Before now, the last time the Denver Broncos traded for a Super Bowl- winning, future Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback, it was Peyton Manning. Things went quite well for Manning and the Broncos, culminating in a 24-10 Super Bowl XLI victory against the Carolina Panthers. With their sights set on hoisting the Lombardi Trophy once again, at 24 million dollars this year but a relative bargain for a top-tier quarterback, Denver has brought in Russell Wilson from the Seattle Seahawks.

Wilson’s credentials are beyond reproach: A starter in his first year with Seattle, he tied Peyton Manning for the most touchdown passes ever thrown by a rookie with 26. He is the third NFL quarterback to throw 30 or more touchdown passes in four consecutive seasons and has made nine Pro Bowl appearances. Wilson guided the Seahawks to two Super Bowls in a row, registering a 43-8 win against the Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII.

Joining Russell Wilson in his first year as a Bronco is Head Coach Nathaniel Hackett. Hackett spent the last three years as offensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers. No stranger to working with premier quarterbacks, in 2020 with Aaron Rodgers as his gunslinger, he led the league in scoring.

Heading into their last preseason game August 27, the starters had already been determined and didn’t play. Instead, it was an opportunity for coaches to decide which players will remain on the team approaching the final cutdown to 53 from 80. Russell Wilson will make his highly anticipated Broncos debut in the first regular season game September 12 on Monday Night Football in Seattle.

In the meantime, Brett Rypien and Josh Johnson battled it out for the backup QB spot. Rypien has been with the Broncos since 2019. Waived and re-signed twice, he started a game in 2020 leading the Broncos to a 37- 28 victory over the Jets. Josh Johnson is a 13-year veteran that has been a member of 15 different teams. Entering last Saturday’s contest, odds were even as to who would prevail.

Fully recovered from a 2020 ACL injury, Courtland Sutton returns to the starting wide receiver position with Jerry Jeudy at the other. This year’s fifth-round draft choice WR Montrell Washington shows promise as part of the rotation while also taking on kickoff and punt return duties.

Two-time Pro Bowler Melvin Gordon III and Javonte Williams were the second most productive rushing tandem in the league last year and will share time at running back. Williams’ skills as both a rusher and receiver expect to translate into a bigger role in the offense this season.

On the defensive side of the ball, edge rushers Bradley Chubb and Randy Gregory are likely to put heat on opposing quarterbacks. Second- round pick outside linebacker Nik Bonitto also figures to be in the mix. Dre’Mont Jones’ solid play at defensive end last year may portend a breakout season this year. Fourth-round pick 316-pound defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike from Iowa State might move up the depth chart quickly and is considered the future of the defensive line. Cornerbacks Ronald Darby and standout Patrick Surtain II front a strong secondary.

Beginning at their own 3-yard line as a result of a muffed opening kickoff, QB Rypien drove to the Viking’s 8-yard line with a rushing play and short passes only to be intercepted after a tipped pass intended for K. J. Hamler in the end zone. In the second quarter, the Broncos struck first with a 50-yard field goal by Brandon McManus. Later, the Vikings responded by driving to the Broncos 3-yard line. The defense apparently stuffed the Vikings four times, but the last play’s call on the field was reversed, awarding Minnesota a touchdown and a 7-3 lead.

In a drive by the Broncos that included a 45-yard pass completion to Seth Williams, Montrell Washington ran the pigskin 11 yards around the left side into the endzone to put the Broncos ahead 10-7. A strip-sack by Denver’s McTelvin Agim and subsequent fumble recovery by Baron Browning for a 17- yard touchdown gave the Broncos a 17-7 lead. A 46-yard field goal by the Vikings brought the score to Broncos 17, Vikings 10, at halftime.

Josh Johnson started the second half at quarterback for the Broncos. Although going 11-for-14 passing and amassing 107 yards, he was unable to lead them into the endzone. Following a scoreless third quarter, the Vikings added a field goal and the Broncos two more. Final score: Broncos 23, Vikings 13.

Asked after the game about his team’s performance, Coach Nathaniel Hackett responded, “I thought it was good. You know, I thought it really was. I thought you saw some energy – um, you know, the guys came out, (and) I thought they played off each other. I thought it was good team complimentary football.”

Denver Broncos 2022 regular season schedule:

September 12 at Seattle Seahawks

September 18 vs. Houston Texans

September 25 vs. San Francisco 49ers

October 2 at Las Vegas Raiders

October 6 vs. Indianapolis Colts

October 17 at Los Angeles Chargers

October 23 vs. New York Jets

October 30 at Jacksonville Jaguars

November 13 at Tennessee Titans

November 20 vs. Las Vegas Raiders

November 27 at Carolina Panthers

December 4 at Baltimore Ravens

December 11 vs. Kansas City Chiefs

December 18 vs. Arizona Cardinals

December 25 at Los Angeles Rams

January 1 at Kansas City Chiefs

TBD vs. Los Angeles Chargers

Let’s ride! Top; Starting left offensive guard Dalton Risner sat out the game, but signed lots of autographs. Middle; A crazed Broncos fan. Bottom; Looking forward to a prosperous season. PHOTOS BY DAVE GIBSON[/caption]