The first week of the NFL preseason is in the books, and that means it is time to start making some predictions based on actual results.
The Denver Broncos lost on Friday to the Arizona Cardinals, 18-17, and although quarterback Russell Wilson didn’t look too bad, commentator Colin Cowherd is concerned about their prospects.
"This is a big lift for Sean Payton… This is not plug and play."
— @ColinCowherd assesses the Broncos after first preseason game pic.twitter.com/AMsvJdgKvG
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) August 14, 2023
Cowherd mentioned the fact that head coach Sean Payton had his first-stringers on offense play the whole first half, and he said it means that turning the team around won’t be the quick process Payton may have hoped it would be.
Last season, Wilson’s maiden voyage in Denver turned into a disaster, as the team won just five games and had the worst offense anyone could remember seeing in the NFL.
Wilson had the worst season of his career, and people seem divided on whether he can bounce back this year.
In particular, Cowherd is concerned about the Broncos’ offensive line.
He mentioned the fact that Wilson was under pressure the majority of the time versus Arizona, which led to him completing just seven of 13 pass attempts.
Cowherd did say that when he had time to operate, Wilson looked good, but overall he feels the team needs lots of work.
Then there is the matter of the division the Broncos play in.
The AFC West is loaded, as it features the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs and talented teams in the Los Angeles Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders.
Cowherd feels that will be another potential pitfall for Payton in his new surroundings.
NEXT: Sean Payton Reveals Reason For Giving Broncos Offense Extra Work In Preseason Game
