Russ-O-Meter: Disappointing Denver debut but Wilson still wins
Sep 20, 2022, 6:46 AM
Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images
Russell Wilson endured boos for a second straight week, this time at his first home game at Empower Field, the new star Broncos quarterback led a disappointing day for Denver.
Still, the Broncos squeaked out a win, beating the Texans 16-9. Most of the Broncos issues in the game came down to Nathaniel Hackett and Wilson was hampered by an early injury to Jerry Jeudy, which kept him out most of the game.
In the weekly “Russ-O-Meter,” we’ll grade and cover what’s gone on in the wide world of Wilson this week. The meter represents how psyched Broncos Country is with Russell.
Meter: 6
Stat line: 14-for-31 passing, 219 passing yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 2 carries, 3 rushing yards, 3 sacks for 18 yards, 45.6 QBR, 66.4 Passer Rating
Wilson’s debut was maybe not as anticipated as we thought, with over three thousand fans not showing up for the game. But the crowd was ready to boil over for a good Broncos team. What they did come to life about was a stagnant offense that looked disorganized. There were drops, delay of game penalties and puzzling play cals.
Despite all of it, Wilson led his 25th career fourth-quarter comeback as the Broncos got their lone touchdown late in the game on a pass.
Fans did still get upset with the Wilson family, when Ciara put on a dance show in celebration after the game. While seemingly benign, most in Broncos Country would say they don’t dance about wins over Houston.
Mood when Bae @DangeRussWilson gets That Dubb:) @Broncos Country #LetsRide 🐎 pic.twitter.com/jCyWprXEwB
— Ciara (@ciara) September 19, 2022
A real test will come next week, when Wilson and the Broncos host the 49ers. It could be a challenge if Jeudy is out since the Broncos next-best target to Courtland Sutton is probably running back Javonte Williams.
Rewinding a bit, last week after the Russ-O-Meter was published we found out Wilson was unaware of the decision on the final drive to go for a field goal. After reviewing the tape, Wilson seemed visibly frustrated that the ball was not in his hands. He then spoke about it later, saying basically as much. After Week 2’s win, Wilson spent a lot of time talking to Hackett in the locker room. It’s certainly worth monitoring one of the most important sports relationships in Denver.
Meanwhile another former teammate took to social media to take a subtle shot at Russ.
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) September 18, 2022
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