When the Denver Broncos traded three players and five picks including two first-rounders and two second-rounders to the Seahawks for star quarterback Russell Wilson, the belief was he would be the missing piece in the “Mile High City.” Prior to Wilson’s arrival the Broncos had a revolving door at the game’s most important position. In fact, since 2016 when Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning walked away following the franchise’s third Super Bowl, eleven different signal-callers started games for the franchise. Adding Wilson was suppose to solidify that, and with the team still having a top-ranked defense, many believed Denver would contend this season.
Thus far in 2022 Wilson has looked like a shell of himself, and the Broncos offense has been downright putrid. In five games Denver has scored a combined 75 points and Wilson has tossed just four touchdown passes, but also three interceptions. His play just looks off, and he looks nothing like the guy who wowed us weekly in Seattle. Following Thursday night’s 12-9 home loss to the Colts, fans, analysts and media everywhere had a field day with the “Broncos Country, let’s ride,” signal-caller. One of the media analysts who had something to say another Wilson’s awful play was FS1’s Shannon Sharpe, who tweeted about it.
After throwing 2 interceptions and no touchdowns in a 12-9 loss to the Colts on #TNF, Broncos QB Russell Wilson ended his postgame presser with:
"#BroncosCountry, let's ride."pic.twitter.com/hFLU4D0ygh
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) October 7, 2022
“It’s looking more and more like the Broncos purchased a lemon, Russ has been AWFUL so far this season. We’re not riding anywhere with him playing like this. Love my Broncos but this ish for the birds. I’m sorry #BroncosCountry for this terrible display of football.”
Sharpe played 12 seasons in Denver, winning back-to-back Super Bowls with the franchise.
Wilson Isn’t The Only One At Fault: Nathaniel Hackett Ain’t Cuttin’ It Either
While Wilson has been pathetic in his play, he’s not the only one at fault for the offensive shortcomings by the Broncos. First-yea head coach Nathaniel Hackett, who made his name as the offensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers with reigning back-to-back MVP Aaron Rodgers, has been terrible in his play-calling. You have to wonder was he successful because of Rodgers and wide receiver Davante Adams instead of his being an innovative offensive mind.
#BroncosCountry LIVE: Coach Hackett meets the media https://t.co/BbhWIloLjc
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) October 7, 2022
That still doesn’t absolve Wilson of his very uncharacteristic bad play. When have we ever seen Wilson make two mistakes in a row on the same play in game-winning situations?
Well, it happened Thursday as he tried to force the football in past former DPOY Stephen Gilmore. One resulted in an interception, the other in a game-winning pass defensed in overtime. Both times there were other options wide open, but Wilson made up in his mind pre-snap he was throwing it Gilmore’s way. Not a smart move.
This season Wilson is learning a new system, but besides that he looks as if he can’t read a defense.
How is that possible?
Wilson has always played backyard football, where he ran around and played off-schedule. That type of play doesn’t require a QB to read a defense, because you’re banking on defenses coming off their coverage while you scramble around. With Wilson getting older, that isn’t happening as often, and he now has to stand in the pocket and actually go through his progressions much more. And he’s struggling with that part of playing QB.
Wilson Takes Accountability For Loss: As He Should’ve
Following the loss Wilson did put the loss on himself.
“It’s very simple — at the end of the day, I’ve got to be better, I’ve got to play better. The defense played their butts off tonight, we had some key good drives. At the end of the day, throwing two interceptions can’t happen. Can’t happen. I let the team down tonight.”
Russell Wilson took to Twitter following Thursday night’s overtime loss to the Colts https://t.co/qvX2vF2iGP
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) October 7, 2022
No lies detected, and now Wilson and the Broncos have 10 days to rectify what has been ailing them on the offensive side of the football. It’s another prime-time tilt for the Broncos, their fourth in six weeks, as they travel to face the division rival Chargers on “Monday Night Football” on Oct. 17.
Read More TSL Stories:
