowl. He signed a five-year, $242.5-million contract extension last September.
Wilson posted a career-low 16 passing touchdowns, a 60.5% completion rate, and was sacked a single-season high 55 times last year. He finished with a 4-11 record in his first year in the Mile High City. The Broncos fired head coach Nathaniel Hackett in Week 15 and finished with a 5-12 mark. In the offseason, the team brought in Super Bowl-winning coach Sean Payton to replace him.
Meanwhile, Lombardi reunites with Payton after previously serving as his offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach with the New Orleans Saints. He spent the last two seasons as the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers.
The 52-year-old Lombardi hopes that he can continue his previous success with quarterbacks: He has been instrumental in helping both Drew Brees and Justin Herbert surpass 5,000 passing yards in a single season.
Lombardi also pointed to injuries as a contributing factor to Wilson's struggles last season.
Garett Bolles, Javonte Williams, and Tim Patrick are among several key contributors that suffered season-ending injuries in 2022. Wilson himself dealt with shoulder and hamstring ailments that sidelined him for two games last year.
Denver's new offensive coordinator understands the challenge ahead of him as the club aims to improve from a league-worst 16.9 points per game average in 2022.
"No matter where you're playing, you have to score enough points to win," Lombardi said. "It's never easy."
Denver will open the 2023 season against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sept. 10.
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