Denver Broncos wide receiver Tim Patrick. Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

How Tim Patrick's return elevates Denver's WR room

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 4/3/23

The Broncos WR room is getting a massive boost after Tim Patrick's injury update.

On a recent episode of the "Cut To It podcast," Patrick, who suffered a season-ending ACL tear in August, told former star WR Steve Smith Sr., "at this point, I'm cleared to do everything," ahead of OTAs.

It's excellent news for the Broncos because Patrick was one of their most productive players from 2020-21. According to Football Outsiders' Mike Tanier, the 29-year-old wideout led the Broncos in receiving yards (1,476) and receiving TDs (11) during this period.

TIM PATRICK OVER TREVON DIGGS
pic.twitter.com/xU5u1e1Lx9
— PFF (@PFF) November 7, 2021

Additionally, Denver's passing game faltered without him. In 2022, the Broncos had 18 receiving TDs, tied for 27th in the NFL, and finished 15th in receiving yards.

The Broncos' inability to find a viable Patrick backup explained the struggles. Last season, Denver only had two pass-catchers cross the 50-reception mark (Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton). Conversely, Patrick had 51 receptions in 2020 and 53 in 2021.

Therefore, his return re-establishes consistency and allows new HC Sean Payton to open his playbook. Having multiple players who present a threat in the passing game is an offensive touchstone for Payton.

In 2011, when the Saints set an NFL record for total yards in a season (7,474 in 16 games), New Orleans had five players record 50 receptions or more, and five had six or more receiving TDs.

While Denver probably won't set an NFL record, it possesses the depth needed to be a productive unit. The addition of Marquez Callaway -- 10th in yards per reception in 2021 -- will bolster the squad along with Patrick's comeback.

Perhaps Denver's WR room is poised for a rebound next season.

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