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Rant on Russ leads to bigger question

Wilson has played well for the most part this year, but there are still three games to go.

DETROIT — When the boss is yelling at the second in command, it draws attention.

After the Denver Broncos failed to score a touchdown in the third quarter when it looked like they might have scored on three consecutive plays, Broncos head coach Sean Payton first berated the officials, then took his frustration out on quarterback Russell Wilson.

As Payton was giving his quarterback the what-for, did you notice how Wilson handled it? He stood stoically, obediently, unflinchingly while absorbing what it was the coach had to say.

Next time he had the ball, Wilson hit tight end Lucas Krull for an 18-yard completion. The second series he had the ball, Wilson finished off a 62-yard drive by taking it in himself for a 1-yard touchdown run.

Criticize Wilson all you want. Everybody has, including it appears his head coach. This is a player of strong character, thick skin and an unwavering spirit.

“You want a coach that’s passionate,’’ Wilson said after the Broncos’ 42-17 loss Saturday night to the Detroit Lions to a question about Payton’s animated sideline lecture. “We want players that are too.’’

Credit: Drew Litton

Payton was asked three times at his postgame press conference about his admonishment of Wilson.

“I was upset about the call,’’ Payton said. “That’s all. Simple. That’s it.”

Yes, that explains why Payton chastised the official. But Wilson?

“No, I was upset at the call,’’ he said.

Later, Payton was asked more specifically if the offsides penalty called on right guard Quinn Meinerz was why his rant was directed at Wilson.

“Listen, what I talk with Russell about is none of your business,” Payton said.

Credit: AP
Broncos quarterbacks coach Davis Webb talks with quarterback Russell Wilson during Saturday's game against the Detroit Lions. (AP Photo/David Dermer)

Working alongside this heated, in-the-game moment is Wilson’s future. His contract is written in a way so that owner Greg Penner and Payton will have to make a decision as to whether they will continue with Wilson for the next two years, or move on to someone else. Wilson has a guaranteed $39 million coming to him in 2024. He also has $37 million in 2025 that becomes guaranteed on the fifth day of the 2024 league year, or March 17.

Three months from now. The possibility of the Broncos’ eating the $39 million in 2024 to save $37 million in 2025 is there.

Careful, though. Wilson is playing well for the most part this season. He has 24 touchdown passes against 8 interceptions for a 97.5 passer rating that ranks 8th among NFL-qualifying quarterbacks.

But the Broncos also rank a disappointing 25th in total offense with 299.8 yards per game and 16th in scoring with a 21.7-point average.

In Payton’s 15 years as the New Orleans Saints’ head coach, his offenses ranked No. 1 six times and were in the top 10 thirteen times. The Saints ranked in the top 10 in scoring 12 times. They scored at least 28 points a game in 9 seasons.

So Payton is not accustomed to coaching such a pedestrian offense.

Still, the Broncos could get way worse at the quarterback position before they get better if they move on from Wilson. One thought: Keep Russ and use a first- or second-round pick (would have to trade up) to take a young quarterback to groom for a year or so.

These next three games – home against the 3-10 Patriots and 5-8 Chargers, then a season finale at Las Vegas against the 6-8 Raiders – will provide the final body of work.

Know this: Whatever the Broncos decide in three months, Wilson will be fine. He’ll take what’s handed to him. He won’t flinch. He will keep his relentlessly positive attitude. And he will carry on whether that means staying put or not.

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