Schlereth: Rypien operates Broncos offense better than Wilson
Dec 20, 2022, 11:32 AM | Updated: 12:27 pm
On Sunday, the Broncos ended their five-game losing streak. They posted a 24-15 victory over the Cardinals, their second-highest point total of the season.
It begs the question: What caused Denver to have a bit of a breakout game?
The biggest difference in the game came at quarterback. Russell Wilson was out with a concussion, so Brett Rypien got the start.
The backup QB’s numbers weren’t great. He completed 21 of 26 passes for 197 yards, one touchdown and one interception. And one of his touchdown drives was only five yards long, thanks to a Justin Simmons interception that set the Broncos offense up with great field position.
But he did do a good job of running Nathaniel Hackett’s offense. Denver stuck with their running game, as play-caller Klint Kubiak kept calling Latavius Murray’s number, to the tune of 130 yards on 24 carries.
As a result, an argument can be made that the Broncos are better off with Rypien behind center. On Tuesday, Mark Schlereth suggested as much on “Schlereth and Evans.”
“Brett Rypien operates that offense better than Wilson,” the 104.3 The Fan host said. “Bar none. No questions asked It’s not even close.”
Co-host Mike Evans pressed Schlereth on the comment, asking if that meant Rypien was a better quarterback.
“It doesn’t mean that he’s a more dynamic player,” Schlereth added. “It just means that he is better right now at functioning the system than Russell Wilson.”
In other words, Rypien is willing to keep things simple.
“Ryp is better at getting through progressions, getting to a second or third option,” Schlereth added. “Russell is better if things break down. Off-schedule stuff is what Russell is great at.”
Evans then asked if there was a system Wilson could run effectively.
“If No. 1 in your progression isn’t open, then go make something happen,” Schlereth answered. “It’s a system they played for 10 years (in Seattle).”
Let the debate commence. Are the Broncos better off with Russell Wilson or Brett Rypien? Mark Schlereth certainly threw a log on that fire.
