The Denver Broncos traded three players and five draft picks to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for quarterback Russell Wilson (and one draft pick) in March. Denver than gave Wilson a new contract that will pay him nearly $300 million over the next seven seasons.
The Broncos are all-in with Wilson.
But when the team was faced with either attempting a 64-yard field goal or allowing Wilson to try to pick up a fourth-and-five late in Monday’s game against Seattle, coach Nathaniel Hackett chose to kick.
Brandon McManus had the distance on his kick but it hooked left and Denver lost to the Seahawks 17-16 in their season opener. After the game, Wilson was asked about Hackett’s decision to take the ball out of the QB’s hands with the game on the line.
“I believe in Coach Hackett,” Wilson said. “I believe in what we’re doing. Believe in everything, and any time you can try to find a way to make a play on fourth and five, that’s great too.
“Also, I don’t think it was the wrong decision. I think he [McManus] can make it. Obviously hindsight he didn’t make it, but we were in that situation again I wouldn’t doubt whatever he [Hackett] decided.”
Wilson explained that McManus’ target was the 46-yard yard line on the left hash, and that’s exactly where the Broncos ended up.
“We got it there; unfortunately didn’t go in. I think he has the leg for it for sure. Just went a little left.”
If Wilson did want to go for it, by not saying so in public he has decided to back his coach. Maybe in the future, Hackett will back his quarterback and give Wilson a chance to win the game.
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