Former MVP unveils what Broncos' Russell Wilson needs to bounce back

A former NFL MVP believes the revival of Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson starts with him regaining his moxie.

"[The coaches in Denver] don't have a history with Wilson, who more than anything, needs to regain the eye of the tiger," Rich Gannon, a QB from 1987 to 2004 and CBS Sports analyst, said, per the 33rdTeam. "He needs to get his confidence, his passion and his ability to control the tempo of the game back." 

After the Broncos traded two first-rounders (and more) to acquire the former Seattle star, he didn't look like a nine-time Pro Bowler. In 15 games, he went 4-11 and recorded career lows in passing TDs (16), passer rating (84.4) and completion percentage (60.5 percent). 

"When I looked in Wilson's eyes in his first season with the Denver Broncos, clearly something wasn't right," Gannon said. "He looked lost to me." 

Since Denver wanted Wilson to end its seven-year playoff drought immediately, he might have succumbed to pressure when the Broncos started to struggle, explaining the sharp decline in his play.

To help Wilson salvage his career, the Broncos revamped their offense, which finished last in scoring last season. Denver fortified the O-line — which allowed the most sacks (63) in the league — signing LG Ben Powers and RT Mike McGlinchey. It also replaced one-and-done HC Nathaniel Hackett with Sean Payton. 

Payton, a Super Bowl champion, is the right hire because he knows Wilson must feel comfortable and needs help from his supporting cast to succeed. 

"The two greatest allies for a QB are defense and a run game," Payton said in his introductory news conference. "We need to take (Wilson) off the high dive the whole time." 

If Wilson and Payton click, it will help the QB redevelop his edge, which could lead Denver to its first winning season in six years.