Why Frank Clark believes Broncos can 'turn it around in a heartbeat'

After recently signing with the Broncos, defensive end Frank Clark believes he's the missing piece Denver needs in order to rebound after a 5-12 season.

"You can say what you want about their record, but if you know football, if you understand it, that's the type of team that can turn it around in a heartbeat," Clark said Friday on the "Undefined with Josina Anderson" podcast. "They just need to add a few pieces to get the job done, and I feel like they're doing the right thing adding me."

Clark is a three-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion, so he has the pedigree a team that wants to make a quick turnaround needs. He also may want to prove that AFC West rival Kansas City made a mistake when they released him in March. 

Last season, the Broncos defense had moments where it looked like it could be elite, finishing 14th in points allowed and seventh in yards allowed. Denver's only defensive weakness was its pass rush, which logged 36 sacks, tied for the 10th-fewest in the NFL. Clark should help here since he has recorded 23.5 sacks over the past four seasons.

On the other side of the ball, the Broncos certainly have more work to do after finishing last in scoring in the 2022-2023 season. However, they hired HC Sean Payton, a Super Bowl champion and offensive mastermind.  If Payton can help quarterback Russell Wilson return to Pro Bowl form, the offense will quickly improve, helping their playoff chances.

Denver made smart offseason moves, which could bolster the franchise. Now, it must maximize them to end a seven-year playoff drought.