The Denver Broncos began the 2023 season 1-5 under first-year head Sean Payton before the team began a three-game winning streak that includes wins over the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills. At the forefront of the turnaround has been the Broncos’ oft-maligned defense and quarterback Russell Wilson, whom many were calling washed after last year.
This season, Wilson, the former Seattle Seahawks legend, has looked like the guy who led the Hawks to eight playoff appearances in ten seasons.
Even in the team’s early season struggles this year, Wilson was a bright spot. Now, with the win streak going, Wilson has been even better and looks nothing like the quarterback who struggled mightily in 2022.
Amidst Wilson’s struggles he was often called out by analysts and media pundits daily, in some cases he was even being called the worst blockbuster trade in league history.
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith led the charge on many Monday mornings after NFL Sundays, and for that Wilson’s teammate is calling for Smith and others in the media to apologize to Wilson for their past comments.
Sutton Post Apology Form To Instagram
Following the Broncos’ huge road win at the Buffalo Bills on Monday night, Sutton posted a form that read “Russell Wilson apology form” to his Instagram. This was in response to all those who believed Wilson’s best days were behind him. Friday, on ESPN’s “First Take,” Smith took some time during the show to address the situation.
“I got mad respect for him Sutton, but shut the hell up with that nonsense,” said Smith. “Did you watch the team last year? If anything, Russell Wilson owes all of us an apology for putting forth the year that he put forth that put everything into question.”
Smith is speaking of Wilson’s lackluster 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 2022, and the teams’ 5-12 record. Smith then proceeded to shred Sutton and the Broncos for their effort in 2022.
“You embarrassed yourself. You embarrassed the city of Denver. You embarrassed the history of the Denver Broncos organization,” chided Smith. “You brought it on yourself.”
The 2022 Broncos were absolutely dysfunctional, and that led to the firing of first-year head coach Nathaniel Hackett after just 15 games with a 4-11 record. This year under Payton it’s been a much better product, and Wilson has been the catalyst.
Wilson Leading The Way
This season Wilson has 18 touchdowns and just four interceptions and looks more like the guy who doesn’t turn the ball over. In the past three games he’s got six touchdown passes and zero interceptions. But as far as wanting an apology for folks saying things that were truthful is weird. The contract that Wilson signed when he came over in the trade opens the door for criticism when he isn’t playing well.
Sutton shouldn’t expect anyone to apologize for giving their opinions on Wilson’s play. His turnaround this season should be enough to get folks to keep quiet.
