After one of the most historical offseasons in Denver Broncos history, Russell Wilson is now just days away from facing his former team.
On Monday night, the Broncos will visit the Seattle Seahawks for their Week 1 matchup. Wilson, who spent his first ten seasons in the NFL playing in the state of Washington, will be playing on the opposite sideline of Lumen Field for the first time in his career.
New head coach Nathaniel Hackett spoke to the media on Tuesday about whether he has to talk to Wilson about not doing too much against his former team while playing within the system.
“I think whenever you’re dealing with a quarterback, it’s always about living within the system, going through your progressions, and making those right decisions,” Hackett explained. “This is obviously a big game because it’s the first game, it’s a big game because it’s Monday night. It’s a big game because he’s going to be there. Those are just the facts.”
Wilson is no stranger to playing in pressure situations. According to Pro Football Focus, since 2020, Wilson has thrown for 23 touchdowns under pressure. This stat is second in the league, behind only Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen who has thrown 25 in that same time.
Not only does he thrive under it, Wilson appreciates it.
“I think he always says that pressure is a privilege, and I think that’s something great that he lives off of, and I agree with that,” Hackett continued.
On top of facing his former team, there’s an additional element of challenge for Wilson. For even the best quarterbacks, going to a new team and learning a new system is complicated. Both Tom Brady and Peyton Manning showed signs of struggle early in their first seasons when they went to Tampa Bay and Denver.
However, according to Hackett, Wilson’s ability to learn and improve in the system has been a collaborative effort that has paid dividends.
“I think that for us, it’s just been about trust, communication, and understanding what we’re asking for from each play,” Hackett said. “I think that as the play caller, as the offensive coordinator, all of our coaches have to explain the whys on every play, on what we’re trying to attack, and why we’re trying to attack that way. I think that as he’s seen how we have presented that, I think he’s understood that more, which has made him even more confident in the things that we’re doing. So, I think you just see his confidence in the system and what we’re trying to accomplish.”
Regardless of any setbacks they may face, the Broncos are thrilled to be back out on the field and are ready to show a revamped franchise.
“We’re just excited to go play a football game. All these guys have been chomping at the bit, and that’s what you want. I am excited to see him out there.”
Broncos – Seahawks kicks off on Monday Night Football at 6:15 p.m. MT this upcoming Monday.
