Russell Wilson needs to ride to victory and save legacy against Jaguars
Russell Wilson, let's ride to victory and prove you're Denver's savior.
Broncos rookie head coach Nathaniel Hackett announced Wilson will start Sunday against the Jaguars after he sat out in a 16-9 loss against the Jets with a hamstring injury.
The Broncos' offense has looked hapless without Wilson, but he hasn't fulfilled lofty expectations either. He's completing 58.6 percent of his passes, below the league average. Also, the 2-5 team is on the verge of a collapse.
Denver has lost four straight games, and if the Broncos fall against Jacksonville, they likely will trade multiple players and possibly fire Hackett, per ESPN's Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler.
Not all blame should fall on Wilson, but when you play quarterback and get paid more than $240 million, scrutiny falls on you.
His social media presence has annoyed some. Earlier this week, video of his high knees exercise on an eight-hour plane ride to London grabbed attention.
"Russ is about show now," said former Broncos' star Shannon Sharpe. "It isn't about football, it's all celebrity."
Wilson can't avoid fame, but goofy actions and poor performance on the field stain his image. Even though he was great in Seattle, a Denver disaster could hurt his Pro Football Hall of Fame case.
However, saving the jobs of coaches and players could rebuild his credibility.
Since 1990, 144 teams have started 2-5, and only eight have made the playoffs. If Wilson and the Broncos become the ninth, he can reshape his legacy.
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