Russ-O-Meter: Russell returns and leads to a Wilson-led Broncos win

It wasn't a thing of beauty from start to finish, but when the game was on the line, the Broncos quarterback delivered in a big way

BY JAKE SHAPIRO

Nov 1, 2022, 6:39 AM Updated: 9:16 am

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(Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Maybe it was the high knees; maybe it was that change or scenery, or maybe the Jags are just really bad; either way, Russell Wilson rebounded on Sunday.

The Broncos’ star quarterback, who is struggling through the season, led his third fourth-quarter comeback of the season and 27th of his career to give the Broncos an overseas 21-17 win. In doing so, he showed his worth to Denver. Still, he had a tough game, and signs of his hamstring and shoulder injuries were apparent.

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: 4 (↑2)

Stat line: 18-for-30 passing, 252 passing yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 4 carries, 17 rushing yards, 0 TD, 3 sacks for 22 yards, 36.7 QBR, 84.3 Passer Rating

It was the return of ‘Let’s Ride’ for Russ, as he looked really solid for large portions of the game. Once the Broncos would get a first down on a drive, they rolled. If they got behind the sticks, it was almost always a three-and-out. Denver’s offense, no doubt, still looks terrible, but there were some positive signs.

While 21 points is the second-best scoring output for the orange and blue this season, it still falls below the league average for points in a game. Brett Rypien’s lone game starting showed the issues aren’t all tied to Wilson, and it’s likely scheme or weapons based.

The good news is that Wilson seems to have found real chemistry with a target: rookie tight end Greg Dulcich. The UCLA Bruin went for 87 yards on four catches, mostly on one drive.

Denver is now on a bye week, which will give the Broncos offense a chance to regroup and Wilson a chance to get even closer to 100%.

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