The Denver Broncos are 0-2 after blowing a sizable lead against the Washington Commanders in Week 2 and falling just short of a comeback. Under new head coach Sean Payton, quarterback Russell Wilson has put up respectable numbers thus far, but some underlying tension may have surfaced following Sunday’s game.
Payton bemoaned the offense’s lack of urgency when entering and exiting huddles and wasting too much time in pre-snap circumstances after the Commanders’ defeat. He admitted fault, but he also called Wilson out, telling him to do better. Payton even went so far as to suggest that his quarterback would have to start donning a wristband in the future. You can see the video below,
Here’s Sean Payton postgame pointing out the offense’s lack of efficiency at times pre-snap. And maybe making calls using a wristband may be in their future.@KOAColorado #BroncosCountry pic.twitter.com/OLEQOlfwZQ
— Brandon Krisztal (@BKDenverSports) September 18, 2023
When Wilson was questioned about Payton’s remarks, he didn’t appear to find them to be as significant as his coach did. He said, “I thought we’ve done a really good job getting in and out of the huddles.”
After hearing Sean Payton’s frustration with getting to the line of scrimmage too slowly, and Mike McGlinchey echoing his HC’s sentiments.
Thus, I asked Russell Wilson what he thought about the pre-snap operation/execution. He seems less concerned.@KOAColorado #BroncosCountry pic.twitter.com/1MOyCzh782— Brandon Krisztal (@BKDenverSports) September 18, 2023
He did mention that they needed to clean up, but he didn’t seem to take it as seriously as his coach does.
On Sunday, the Broncos had a 21-3 lead but fell 35-33. That kind of loss affects everybody. However, Payton’s rage following the game was directed at Wilson and his defence. Although the offence did manage to score 33 points, Wilson was outperformed by first-year starter Sam Howell after the half as the Broncos could only generate two field goals.
Wilson’s performances so far this season
Wilson is been completing 68.2 percent of his passes for 485 yards, five touchdowns, and only one interception so far this season. His passer rating was 108.5 and his quarterback rating was 62.5. He averaged 7.3 yards per attempt. Those are respectable figures. Not the best NFL stuff, but consistently good.
Consistency has been the problem. At times, Denver’s offence appears to be operating out of rhythm. With a new system and some new players, perhaps that is to be expected. Wilson, however, is a veteran in his 12th season at 34 years old. He is now two seasons into a five-year, $242.6 million contract.
His responsibility is to make this kind of change seamless.
