The 2022 season hasn’t gone anything like the Denver Broncos expected. Those failures start with star quarterback Russell Wilson, who’s endured the worst statistical season of his 11-year career.
With the team getting blown out on Christmas Day and sitting at 4-11, team brass decided to end the Nathaniel Hackett experiment, firing their rookie head coach just 15 games into his first season.
Do Russell Wilson’s Teammates Dislike Him?
Immediately following Hackett’s departure, many frustrated Broncos fans were calling for Wilson’s head as well. Some even proclaimed he got Hackett fired. Then came the story of Wilson reportedly having a private office in the Broncos facility, which further supported his prima donna reputation, and the constant rumors all season of his teammates not really feeling him.
In recent weeks, some of his teammates have defended Wilson.
During his postgame presser on Sunday Wilson thanked those who stood up for him.
“It meant the world to me because I give my all every day. I don’t know anything else. So, I’m grateful for these guys, because they work their butts off, and for them to have my back …” Wilson said before finishing up at the podium.
Teammates Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler and offensive tackle Garett Bolles stood up and voiced their unwavering support for their quarterback.
Jeudy, the team’s leading receiver, took to Twitter to say this:
I ain’t gonna keep looking at these false statements about my boii russ man, as a teammate who sees the elite work ethic this man has is incomparable. He got an office because he’s committed his life to this game. I never had a teammate who motivate me more then russ 💯 https://t.co/G8sTe3Hllg
— Jerry Jeudy⁴ (@jerryjeudy) December 29, 2022
Russell Wilson’s Teammates Come To His Defense
The former Alabama Crimson Tide star immediately followed that tweet up with his displeasure for the media being typically divisive.
“I’m tired of the media trying to portray something it’s not. Got the whole world fooled.”
Teammate KJ Hamler also defended his signal-caller against the slander.
“I’m not gonna let nobody talk down on Russell Wilson,” Hamler said.
As for Bolles, who protects Wilson’s blindside weekly, he tweeted out his support for his signal-caller.
“Russ pours his heart and soul into this game. Most of all, he pours his heart and soul into our TEAM.”
Garett Bolles gives his 100% support to Russell Wilson. https://t.co/To02WDACVX
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) December 30, 2022
While a lot of the criticism of Wilson is definitely warranted, it’s good to see his teammates stand up for him amidst some of the turmoil that has been leaked. It’s a positive sign that there are prominent members of the team willing to attack any slander against their quarterback. Any team can have one bad season in the NFL. It’s important for these guys to show unity entering next season, where the slate will be wiped clean, and they can try to right the wrongs of Russ’ first season in Denver.
Do Broncos Regret Russell Wilson Trade?
In March, the Broncos traded the farm to acquire Wilson and gave the former Wisconsin Badgers star a huge extension of nearly a quarter of a billion dollars. The franchise was awash with optimism and felt that Wilson would elevate them to title contender.
Right now, the trade looks like a huge mistake, as Wilson has suffered the worst statistical season of his career. The weapons surrounding him have also been exposed as overvalued.
Wilson managed just over 3,200 yards, 13 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. For a team that saw 11 signal-callers following Peyton Manning’s retirement in 2015 until Wilson, he did nothing to stabilize the position. Wilson has also shown some real regression. Perhaps Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll was onto something in making the trade in March.
The Broncos are 4-12 despite having a top-ten defense, which has only served to shed more of a light on the ineptitude of the offense.
Broncos Need A New Coach: Sean Payton Or Jim Harbaugh
To land a proven leader like former Saints coach Sean Payton or former Niners head coach Jim Harbaugh, an established signal-caller will have to be in place. Wilson is still the best option.
Can he recapture any of that “Let Russ Cook” magic from Seattle?
Utilizing a player's strengths…seems like the right thing to do https://t.co/doxENDRSzx
— Keith Delahoussaye (@Cajun_Chevalier) December 27, 2022
Payton says he’s fixable. If Russ is, Payton is certainly capable of creating an offense to maximize Wilson’s strengths.
