As the Denver Broncos wrap up an incredibly disappointing first season with Russell Wilson at quarterback, it’s worth asking: is he a great quarterback anymore?
Former NFL head coach Jay Gruden does not seem to think so.
“The way he’s been playing the last couple years, I’m not sure he’s a top-25 quarterback, let along a great quarterback anymore,” he told The Zach Gelb Show on CBS Sports Radio Tuesday.
Wilson, 34, signed a five-year, $245 million contract this offseason with the Broncos but has led them to just a 4-11 record and in last place in the AFC West, which has resulted in the team firing first-year head coach Nathaniel Hackett with two games still remainng.
But Wilson’s play has been subpar, to say the least. He has thrown 12 touchdowns to nine interceptions and is averaging just 7.2 yards per passing attempt — which is currently tied for a career-low.
Gruden is not so sure there is much to do to fix Wilson, either.
“Sometimes quarterbacks at the age of Russell Wilson have habits they cannot correct,” he said. “He has an issue with pocket presence. He takes a lot of sacks. He doesn’t see very well down the field.”
Gruden did mention some things you can do to get the most out of Wilson, such as creating plays to get him outside the pocket and building a strong running game around him.
“I don’t think Russell Wilson is any position where he can drop back 35-40 times a game and he’s gonna beat ya,” Gruden said. “He’s gotta be in control passing game 20-25 times a game, [need a] running game and play great defense. He still can escape and do the things that you need to do as quarterback.”
Gruden, who was last a head coach in Washington in 2019, also said he does not believe the Broncos are an attractive place for a head coach.
Related
“It’s a tough situation to walk into,” he said. “They’ve been dismal on offense. They should be better on offense than they are. With the talented quarterback they have, the receiving corp, they have a couple running backs, defense playing great. …There’s no reason for them being in the situation that they’re in.
“You can’t just blame the coach. I know they fired coach Hackett, [but] players have to stand up and make some plays. They just haven’t made any on offense. They’ve been horrific and I really don’t know why. Is it the quarterback? The line? The play-calling? I think it’s a combination of all of them.”
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy Sports
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram