New York Giants former quarterback Eli Manning in attendance during the game against the Carolina Panthers at MetLife Stadium. Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Russell Wilson responds to Eli Manning's joke that Broncos should have paid their punter instead of him

It hasn't been a pretty start to the Russell Wilson era in Denver. Sure, the Broncos are technically 2-1. That much is indeed true.

With that said, the Wilson and Nathaniel Hackett-led offense is scoring just 14.3 points per game so far with just three total touchdowns. In this past Monday Night Football's win over the San Francisco 49ers, Wilson threw for just 184 yards and no touchdowns while the offense mustered up just 261 total yards on a measly 3.7 yards per play.

Sure. the Broncos won 11-10, but that's far from letting Wilson cook as a quarterback

In fact, Denver's punter, Corliss Waitman, actually gained 215 more net yards than Wilson's offense did on Monday night. He punted 10 times for 476 yards. 

Waitman was so prominent in the game for Denver that Eli Manning, one-half of the ever-popular "Manningcast", joked that Denver should have given the punter a huge contract rather than Wilson this offseason.

Now, it certain circles and with certain people, this would be enough to start a massive beef. Had Manning said that about Conor McGregor, for instance, we'd be having a whole different conversation.

Wilson has always been on top of his public relations game, though, so he took the comments in stride when asked about them:

Listen, Chad Powers may not have the money or fame that Wilson has, but he certainly could put up more than 11 points against the 49ers at home.

Don't get it twisted, Russ.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Cavaliers punch back, blowing out Celtics in Game 2
Coach: Oilers star center could miss Game 2 vs. Canucks
Watch: Cavaliers' Evan Mobley turns defense into offense in Game 2 vs. Celtics
Xander Schauffele tops stacked leaderboard after first round of Wells Fargo Championship
Rangers center making long-awaited return in Game 3 vs. Hurricanes
Suns talks with head-coaching target 'expected to move quickly'
Knicks get even more bad injury news ahead of Game 3
Frank Vogel fell victim to a Suns ownership group eager to win
2008 Celtics champion sentenced to prison despite emotional plea
Skip Bayless makes huge Tom Brady prediction after Netflix roast
14-year-old phenom signs unprecedented MLS deal that includes future Man City transfer
Pacers coach claims officials are biased against 'small market' teams
Hall of Famer makes bold prediction about Russell Wilson, Steelers
49ers Hall of Fame CB Jimmy Johnson dies
Rams make surprising move with former team captain
NBA announces discipline for Bucks' Patrick Beverley
Hall of Fame RB defends Najee Harris after Steelers decline fifth-year option
Pacers file shocking number of questionable calls after Game 2 loss vs. Knicks
Former NBA star says Anthony Edwards becomes face of the NBA if Wolves knock off Nuggets
Hornets hire top Celtics assistant as next head coach

Want more Broncos news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.