Broncos HC on protecting Russell Wilson: 'We don't ever want him to get touched'

Denver Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett has repeatedly emphasized the importance of protecting 33-year-old quarterback Russell Wilson.

“We don’t ever want him to get touched,” Hackett said at Tuesday's news conference. “We want him to play 10 years here, 12 years, 15 years."

Denver running backs Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon are solid and can take the pressure off Wilson. However, the offensive line must improve on pass protection. According to Pro Football Focus, it gave up 28 sacks last season, which ranked 27th among NFL teams. 

Wilson is well-known for his ability to scramble and make big plays. However, Hackett doesn't want him to improvise too much, fearing serious injury.

Center Lloyd Cushenberry and Wilson spent significant time together this summer before training camp. 

“Cush came down to California, San Diego with all the receivers and was snapping every day," Wilson told Sports Illustrated's Keith Cummings. "The guy probably snapped 800 snaps, maybe more, within that little period of time. That built trust.”

Cushenberry acknowledged protecting Wilson is a greater challenge because defenses will attack him. He also thinks the team has a great opportunity to become a contender again. 

“You know it’s high expectations, but you wouldn’t want anything else,” Cushenberry said, via Broncos Twitter. “Of course, we want to have the expectations of making it to the Super Bowl and the playoffs.”