The Facts: By this point, everyone knows how spectacular Denver's face-plant was in 2022. Hopes of a Super Bowl quickly crumbled in the Mile High City, where Wilson and the Broncos proved they weren't contenders, but pretenders under the since-fired Nathaniel Hackett. Sean Payton is now in charge and Denver has a renewed sense of optimism. Count OT Garett Bolles as one of the hopefuls who not only believes the Broncos will surprise folks, but also that Wilson is going to shock the world. "He's a great dude, he's the same guy every single day, he works his butt off,' Bolles said, via ESPN.com. "And I'm ready for that stuff to go away and when it goes, everyone's going to eat crow.'

Diehards Line:Denver's disintegration wasn't simply a tale of a team failing to meet expectations. Following the disappointing 2022 season, reports emerged describing special treatment of Wilson, who reportedly kept his own office in the Broncos' facility, among other things. Bolles said Thursday those reports angered him, and he's taking them "very personal." Bolles believes he has good reason to be confident that Wilson will turn around what was a miserable season for the All-Pro and Super Bowl-winning quarterback. "He's the same guy, he doesn't change; he's a leader,' Bolles said. ... Because the Broncos traded so much to acquire Wilson, they have no choice but to turn it around in 2023. The alternative means mass firings, save for perhaps Payton, another key figure for whom Denver had to trade away assets to add. The pressure is on. Bolles is attempting to ensure Wilson never feels even a hint of it.