Russell Wilson struggles on Thursday Night Football raise concerns for Broncos
A disappointing start to the new campaign has Broncos fans wondering if their franchise made the right move this off-season. Has Russell Wilson shown his worth this season?
Starting a new job comes with its difficulties. Adjusting to new cultures, schedules and routines makes finding success in new places vigorous. Franchise quarterbacks are expected to produce results despite circumstances. Their leadership is essential for success – without it, a franchises experience disastrous starts.
Russell Wilson struggles to lead Broncos’ offense in a sloppy Thursday Night Football display
Nathaniel Hackett and his staff are in the middle of a crisis and must find a resolution before their season falls down the drain. Offensive struggles haunt the Broncos, dragging the team to the bottom of the standings. A loss to the Indianapolis Colts displayed Denver’s faults in primetime.
Ejiro Evero’s defense forced two turnovers and kept the Colts out of the endzone – but failed to ensure a victory. Here are a few numbers to consider from Thursday’s performance.
2: Turnovers were a common theme in Thursday’s exhibition. Defenses fought to protect the leads – each forcing two interceptions.
231: While the quarterbacks struggled to find a rhythm, both teams relied on their rushing attack to gain yards. Deon Jackson and Phillip Lindsay combined for 102 yards on the night. Melvin Gordon III led the charge for Broncos running backs – finishing with 54 yards on the ground. When the final whistle sounded, both teams combined for 231 yards rushing.
3: Denver’s receiving core left Thursday’s matchup frustrated with the result. Wilson struggled to move the ball downfield – even when his targets were open downfield. Courtland Sutton led the charge for Hackett’s receiving crew, finishing with five receptions and 84 yards. Jerry Jeudy, Mike Boone, and Melvin Gordon III got involved when they could – each finishing with 3 receptions.
6: Evero’s defense kept the Broncos in the game until the final seconds. Consistent pressure on the quarterback disrupted Indianapolis’ pocket presence – resulting in sacks. Denver tallied six sacks Thursday Night. Bradley Chubb led the charge to the backfield, leading the defense with 2.5 sacks on the night.
Russell Wilson’s performances this season are costing the Broncos important wins
Losing without giving up a touchdown is odd, and Denver fans are frustrated. Frustrations on offense began in week 1 – when the Seahawks ruined No. 3’s return to Seattle. Issues moving the ball continued against the Texans and 49ers, but the Broncos got the job done.
Russell’s struggles have cost the Broncos multiple wins. Denver paid top dollar for their new gunslinger, and he has failed to produce results. His four touchdown passes are outshined by interceptions – results that are unlike the 10-season veteran. Poor decision-making makes Wilson a liability – putting the Broncos in an unfavorable situation.
Expectations for Wilson’s first year under center in Denver were high, but the All-Pro quarterback has answered the call throughout his career. A 10-year run with the Seahawks demonstrated No.3’s elite skill set. His 37,059 yards passing and 292 touchdowns turned Seattle into a winning franchise. Wilson’s falloff this season concerns his new fanbase, leaving fans to question if their blockbuster trade was worth the off-season hype.
Reactions to Thursday’s performance have put No.3 in the hot seat. Analysts continue to question Wilson’s leadership and decision-making with his new squad – characteristics that led Wilson to a Super Bowl title. It is not too late for the Broncos to right to save the season.
12 games remain in the regular season, leaving Denver with enough opportunity to find answers to glaring issues on offense.