Broncos' offensive scheme explains problems
The Broncos (3-8) failed to develop a scheme for Russell Wilson, explaining the offense's problems.
An anonymous NFL executive told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, "Denver didn't have any familiarity with the player or his fit in the system, and he's declining as an aging, smaller quarterback."
Fowler added several executives felt Wilson was a consolation prize since Denver wanted Aaron Rodgers. Denver appeared to court Rodgers when it hired Nathaniel Hackett, a former Packers offensive coordinator.
The Broncos were so enamored with Rodgers that they forgot to tailor the system for Wilson.
"A lot of coaches get so tied to their system that they're not flexible to making their system accentuate the positive and minimize the negative of the player," said NBC Sports' Mike Florio Thursday on the Rich Eisen Show.
Per ESPN's Bill Barnwell, Wilson rolled out on 12 percent of his dropbacks last year. This year his rollout rate dropped to 7.8 percent.
That's significant because rolling out is his strength, allowing him to improvise. Forcing him to be a prototypical pocket passer is a mistake, something the Seahawks understood.
"A couple of things he has done well throughout his career are RPOs and play-action shots. The Broncos have to find a way to develop their running game," said Robert Griffin III Thursday on Eisen's show.
Denver ranks 24th in total rushing yards. Last season, Seattle ranked 11th. Wilson posted a 103.1 passer rating in 2021. Through 10 starts this year, he recorded a career-low 82.3 rating.
The lesson is if you're going to have a player be your franchise savior, center the scheme around the individual.
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