Broncos interim coach offers strong response to criticisms of Russell Wilson

Denver Broncos interim head coach Jerry Rosburg seemed to want to use a not-safe-for-work term when talking about the many criticisms directed toward quarterback Russell Wilson. 

"What’s a substitute word? Crap. It’s a bunch of crap," Rosburg said of the situation on Friday, per Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk. 

Rosburg was speaking after wide receivers Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler, among other Denver players, offered strong defenses of Wilson through social media and comments made to reporters. As Ryan Glasspiegel of the New York Post mentioned, Hall of Famer and current FS1 analyst Shannon Sharpe claimed earlier this week that Wilson "ticked a lot of people off" within the organization and left some teammates "seething" due to his attitude.

Rosburg, who took charge of the 4-11 Broncos after the club fired first-year head coach Nathaniel Hackett, praised individuals such as Jeudy and Hamler for having Wilson's back. 

"I don’t live in that world, but people tell me things, and I really appreciate those people who do that because Russell Wilson, I watch him practice out here, I see what he does. I see a Hall of Fame quarterback on the practice field," Rosburg continued. 

PFT's Mike Florio said on Friday morning he believes Denver players rushing to Wilson's defense now "feels orchestrated and contrived" considering the 34-year-old was routinely crushed by the likes of ex-teammate Michael Robinson, ESPN's Keyshawn Johnson, and NFL Network's Kyle Brandt on more than one occasion throughout the fall.

Regardless of what Wilson's teammates truly think of him after less than a full season together, the harsh truth of the matter is that everyone involved will be playing only for pride when Denver faces the 12-3 Kansas City Chiefs this Sunday.