Russell Wilson's Private QB Coach Sends Tweet Ahead of Broncos Camp
Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson has largely kept to himself this offseason, with the exception of a viral workout video that triggered an outpouring of criticism for ostensibly defying Sean Payton's 'be a private donor' dictum.
Wilson popped his head up publicly again on Monday in a workout at CU's Folsom Field that went public.
Wilson's workout at Folsom Field also included his Broncos teammates Courtland Sutton, Greg Dulcich, Chris Manhertz, and, very encouragingly, running back Javonte Williams, the last of whom is recovering from a grievous knee injury suffered in Week 4 last season.
That's some positive news indeed, but what might perhaps trigger some ripples of curiosity was Wilson's private throwing coach — Jake Heaps — running the private session. Framed within the bigger picture, the conclusion that can be drawn is that Wilson still puts stock in Heaps’ input away from Broncos HQ.
Since arriving as head coach back in January, much has been made of how quickly Payton simplified the Broncos' new chain of command, removing Heaps' heretofore unfettered access to the building. In a very matter-of-fact manner, the sphere of influence that Heaps enjoyed within team facilities was rather quickly snuffed out.
That being said, Heaps still remains part of Wilson's team of paid professionals who help prepare his body and mind for the rigors of playing professional football — as the workout video undoubtedly proves.
In fairness, such arrangements are relatively commonplace in the modern-day NFL, especially for quarterbacks. One need only tune into the Netflix show Quarterback to understand that NFL reality. The only difference for the Broncos was that failed head coach Nathaniel Hackett perhaps relinquished too much control over outside influences on the team last year.
Payton is experienced enough to know that players have their habits and methods by which they prepare for training camp. However, once Wilson crosses the threshold at Broncos HQ, Payton's coaching staff completely assumes command.
Every little bit of preparation work is of value to Wilson as he attempts to get his career back on track. There is nothing particularly covert or secretive about Heaps' involvement with Wilson, so in no way should fans read this as the veteran QB deliberately trying to ruffle Payton's feathers or cause any disagreement with his head coach.
This is just part of the NFL quarterback process. Wilson keeping in shape and staying on-point relative to the rudiments of quarterbacking is a reality that Payton not only understands but surely embraces in the offseason, so long as it doesn't contradict the technical emphasis and mechanics Broncos QBs coach Davis Webb is charged with teaching at his boss' direction.
We've learned from Broncos offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi that there have been some new "muscle memory" points of emphasis the regime in Denver is coaching. So long as Wilson isn't allowing Heaps to violate those techniques, he'll be assured that it won't countermand anything Payton and his assistants preach.
When Wilson reports to training camp next week, the more intensive in-house coaching will commence.
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