Under-fire and ‘devastated’ Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson speaks out for the first time since Nathaniel Hackett’s firing as he admits he wished ‘he played BETTER’ and found level ‘that I’ve always played at’
- First-year NFL head coach was dismissed after humiliating loss Christmas Day
- The Broncos’ blowout, 51-14 loss against the LA Rams was the final straw
- Wilson, 34, threw three interceptions and was sacked six times in Sunday’s game
- Quarterback described Nathaniel Hackett as ‘resilient’ and a ‘tremendous coach’
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Under-fire Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson has spoken for the first time since the firing of former Denver head coach Nathaniel Hackett, wishing that he could have played at ‘the standard and the level’ that ‘I’ve always played at.’
The first-year NFL head coach was dismissed with two games left in a lost season, allowing Broncos executives to begin their search for a replacement immediately.
On Sunday, Denver (4-11) was blown out by the equally downtrodden Los Angeles Rams 51-14 when Wilson threw three interceptions and was sacked six times. The game also featured a sideline spat between backup QB Brett Rypien and guard Dalton Risner, and pass rusher Randy Gregory threw a punch at a Rams player after the game.
Heavily-criticized Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson spoke to reporters on Wednesday since the firing of ex-Denver head coach Nathaniel Hackett on Christmas Day
Hackett, a first-year NFL head coach, was fired after the Broncos lost to the LA Rams, 51-14
‘Obviously devastated by coach Hackett because I think he’s an amazing man, amazing teacher, amazing father, just watching him, his kids, what’s he’s been able to do and how he’s taught the game for us,’ the 34-year-old Wilson said at a press conference Wednesday.
‘This season has been a season that we never thought was going to happen the way it did,’ he added. ‘And he was the guy that spent all his time, all of his effort in to us, as players, as staff members, everybody. Coaches as well.
‘And so I think that he’s an amazing coach. He’s one of the brighter minds that’s been around and I think also too, you know, it’s been a crazy season and tons of injuries, tons of everything else. But the reality is that I wish I could’ve played better for him too.’
‘I wish I could’ve played at the standard and the level that I’ve always played at and know how to play at so… but what I do know is he’s resilient. He’s a tremendous coach, like I’ve said. I love him to death and everybody misses him for sure.’
Hackett (left) pats Wilson (3) as he walks off the field after being injured against the Chiefs
Hackett replaced Vic Fangio last January but hasn’t been able to build an offense suitable to Wilson, who joined the Broncos from the Seattle Seahawks in March.
The blockbuster trade saw two first-round picks, two second-round picks, a fifth-round pick, quarterback Drew Locks, defensive linesman Shelby Harris and tight end Noah Fant move to the northwest in exchange for the Super Bowl XLVIII champion.
Hackett is the third NFL head coach fired during the 2022 season. The Carolina Panthers replaced Matt Rhule with interim head coach Steve Wilks. The Indianapolis Colts fired Frank Reich and replaced him with interim coaching novice Jeff Saturday.
Many fans thought the Broncos hired Hackett away from the Green Bay Packers, where he was offensive coordinator, to help them land quarterback Aaron Rodgers. But Rodgers decided to re-up with the Packers and the Broncos instead traded for Wilson, who was seen as still in his prime.
Wilson has experienced an awful first season in Denver, sacked 49 times in 13 starts this year
Wilson, however, has had an awful first season in Denver, throwing 12 touchdown passes with nine interceptions and 49 sacks in 13 starts and has been unable to snap out of a season-long funk.
He is 3-10 as Denver’s starter and has missed games with a pulled hamstring and a concussion.
The nine-time Pro Bowler has routinely ignored open receivers underneath to try for deep throws and has also shown a noticeable dip in his ability to escape from pass rushers this season.
The Broncos have missed the playoffs seven straight seasons and extended their string of losing records to six. They will try to snap a 14-game losing streak to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday and beat Patrick Mahomes for the first time in 11 tries.