3 reasons why Broncos are struggling despite Russell Wilson trade

Many fans across the NFL expected the Denver Broncos to be Super Bowl contenders in 2022 after their blockbuster trade for Russell Wilson.

The future Hall of Famer, who had spent his entire career with the Seattle Seahawks, joined an already stacked team on paper.

However, after six games, the Broncos sit 2-4 and some way out of playoff contention as things stand.

Here are three reasons why Denver is struggling despite the Russell Wilson trade.

#1 Coaching

Denver Broncos v Las Vegas Raiders

Alongside Wilson coming to town, the Broncos also acquired a new head coach in Nathaniel Hackett, who was previously the Green Bay Packers’ offensive coordinator.

So far, it’s been a tough start to head coaching for Hackett.

In their opening-game loss to the Seahawks, Hackett decided to try a monster 64-yard field goal rather than give his new franchise quarterback one more chance on fourth down late in the game.

"Looking back at it, we definitely should've gone for it," he told reporters after the 17-16 loss.

Hackett has looked out of his depth on numerous occasions so far this season, and this bedding in process can’t be helping anyone in the organization, let alone Wilson.

#2 Losing Javonte Williams to injury

Denver Broncos v Las Vegas Raiders

The Broncos lost stud sophomore running back Javonte Williams to a season-ending ACL injury back in week 4, and this has had a profound effect on the offense as a whole.

After Williams went down, they signed Latavius Murray off the Saints’ practice squad, as well as giving Mike Boone more snaps alongside Melvin Gordon. No disrespect to Murray or Boone, but they are levels below Williams. It doesn’t matter if you have Russell Wilson at quarterback, if you don't have a run game you’re not likely to have much success in the NFL.

Gordon is a solid enough back, but he played his best football last year in tandem with Williams. It will be interesting to see if Denver makes a late move for a veteran back as the trade deadline swiftly approaches.

#3 Russell Wilson's play

Indianapolis Colts v Denver Broncos

Despite the blockbuster acquisition, Wilson has fallen way below the expectations put on him before the season.

In six games, Wilson has only passed for five touchdowns against three interceptions, putting up a passer rating of just 83.4.

This rating is almost 10 lower than his worst career total to date, and way below the 108.1 his successor in Seattle, Geno Smith, has put up so far this season.

Russell Wilson has also only topped 300 passing yards once this season, despite having Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton and K.J. Hamler to throw to.

Wilson must do better, and until he does, the Broncos will continue to struggle.