After the 19-16 defeat to the Los Angeles Chargers, Denver Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett provided a possible explanation for why quarterback Russell Wilson appeared to be out of sync with his offence.
Wilson has been dealing with a hamstring injury for most of this season, but it seems to be more serious than usual recently. His hamstring ailment hampered him during the game.
The experienced quarterback did not have to leave the game despite his desire for more running against an aggressive defense. They passed 23 times with Latavius Murray receiving 15 carries and 66 yards after entering as a substitute late in regulation time, while Melvin Gordon III only accumulated eight total rushing attempts all evening long – three of which came near midfield where he carried two Broncos defenders right down into their own end zone!
Wilson completed 15 of 28 passes for 188 yards and one touchdown while being sacked four times for a loss of 28 yards.
Russell Wilson was hit hard by Drue Tranquill’s second sack of the evening, as his Chargers’ defence applied extraordinary pressure. Khalil Mack and Derwin James Jr contacted him while in the backfield.
Regardless of the injury, Wilson’s performance in primetime was subpar. Thursday night against the Indianapolis Colts last week, he threw for 274 yards but no touchdowns. He also hurried two interceptions and had a quarterback rating of 54.9, the worst figure of the season.
Wilson has now thrown for less than 54% completion percentage in consecutive games after his last performance.
And the loss could not have been attributed to the Broncos’ defence, which went all over Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert all night. In 36 of the previous 37 games, they did not permit a touchdown pass to a receiver who scored one.
This season, the Broncos have scored 20 or more points only once in six games, which has hampered the AFC West’s worst squad.
Denver Broncos’s backup quarterback is currently Brett Rypien. If Wilson’s injury persists leading up to their game against the New York Jets, then he may take over for him for the coming Sunday match.
Wilson began the game with a persistent shoulder ailment, stating that “the only thing that matters is that we win.” But throughout the entirety of the game, Wilson suffered from a hamstring injury.
Wilson’s injury could be serious if he strains it. A minor strain would force him to miss one game, but a more moderate tear may mean three or four matches lost for the footballer.
The setback drops the Broncos’ record to 2-4 through Week 6, with a home game versus the New York Jets scheduled for this coming Sunday.
Wilson’s offensive line also had a hard time. He was sacked four times, which cost 28 yards.
His new hamstring injury makes it essential to keep an eye on how he does in practice this week.
