Watch: Russell Wilson abandons 'let's ride' catchphrase following 19-16 loss to Chargers
While with the Seahawks, Russell Wilson coined his "Mr.Unlimited" persona, his alter ego that represents the belief that he can overcome any obstacle. The label was born as Wilson was flying high with the Seahawks, but the magic is fading in Denver.
Wilson didn't seem like his usual cheery self in a post-game news conference following Monday's overtime loss to the Chargers, even skipping his new catchphrase, "Let's ride."
Wilson's demeanor is understandable because he's taking the heat for a stumbling 2-4 team.
"I have never seen Russell Wilson play this bad in my entire life," said former Broncos star Shannon Sharpe.
Sharpe's jab highlights one of Denver's biggest problems, unrealistic expectations.
When the Broncos traded for Wilson in March, some compared it to when they signed Pro Hall of Famer Peyton Manning in 2012. During Manning's four seasons in Denver, he set the NFL season passing touchdown record in 2013 and led the Broncos to a Super Bowl victory.
However, making this comparison looks foolish when you consider context. Manning, a five-time MVP, took over a team that had made the playoffs the previous year. He was surrounded by talent, specifically young elite players such as Von Miller.
Wilson, who's never received a single MVP vote, inherited an awful franchise coming off consecutive last-place finishes in the AFC West. The roster has good players, but it doesn't look like there's someone who's the same caliber as Miller.
Giving Wilson a $240 million, five-year contract extension made matters worse because it raised expectations further. Wilson has struggled to prove showing him the money was the right move.
He has posted an 83.4 passer rating, which is below the league average and the worst in his career.
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