Last season, easily the biggest non-Seahawks storyline the 12th Man followed intently was how Russell Wilson and the Denver Broncos were doing. Not just because there was perhaps bitterness involved, but Denver losing directly benefited Seattle as they owned the Broncos’ first-round pick.
Denver and Wilson cratered in spectacular fashion, and it became perhaps the greatest example of “the grass isn’t always greener” of all time. But how are the Broncos doing this year? Denver is 0-2, which is a worse start than they had in 2022. However, this year has a different feel.
Buy Seahawks TicketsPrimarily when it comes to their quarterback. Wilson is actually off to a stronger start than expected. The Broncos may be winless, but their quarterback is giving them the best chance to win.
Russell Wilson is on Pace for
4122 yds
42 TDs
8 IntsBut he's the problem?
Broncos have a DC problem.
— Sean Payton ( Savage ) (@broncosbebad) September 18, 2023
Or … is he? Numbers never lie, but they don’t always tell the whole story. Wilson’s raw numbers look good on the surface, but they’re mostly fueled by exceptional first halves. When you look at what he is doing in the second, it’s not great.
Russell Wilson's stats per quarter. He's a completely different player in the second half, especially if you remove the hail mary. #Broncos pic.twitter.com/IRt7xU90zK
— MileHighReport (@MileHighReport) September 21, 2023
Of course, the reference is to the miraculous Hail Mary that Wilson threw against the Washington Commanders. As impressive as it was, the very nature of a Hail Mary pass is, well, literally a prayer.
So far, it does look like Wilson is getting back to his usual self. But these second-half drop-offs are concerning, to say the least. Is this a matter of coaching failing to adjust to what opposing defenses are doing? Possibly, but only time will tell.
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