How extra work with Russell Wilson helps Montrell Washington and other WRs

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The end of practice each day is actually far from it for Broncos receivers and Russell Wilson.

Most days, a group of pass catchers and the quarterback remain on the field for upwards of 45 minutes after coaches go inside. It’s a glimpse into the type of work Wilson and his teammates did during offseason sessions at his San Diego-area residence.

It is meticulous.

And for rookie Montrell Washington, that work is invaluable.

“Honestly, that’s the time for me to learn the small details, things that he personally likes — and also, just to critique my craft, as well,” Washington said.

The extra work Wilson has his receivers resembles the Peyton Manning days. For example, during special-teams periods, Wilson usually gathers a handful of his pass-catchers not doing special-teams work to work on specific routes, often in the red zone.

And as you watch fade route after fade route, one’s mind recalls Peyton Manning throwing the same type of passes to Eric Decker, Brandon Stokley and the late Demaryius Thomas 10 summers ago.

For Wilson, the demand is precision.

“The small details. Russ is big on details,” Washington said.

“If it’s third down, knowing the situation, things like that. If if it’s third-and-5, you’ve got to run your route five yards — or really, six. Just doing all those small things.”

It’s how Wilson knows he can keep the offense on schedule. Make your break at the right spot, and the quarterback trusts you to be there. Without the right route, the anticipatory throws the scheme — and Wilson — demand won’t be there.

“He’s trusting you to be in that one spot. That’s kind of where the small details come in,” Washington said. “So, he’s going to let the ball go. You have to be where you’re supposed to be at that landmark.”

Sometimes, that means taking the hit.

That was the case in Buffalo on the Broncos’ third play from scrimmage. Josh Johnson looked in Washington’s direction across the middle. Buffalo’s Jaquan Johnson had position for the hit.

At the pass arrived, Washington knew he’d absorb the blow.

“At this level, it’s your job,” Washington said. “So, it’s no getting scared. Me, personally, I’m kind of fearless.”

But for Washington, it’s something more — something surprising.”

“So, just being able to catch a ball going through the middle,” Washington said, “it’s an honor.”

An honor to potentially get crushed? That might not make sense to the layman, but it does to Washington.

“They’re throwing you the ball, so it’s your chance to make a play,” he said. “I just try to make a play when my number is called, and my number was called then. I’m glad I was able to make that play.”

And if he keeps working with Wilson, there will be plenty more like it in the future.

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NOTES

• Offensive tackle Billy Turner returned to practice after not being on the field Monday.
• Wide receiver KJ Hamler and outside linebacker Randy Gregory saw extensive work for a second consecutive day. “I thought they did really good,” Hackett said. “Randy, you could definitely see the power off the edge — being able to set the edge. He had a couple of really good pass rush moves. Very violent with his hands, which is always good. He’s got fresh legs, so he’s flying around.”
• Inside linebacker Jonas Griffith (dislocated elbow), tight end Greg Dulcich (hamstring) and punter Sam Martin (ankle) worked out on the side field.