The hope and optimism machine isn’t in high gear just yet, but let’s fire it up to see what happens.

While it may not be breaking news to anyone, the 2022 Denver Broncos season was a dud of a disaster… a disaster of a dud. A dud, dud, dud, disaster of alliterative proportions. Ugh, what an awful season.

So, it’s February. The Combine is still a couple weeks out, the new league year doesn’t happen until the middle of march, free agency buzz won’t start really heating up for a while yet.

What’s there to look forward to?!

…Here are three things.

Uniforms

With the demise of the NFL’s single helmet rule, teams are now free to swap out their headgear for different colors, enabling them to explore different uniform and color combinations. Could the Broncos unveil a throwback, alternate, or a new look for use on the field?

Maybe.

While a total uniform redesign in unlikely because of the year-long process the league required to get through, throwbacks and/or alternates become great candidates in the 2023 season. In November, the Broncos sent out a survey to fans asking for feedback on uniforms past and present. Who knows just when the first fruits of that effort will bear?

Stadium Upgrades

$100,000,000 in stadium upgrades are just what you need to forget offensive ineptitude and incompetent coaches unable to manage the play clock without fans help, right? Close.

The scoreboard is gettting the most notable attention. It will be bigger and better at 72’ x 225’ – 31’ taller than it previously stood. The stadium team store is also getting an expansion, adding 3,000 sq ft. Most importantly, the wine and cheese crowd in the premium hospitality areas of the stadium will get newly renovated, updated, and refreshed settings in which to enjoy their wine and cheese. Everybody wins.

Will the Real Russ Please Stand Up

Is Russ broken? Was Nathaniel Hackett’s system to blame? Just what do the Denver Broncos have in Russell Wilson.

As Wilson enters his second year in Denver, all eyes are now on him to perform. The narrative that the historically bad offense in 2022 was a product of Hackett’s inexperience at head coach, will not protect Wilson in 2023. Fans are going to expect results from their well-compensated quarterback. Enthusiasm, excuses, and every other tool the Broncos have employed to distract from the raging tire fire of Broncos-brand football over these last 7-season won’t fly this year. At great cost, the Broncos brought in Russell Wilson. At great cost, Sean Payton will now roam the sideline in Denver. Fans are ready to see some return on those investments, starting with Russell Wilson.

HEADLINES

Mile High Morning: The Hall of Fame case for Dan Reeves
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Denver Broncos coaching staff update | 9news.com
Vance Joseph and Rex Ryan are in the mix to become the Denver Broncos’ next defensive coordinator.

Ask Aric: How will Sean Payton help the Broncos’ offense have a bounce-back season?
The 2023 NFL Scouting Combine is just a week away, which means that even though the Super Bowl just ended, we’re already on the march toward another season.

Report: Vance Joseph will interview remotely with Eagles on Wednesday and Thursday – ProFootballTalk

Former Vikings owner Red McCombs dies at age of 95
A former owner of two NBA teams, an NFL franchise and longtime Texas businessman, Billy Joe “Red” McCombs has died at his home in San Antonio, according to a statement from his family on Monday.

Aaron Rodgers trade rumors: Packers ready to move on, have confidence in Jordan Love, per report – CBSSports.com
Could we finally see Green Bay and its future HOF QB part ways?

New Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon takes blame for Eagles’ Super Bowl loss: ‘I didn’t do a good enough job’ – CBSSports.com
Gannon knows he could have been better in Super Bowl LVII

Colts expected to name Jim Bob Cooter as new offensive coordinator, per report – CBSSports.com
Steichen is bringing in a veteran assistant to help him run the offense

Derek Carr’s brother reveals new details about Raiders’ breakup with their veteran quarterback – CBSSports.com
It seems that Josh McDaniels and Derek Carr weren’t on the same page with how the Raiders’ offense should be run

Chargers promoting Derrick Ansley to defensive coordinator; former DC Renaldo Hill joining Dolphins
NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported Monday that the Chargers plan to promote Derrick Ansley to defensive coordinator and Tommy Donatell to secondary coach/pass game coordinator, per sources informed of the situation.

Colts finalizing deal to hire Jim Bob Cooter as new offensive coordinator
The Indianapolis Colts are finalizing a deal to make Jim Bob Cooter their next offensive coordinator, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported on Monday.

2022 NFL rookie grades, NFC South: Falcons and Saints hit on first-round wide receivers
The Falcons and Saints each hit on a first-round wide receiver (Drake London and Chris Olave, respectively), but how did the rest of their newbies perform in Year 1? Nick Shook grades each rookie class in the NFC South.

2022 NFL rookie grades, NFC North: Lions receive immediate returns; did Packers find new WR duo?
Detroit and Green Bay both had two first-round picks in last year’s draft, but which team got the most out of its first-year players in 2022? Eric Edholm grades the rookie class of each team in the NFC North.

New Cardinals DC Nick Rallis had multiple teams try to lure him away after Arizona made job offer, per report – CBSSports.com
Rallis is a rising star in the coaching ranks

Marriott removes Michael Irvin’s $100 million lawsuit to federal court – ProFootballTalk

Will Jets pursue Aaron Rodgers or Derek Carr? – ProFootballTalk

Report: Cowboys “intrigued” by C.J. Stroud – ProFootballTalk

Matt Araiza not signing with Mexican team after all – ProFootballTalk

NFL news roundup: Latest league updates from Monday, Feb. 20
NFL.com keeps you up to date with all of the latest league news from around the NFL. Visit NFL.com’s transaction hub for a daily breakdown.