Insider clarifies Russell Wilson report
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero has attempted to explain his original report about the relationship between quarterback Russell Wilson and other members of the Denver Broncos.
Pelissero (h/t New York Post) generated plenty of headlines and buzz when he said during Tuesday's edition of "The Insiders" that Wilson "has lost some people around that team" and "has lost some people in that locker room" amid the quarterback's on-the-field struggles and the team's woeful 3-8 record. As shared by Chris Rosvoglou of The Spun, Pelissero discussed his original statements on Wednesday's episode of "The Insiders."
"I wanted to start off this show by addressing something that Mike [Garafolo] and I discussed yesterday that took on a bit of a life of its own overnight — which is our conversation that we had about the Broncos and Russell Wilson," Pelissero began. "Ultimately I'm responsible — as we all are — for everything that we say on every platform. In this particular case, I wish that some of the other words that I had said on the subject would have gotten equal attention to things about Russell Wilson and the way that some players may feel about the situation right now.
"I also want to go back to the first thing that I said in that segment, which was, 'This is not all Russell Wilson's fault.' He has been hurt throughout the course of the season. He has dealt with the lat strain. He has dealt with a partially-torn hamstring, among other things."
Andrew Mason of Denver sports radio station 104.3 The Fan shared a transcript of Pelissero's full remarks:
After Pelissero's initial story went viral, it was reported that "about half" of the Broncos team attended a birthday party held for Wilson this week. On Wednesday, head coach Nathaniel Hackett said any rumors about Wilson losing the locker room were "all gossip," while the one-time Super Bowl champion signal-caller told reporters he has "got great relationships in that locker room."
Denver safety Justin Simmons and guard Dalton Risner are among teammates who subsequently have defended Wilson.
It can't be denied that Wilson has gone 3-7 as Denver's starter and that he's thrown only eight touchdown passes with five interceptions across his 10 games. He's 30th in the league among qualified passers with a 32.2 total QBR that, per ESPN, is roughly 25 points lower than his previous career low for that category (57.1 in 2016).
Wilson and the Broncos will attempt to turn things around when they play at the 7-4 Baltimore Ravens this Sunday.
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