Broncos WR Courtland Sutton Says Russell Wilson is Owed an 'Apology'
Russell Wilson arguably had his worst year as a quarterback in 2022. The statistics reflect the truth: a passer rating of 84.4, 16 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.
It was obvious that Nathaniel Hackett did not tailor his offensive scheme to what Wilson does well.
In comes Sean Payton…
Under Payton thus far, Denver Broncos fans are seeing shades of the old Wilson. The veteran quarterback is having one of the best bounce-back seasons we've seen in recent NFL canon.
Courtland Sutton — Wilson's favorite target — has heard and seen enough from his QB's critics over the past two years. On Wednesday, he posted a 'Russell Wilson apology form' on his Instagram story.
“Some people really do owe him an apology – he’s been great this season,” Sutton wrote.
The 'Reason For Behavior' boxes to be checked on the 'form' include:
• The media convinced me that Russ was the problem, not Hackett.
• I didn't actually watch the games last season.
• I'm a Seahawks fan/I'm a Geno Smith supporter.
• I only looked at advanced statistics and analytics.
• I don't know jacks**t about football.
Sutton's 'form' goes on to say: "Your apology to Russell Wilson should be LOUDER than the disrespect you gave him last year!"
It concludes with an affirmation reading: "I will hereby respect Russell Wilson, and I will NOT talk s**t about the future first-ballot Hall of Famer."
Classic.
For his part, Sutton is having himself a career year as Wilson's No. 1 target. Sutton has 41 receptions on 57 targets for 433 yards and a career-high seven touchdowns.
To fully appreciate the point Sutton is making while having a little fun along the way, let's take a quick look at Wilson's stats through nine games of the 2023 season.
- 67.9% completion (ranks 10th in the NFL)
- 200.7 passing yards per game (23rd)
- 18 passing touchdowns (3rd)
- 6.9 touchdown percentage (1st)
- 1.5 INT% (3rd)
- 104 passer rating (4th)
- 3 4th quarter comebacks (1st/tied)
- 3 game-winning drives 2nd/tied)
The Payton-Wilson relationship is working out well. In fact, the collaboration has allowed the Broncos to re-taste relevancy.
The Broncos are now in the AFC playoff conversation. If Wilson continues to put up such numbers, and the Broncos' defense remains consistent, critics will need to eat crow and acknowledge this team's wherewithal.
The apology needs to be louder than the criticism.
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