The Denver Broncos desperately needed a win on Thursday night, coming into their matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs with a 1-4 record on the year. That didn’t happen, and a big reason why was the painful struggles of star quarterback Russell Wilson in the game.
While the Broncos as a team clearly haven’t had the year they wanted to this point, Wilson actually came into the game playing pretty solid football this season. Through five games, Wilson had the fourth-highest passer rating in all of football.
However, Thursday’s game was an entirely different story, as the Chiefs’ defense forced Wilson into some pretty brutal mistakes.
This is not the start Russell Wilson and the Broncos needed vs the Chiefs.
Brutal interception here. #TNF pic.twitter.com/DWSxVkkPCx
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) October 13, 2023
Things are not going well for Russell Wilson and the Denver Broncos. 🏈😬 #TNF pic.twitter.com/wVVXsChSfz
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) October 13, 2023
This was the story of the entire game, as Wilson was limited to just 95 passing yards in the game to go along with those two costly interceptions. The Chiefs went on to win a defensive slugfest 19-8, which further drops the Broncos down the AFC standings.
The dud of a game from Wilson could not have come at a worse time for the organization. And many fans were extremely critical of the former Super Bowl champion quarterback after the game.
Russell Wilson: “BRONCOS COUNTRY LET’S RIDE”
The ride: pic.twitter.com/6o0hfy6kFx
— Pickswise (@Pickswise) October 13, 2023
Russ cooking tonight: pic.twitter.com/eyMzMjCyQ6
— Sleeper (@SleeperHQ) October 13, 2023
“Let Russ Cook”
Russ: pic.twitter.com/44VusucJ5L
— NFL Memes (@NFL_Memes) October 13, 2023
Russell Wilson already has $39M guaranteed next season. Any kind of significant injury that would not allow him to pass a physical in March would guarantee another $37M. At some point the #Broncos probably have to consider pulling him as starter
— Jason_OTC (@Jason_OTC) October 13, 2023
Move on from Russ simply for the fact that I don’t have to see 5 batted passes a week
— Bryce 🎸 (@MileHighMims) October 13, 2023
This loss obviously puts the Broncos in a precarious position heading into the NFL trade deadline in a couple of weeks. Broncos head coach Sean Payton said earlier this week that he is not actively shopping any player.
That certainly could change as the Broncos potentially shift towards a full-on rebuild if their struggles continue. And that may even put Russell Wilson’s job in jeopardy for next season if the Broncos find themselves in the Caleb Williams sweepstakes towards the end of the season.
