Russell Wilson is a Complete Failure in Denver

The Denver Broncos gave up a lot in the offseason to acquire Russell Wilson from the Seattle Seahawks. Russell Wilson, a nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback, was sent to Denver along with a fourth-round pick in exchange for two first-round picks, two second-round picks, a fifth-round pick, tight end Noah Fant, defensive end Shelby Harris, and quarterback Drew Lock.

The deal wasn’t heavily criticized at the time. Russell Wilson was coming off of a season in which he threw for 25 touchdowns and just six interceptions and was one year removed from a career-best 40 touchdowns. Denver was a +1550 favorite to win the Super Bowl in April.

Things have changed dramatically through six games. Russell Wilson has the worst completion percentage (58.6) and QB rating (83.4) of his career and has just five touchdowns. Even before the Broncos’ overtime loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday Night Football, Denver’s Super Bowl odds had fallen all the way to +5750.

You can’t even make an argument that there could be good value there – that’s essentially throwing away money at this point. You’re better off spending that on a Dangerwhich. But be careful – it’s spicy.

He Hasn’t Been as Mobile as Usual

Russell Wilson’s decline can be traced back to last season. While his passing numbers were solid, he rushed for a career-worst 183 yards, or just 13.1 yards per game. In contrast, he rushed for more than 30 yards per game in six of the prior nine seasons.

Normally, Russell Wilson would be able to escape the pocket and gain yardage with his legs when he couldn’t find an open receiver. He doesn’t seem to have that ability anymore. Wilson has 16 yards rushing per game this season and didn’t even attempt to use his legs in the first two games of the season. Defenses have been able to pressure Wilson, and he has been unable to make them pay by picking up yards with his legs.

He’s also clearly lost some throwing strength and accuracy. Russell Wilson’s completed air yards per passing attempt is just 3.8, the lowest since the stat was tracked in 2018, and his receivers average 6 yards per catch after completion. That’s the highest since 2018, meaning his receivers are helping him more than he’s helping them.

Offensive Line is Failing Him

While his abilities have definitely declined in Denver, the Broncos’ poor start isn’t all on Wilson. Denver is 19th in rushing yards per game and last in the league in points per game at 15.2. They can’t finish in the red zone and they’ve turned the ball over too many times.

Denver’s defense, fortunately, has allowed the third-fewest yards per game in the league at 290.3. The defensive line has been a big part of that, but the offensive line has been atrocious. Russell Wilson was sacked four times on Monday night, while the Broncos have allowed the fifth-most sacks per game through the first six weeks of the season.