(Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
After a disaster of a 2022 season, the Denver Broncos are hoping that 2023 will be different.
Despite landing Russell Wilson last offseason in a blockbuster trade with the Seattle Seahawks, the Broncos stumbled out of the gate and ended last year with a paltry 5-12 record which was good for last place in the AFC West.
In order to remedy their woes, Denver fired former head coach Nathaniel Hackett and brought in Sean Payton who had taken time off from the sidelines.
Payton seemed to be waiting for the perfect opportunity to come back to the NFL and he deemed the Broncos worthy enough of his services.
The preseason, though, hadn’t been going Payton’s way until they blew out the Los Angeles Rams in their final tune-up before the 2023 season.
Albert Okwuegbunam led the way for the Broncos which earned him praise from Payton via Around the NFL.
“He had a big night,” Payton said. “I mean, holy cow.”
Sean Payton on Broncos TE Albert Okwuegbunam’s performance vs. Rams: “He had a big night. I mean, holy cow”https://t.co/2hzAcg3k5G pic.twitter.com/Ck8lpCboV5
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) August 27, 2023
Okwuegbunam turned in a receiving line of seven catches for 109 yards and one touchdown, a massive night for the young player.
He was a menace all evening, tearing up the soft Rams defense all over the field and making impressive grabs that drew cheers from the crowd.
The young tight end lost snaps toward the end of last season, though this recent performance may have given Payton more to think about when devising his offense for the upcoming year.
Giving Wilson as many weapons on the field as possible will be important, and Okwuegbunam made a strong case that he is deserving of targets and opportunities.
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