Broncos OC Dishes on 'New Way' Russell Wilson is Being Coached
The process of Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton attempting to turn around quarterback Russell Wilson's career is in its infancy. With the magnitude of the scrutiny on Wilson, any positive or negative indicators will continue to be ravenously feasted upon.
Wilson is of the mindset that it’s business as usual, as his routine of precision professionalism clicks into gear. Wednesday's soundbite from new Broncos offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi carries significant weight on the issue, largely because it serves as an initial gauge of how the ongoing Wilson project is going.
"I don’t know what’s going to happen, but for June 14, we’re really happy with where he’s at," Lombardi said in his first presser since joining the Broncos. "There’s some muscle memory that we have to overcome. He’s used to doing things a certain way and we’re presenting a new way of doing things."
Perhaps fans shouldn't be overly surprised that the Broncos are trying to break some of Wilson's bad habits, which included last year a retinue of handlers and a private throwing coach granted access to team facilities. Payton put the kybosh on Wilson's private QB coach, Jake Heaps, having access to Broncos HQ as one of the first decisions he made upon arriving as head coach.
Fast forward to OTAs, and that elimination of extraneous coaching voices is allowing the Broncos' coaching staff to deploy a singular, cohesive strategy in its quest to get Wilson back on track. Because Wilson has so many tools and a wealth of experience to draw upon, it should put the Broncos ahead of the curve.
Amid the standard debates of whether Wilson is 'washed,' Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph touched on how beneficial he knew it would be having him as the team's quarterback.
“Well, that’s Coach [Payton's] job, obviously,” Joseph said when asked about Wilson's outlook. “But I’ve played against Russ the last four years being in that division. He’s always been a winner. He’s a guy that can make plays with his legs and with his arms.”
A broader consensus is beginning to emerge. Despite Wilson's well-publicized first-year struggles in Denver, one doesn't forget how to ride a bike that easily, especially when being guided by one of the most venerated QB whisperers in recent NFL history — Sean Payton.
Pick up your copy of Sports Illustrated's commemorative Denver Nuggets Championship issue!
Follow Mile High Huddle on Twitter and Facebook.
Subscribe to Mile High Huddle on YouTube for daily Broncos live-stream podcasts!
