Mark Kiszla: If next Broncos coach can’t fix Russell Wilson, he’s doomed to fail like Nathaniel Hackett
Mark Kiszla, The Denver Post
With the stern look in his eyes of a man determined to take a broom to this mess, franchise co-owner Greg Penner marched Sunday toward the Denver locker room, where clueless coach Nathaniel Hackett would embarrass Broncos Country for the last time.
Less than 16 hours later, following a long plane ride back to Colorado after a humiliating 51-14 defeat to the Rams in which the only fight exhibited by the Broncos was a sideline argument between teammates and cheap shots thrown by linebacker Randy Gregory, new ownership sent a clear message by firing Hackett.
This stuff has got to stop.
As odd as it might seem, one day we’ll look back on this Christmas Day massacre as a gift that allowed the healing of an ailing football franchise to begin.
The pressure now squarely falls on general manager George Paton to find a new coach who actually embraces the adult responsibility of coaching up finicky quarterback Russell Wilson and holding players accountable for their mistakes, rather than being obsessed with befriending everybody in the locker room. The easy way forward for Paton would be to hire current Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, who not only was a finalist for the vacancy filled by Hackett but offers the experience of 90 regular season and playoff games as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, including an appearance in the Super Bowl during the 2016 season.
With all due respect, please let this hire be anybody other than Quinn. His 46-44 record with the Falcons is the definition of mediocrity. Mediocrity would be an insult to the championship legacy established by the late Pat Bowlen.
I would much prefer somebody with a proven track record of maximizing the ability of his quarterbacks, whether that be former New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton or current Southern California coach Lincoln Riley.
But in addition to the hindrance of providing draft compensation to the Saints in return for the services of Payton, I strongly suspect he doesn’t see as much upside in Wilson as Baker Mayfield, the much-maligned No. 1 overall choice in the 2018 draft who completed 24 of 28 passes for 230 yards and two touchdowns in the Rams’ romp against Denver.
And how far have the Broncos fallen? Riley, who has developed three quarterbacks who have won the Heisman Trophy, already has a better job at USC than anything this dusty old cowtown has to offer him.
What’s so very painful to Broncos Country goes beyond the sad fact a once-proud franchise now has endured a seven-year playoff drought, with no end to the suffering in sight.
I suspect what hurts the most loyal fans in the NFL, even more, is how their Broncos have been reduced to being the butt of jokes, directed at everything from Wilson’s burnt cooking to Huggy Bear Hackett’s inept decisions on the sideline.
“We recognize and appreciate this organization’s championship history, and we understand we have not met that standard. Our fans deserve much better, and I can’t say enough about their loyalty during such a challenging stretch for our team,” Penner said in a statement released Monday after Hackett was relieved of his duties.
“Moving forward, we will carefully evaluate every aspect of our football operations and make whatever changes are necessary to restore this franchise’s winning tradition.”
How do the Broncos get out of this mess? It all begins with the quarterback. If Russ is cooked and done like dinner, it won’t really matter who is tabbed as the next coach.
“No. 1, I have to play to the standards that I know how to play to and I’ve been playing to my whole career,” said Wilson after his horrendous, three-interception performance against the Rams dropped his quarterback rating to 82.6, which not only ranks 29th in the league but is the lowest of his 11-year pro career.
“We’re at a low moment right now. I don’t fear low moments, because I know every time I’ve always come out the other side.”
After seven years of embarrassment, we’re all sick of losing and won’t take anybody’s vow of improvement on faith alone.
Wilson’s resume now means nothing. He must earn our trust. If Paton can’t demonstrate that building a winning culture is more complicated than throwing money at holes in the roster, he will be on the hot seat at this time next year.
So what’s the best reason to believe there’s hope?
New ownership seems to realize that $4.65 billion bought a football franchise, but the real investment is doing everything possible to win back the faith of Broncos Country.
Kelli Masters overcomes critics, among few female NFL agents
Ian Walton
New QB: Russell Wilson
Old QB: Teddy Bridgewater
Price paid: Three players, five draft picks and a $245 million extension with $165 million guaranteed, including a $50 million bonus at signing.
How it started: General manager George Paton wanted to solve the team's long-running quarterback quandary and believed the answer was Wilson, a nine-time Pro Bowler during a decade in Seattle. He was Denver's sixth opening-day starter in six seasons.
How it’s going: Wilson hasn’t resembled the star he was in Seattle and rookie head coach Nathaniel Hackett hasn’t helped with using so many shotgun formations. When Wilson’s under center, he’s a textbook example of mechanics and footwork. In the shotgun, he’s all over the place and not seeing his open receivers often enough.
Where it’s headed: Wilson is sticking around because of the big contract. Hackett’s on the hot seat, though Paton gave him a vote of confidence in London before Denver’s Oct. 27 win over the Jaguars snapped a four-game skid.
Ian Walton
New QB: Russell Wilson
Old QB: Teddy Bridgewater
Price paid: Three players, five draft picks and a $245 million extension with $165 million guaranteed, including a $50 million bonus at signing.
How it started: General manager George Paton wanted to solve the team's long-running quarterback quandary and believed the answer was Wilson, a nine-time Pro Bowler during a decade in Seattle. He was Denver's sixth opening-day starter in six seasons.
How it’s going: Wilson hasn’t resembled the star he was in Seattle and rookie head coach Nathaniel Hackett hasn’t helped with using so many shotgun formations. When Wilson’s under center, he’s a textbook example of mechanics and footwork. In the shotgun, he’s all over the place and not seeing his open receivers often enough.
Where it’s headed: Wilson is sticking around because of the big contract. Hackett’s on the hot seat, though Paton gave him a vote of confidence in London before Denver’s Oct. 27 win over the Jaguars snapped a four-game skid.
Kelli Masters overcomes critics, among few female NFL agents
Mark Zaleski
New QB: Matt Ryan
Old QB: Carson Wentz
Price paid: 2022 third-round pick
How it started: Indy soured on Wentz when he refused the COVID-19 vaccine and his poor play in the final two games, after testing positive for the virus, cost the Colts a playoff spot. GM Chris Ballard sent Wentz to Washington, then waited until Atlanta started searching for Ryan's successor. Indy thought it pulled a coup by acquiring a proven leader who was still playing well.
How it’s going: What looked like a good match has been anything but. Behind a rebuilt and underachieving offensive line, Ryan struggled. He threw nine interceptions, had 11 fumbles and 12 total turnovers — all league highs. He also was sacked 24 times and took 59 hits before being benched in favor of Sam Ehlinger. The result: offensive coordinator Marcus Brady was fired last week and Reich joined him on the unemployment line Monday.
Where it’s headed: Ryan’s future in Indy looks bleak. He has one season still on his contract, and it would cost Indy $18 million in dead money to cut him. Could he be traded? Maybe. But how much interest is there in a 37-year-old quarterback after his worst pro season?
Mark Zaleski
New QB: Matt Ryan
Old QB: Carson Wentz
Price paid: 2022 third-round pick
How it started: Indy soured on Wentz when he refused the COVID-19 vaccine and his poor play in the final two games, after testing positive for the virus, cost the Colts a playoff spot. GM Chris Ballard sent Wentz to Washington, then waited until Atlanta started searching for Ryan's successor. Indy thought it pulled a coup by acquiring a proven leader who was still playing well.
How it’s going: What looked like a good match has been anything but. Behind a rebuilt and underachieving offensive line, Ryan struggled. He threw nine interceptions, had 11 fumbles and 12 total turnovers — all league highs. He also was sacked 24 times and took 59 hits before being benched in favor of Sam Ehlinger. The result: offensive coordinator Marcus Brady was fired last week and Reich joined him on the unemployment line Monday.
Where it’s headed: Ryan’s future in Indy looks bleak. He has one season still on his contract, and it would cost Indy $18 million in dead money to cut him. Could he be traded? Maybe. But how much interest is there in a 37-year-old quarterback after his worst pro season?
Kelli Masters overcomes critics, among few female NFL agents
Nick Wass
New QB: Carson Wentz
Old QB: Ryan Fitzpatrick/Taylor Heinicke
Price paid: 2022 second and third-round picks, conditional 2023 third-round pick (received later 2022 second-rounder back with Wentz)
How it started: Wentz went into training camp as the unquestioned starter ahead of Heinicke and rookie Sam Howell. Wentz and coach Ron Rivera brushed off some practice inaccuracies. Then Wentz rebounded from throwing back-to-back interceptions in the season opener to lead the Commanders to a comeback victory against Jacksonville.
How it’s going: Wentz threw 10 TD passes, six interceptions and played through a broken finger at Chicago to snap the Commanders’ losing streak. He hasn't played since having surgery while Heinicke has led Washington to a 2-1 mark with Wentz on injured reserve. The team hasn't said when Wentz may return, and Rivera doesn't intend to make a decision until Wentz is back.
Where it's headed: Wentz’s contract is structured to give the Commanders an out after this season with no salary cap penalty, but a lot will depend on the rest of this season and whether Rivera remains the coach. Howell slipped to the fifth round but could be the next in a long line of Washington quarterbacks of the future.
Nick Wass
New QB: Carson Wentz
Old QB: Ryan Fitzpatrick/Taylor Heinicke
Price paid: 2022 second and third-round picks, conditional 2023 third-round pick (received later 2022 second-rounder back with Wentz)
How it started: Wentz went into training camp as the unquestioned starter ahead of Heinicke and rookie Sam Howell. Wentz and coach Ron Rivera brushed off some practice inaccuracies. Then Wentz rebounded from throwing back-to-back interceptions in the season opener to lead the Commanders to a comeback victory against Jacksonville.
How it’s going: Wentz threw 10 TD passes, six interceptions and played through a broken finger at Chicago to snap the Commanders’ losing streak. He hasn't played since having surgery while Heinicke has led Washington to a 2-1 mark with Wentz on injured reserve. The team hasn't said when Wentz may return, and Rivera doesn't intend to make a decision until Wentz is back.
Where it's headed: Wentz’s contract is structured to give the Commanders an out after this season with no salary cap penalty, but a lot will depend on the rest of this season and whether Rivera remains the coach. Howell slipped to the fifth round but could be the next in a long line of Washington quarterbacks of the future.
Kelli Masters overcomes critics, among few female NFL agents
Jacob Kupferman
New QB: Baker Mayfield
Old QB: Sam Darnold
Price paid: 2023 conditional fifth-round pick
How it started: After trying and failing to acquire Deshaun Watson, the Panthers pursued Mayfield but didn't get him from Cleveland until July. That cost him practice snaps and time to learn the playbook, but Mayfield still beat Darnold for the No. 1 job before the season opener.
How it's going: Mayfield has been unproductive, going 1-4 as a starter and posting the league's worst QB rating. P.J. Walker took over when Mayfield injured his left ankle in Week 5. Even after Walker's dreadful game at Cincinnati, interim coach Steve Wilks stuck with him.
Where it’s headed: Mayfield could be demoted to No. 3, maybe even released, with Darnold activated from injured reserve. It’s extremely unlikely the Panthers re-sign Mayfield when he becomes an unrestricted free agent in March — if he makes it that long.
Jacob Kupferman
New QB: Baker Mayfield
Old QB: Sam Darnold
Price paid: 2023 conditional fifth-round pick
How it started: After trying and failing to acquire Deshaun Watson, the Panthers pursued Mayfield but didn't get him from Cleveland until July. That cost him practice snaps and time to learn the playbook, but Mayfield still beat Darnold for the No. 1 job before the season opener.
How it's going: Mayfield has been unproductive, going 1-4 as a starter and posting the league's worst QB rating. P.J. Walker took over when Mayfield injured his left ankle in Week 5. Even after Walker's dreadful game at Cincinnati, interim coach Steve Wilks stuck with him.
Where it’s headed: Mayfield could be demoted to No. 3, maybe even released, with Darnold activated from injured reserve. It’s extremely unlikely the Panthers re-sign Mayfield when he becomes an unrestricted free agent in March — if he makes it that long.
Kelli Masters overcomes critics, among few female NFL agents
Ron Schwane
New QB: Jacoby Brissett/ Deshaun Watson
Old QB: Baker Mayfield
Price paid: First-round picks in 2022, 2023 and 2024, a third-round pick in 2022 and a fourth-round pick in 2024
How it started: The Browns didn't offer Mayfield a long-term deal after he played through a shoulder injury in 2021. His status with the team took a hit and a poor '21 lowered his market value. When Watson became available, the Browns entered the bidding late and were initially rebuffed by the three-time Pro Bowler. But owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam changed Watson’s mind with a fully guaranteed, five-year, $240 million deal despite his legal issues. Mayfield eventually was dealt to Carolina for a fifth-rounder — after the Browns agreed to eat most of his 2022 salary.
How it’s going: Knowing Watson might be suspended by the NFL, the Browns signed Brissett, a former starter with Indianapolis, as a free agent. Brissett has been better than expected and has provided invaluable leadership. The lone knock: He's had a few costly turnovers.
Where it’s headed: Watson is expected to return when the league's 11-game ban for violating the personal conduct policy ends. He was accused of sexual misconduct by more than two dozen women while he played in Houston. He’s eligible to resume practicing next week and if reinstated, could make his Browns debut Dec. 4 — against the Texans. He hasn’t played in a regular-season game since Jan. 3, 2021.
Ron Schwane
New QB: Jacoby Brissett/ Deshaun Watson
Old QB: Baker Mayfield
Price paid: First-round picks in 2022, 2023 and 2024, a third-round pick in 2022 and a fourth-round pick in 2024
How it started: The Browns didn't offer Mayfield a long-term deal after he played through a shoulder injury in 2021. His status with the team took a hit and a poor '21 lowered his market value. When Watson became available, the Browns entered the bidding late and were initially rebuffed by the three-time Pro Bowler. But owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam changed Watson’s mind with a fully guaranteed, five-year, $240 million deal despite his legal issues. Mayfield eventually was dealt to Carolina for a fifth-rounder — after the Browns agreed to eat most of his 2022 salary.
How it’s going: Knowing Watson might be suspended by the NFL, the Browns signed Brissett, a former starter with Indianapolis, as a free agent. Brissett has been better than expected and has provided invaluable leadership. The lone knock: He's had a few costly turnovers.
Where it’s headed: Watson is expected to return when the league's 11-game ban for violating the personal conduct policy ends. He was accused of sexual misconduct by more than two dozen women while he played in Houston. He’s eligible to resume practicing next week and if reinstated, could make his Browns debut Dec. 4 — against the Texans. He hasn’t played in a regular-season game since Jan. 3, 2021.
Kelli Masters overcomes critics, among few female NFL agents
Matt York
New QB: Geno Smith
Old QB: Russell Wilson
Price paid: $3.5 million, one-year contract
How it started: The Seahawks re-signed Smith to compete with Drew Lock following the trade with Denver. Wilson’s longtime backup had the advantage throughout the offseason and training camp and when Lock missed a preseason start after testing positive for the coronavirus, it was clear Smith would be the starter.
How it’s going: Smith is one of the top contenders for comeback player of the year. It's the first time since 2014 he's been a full-time starter and he leads the NFL in completion percentage, is third in passer rating and tied for fifth in TD passes. He’s been the biggest surprise for Seattle.
Where it’s headed: This was viewed as a bridge season as the Seahawks tried to draft a new franchise quarterback in April. That may still happen, but Smith might be the best short-term solution. NFC West-leading Seattle is 6-3 faces a decision about re-signing him or letting him test the free agency.
Matt York
New QB: Geno Smith
Old QB: Russell Wilson
Price paid: $3.5 million, one-year contract
How it started: The Seahawks re-signed Smith to compete with Drew Lock following the trade with Denver. Wilson’s longtime backup had the advantage throughout the offseason and training camp and when Lock missed a preseason start after testing positive for the coronavirus, it was clear Smith would be the starter.
How it’s going: Smith is one of the top contenders for comeback player of the year. It's the first time since 2014 he's been a full-time starter and he leads the NFL in completion percentage, is third in passer rating and tied for fifth in TD passes. He’s been the biggest surprise for Seattle.
Where it’s headed: This was viewed as a bridge season as the Seahawks tried to draft a new franchise quarterback in April. That may still happen, but Smith might be the best short-term solution. NFC West-leading Seattle is 6-3 faces a decision about re-signing him or letting him test the free agency.
Kelli Masters overcomes critics, among few female NFL agents
Derik Hamilton
New QB: Kenny Pickett, Mitch Trubisky
Old QB: Ben Roethlisberger
Price paid: A 2-year, $14-million free-agent deal for Trubisky, the 20th pick in the 2022 draft for Pickett
How it started: Following Roethlisberger's retirement, Trubisky was tabbed the starter at the end of training camp. He spent 3½ games largely avoiding mistakes but struggled to throw downfield and was benched at halftime of a loss to the Jets in Week 4.
How it’s going: Pickett has shown plenty of fight, but the Steelers' only victory since he supplanted Trubisky came against Tampa Bay on Oct. 16 when Trubisky relieved Pickett (concussion) and threw for 144 yards and the clinching TD pass. Pickett has retained the starting job and he has looked fine between the 20s but has struggled to generate points and has thrown eight interceptions.
Where it’s headed: Pittsburgh is all in on Pickett but also declined to explore trade options for Trubisky, who has said and done all the right things since being demoted. Trubisky’s presence gives the Steelers a reliable backup, but the starting job is Pickett’s for the foreseeable future.
Derik Hamilton
New QB: Kenny Pickett, Mitch Trubisky
Old QB: Ben Roethlisberger
Price paid: A 2-year, $14-million free-agent deal for Trubisky, the 20th pick in the 2022 draft for Pickett
How it started: Following Roethlisberger's retirement, Trubisky was tabbed the starter at the end of training camp. He spent 3½ games largely avoiding mistakes but struggled to throw downfield and was benched at halftime of a loss to the Jets in Week 4.
How it’s going: Pickett has shown plenty of fight, but the Steelers' only victory since he supplanted Trubisky came against Tampa Bay on Oct. 16 when Trubisky relieved Pickett (concussion) and threw for 144 yards and the clinching TD pass. Pickett has retained the starting job and he has looked fine between the 20s but has struggled to generate points and has thrown eight interceptions.
Where it’s headed: Pittsburgh is all in on Pickett but also declined to explore trade options for Trubisky, who has said and done all the right things since being demoted. Trubisky’s presence gives the Steelers a reliable backup, but the starting job is Pickett’s for the foreseeable future.
Kelli Masters overcomes critics, among few female NFL agents
Butch Dill
New QB: Marcus Mariota
Old QB: Matt Ryan
Price paid: A two-year, $18.75 million free agent deal with a $5 million signing bonus and $6.75 million guaranteed, plus a $12 million option for 2023 and a $3 million roster bonus due in March.
How it started: With third-round pick Desmond Ridder serving as Mariota’s backup, the thought was Mariota would have a short leash. Instead, he has taken every snap and has the Falcons tied for first in the NFC South.
How it’s going: Mariota has been a good fit in coach Arthur Smith’s offense. He’s not going to lead the league in passing, but he has 10 TD passes with six interceptions and has added a dual-threat presence Ryan could not. Mariota has 340 yards rushing and three TD runs.
Where it’s headed: Mariota clearly has Smith’s confidence and support. Smith brushed off a question about playing Ridder with a sarcastic reply about having the rookie hand the ball off just to make critics happy. Still, there is an expectation Ridder will play at some point, but it will be as a backup as Mariota appears firmly entrenched as the starter.
Butch Dill
New QB: Marcus Mariota
Old QB: Matt Ryan
Price paid: A two-year, $18.75 million free agent deal with a $5 million signing bonus and $6.75 million guaranteed, plus a $12 million option for 2023 and a $3 million roster bonus due in March.
How it started: With third-round pick Desmond Ridder serving as Mariota’s backup, the thought was Mariota would have a short leash. Instead, he has taken every snap and has the Falcons tied for first in the NFC South.
How it’s going: Mariota has been a good fit in coach Arthur Smith’s offense. He’s not going to lead the league in passing, but he has 10 TD passes with six interceptions and has added a dual-threat presence Ryan could not. Mariota has 340 yards rushing and three TD runs.
Where it’s headed: Mariota clearly has Smith’s confidence and support. Smith brushed off a question about playing Ridder with a sarcastic reply about having the rookie hand the ball off just to make critics happy. Still, there is an expectation Ridder will play at some point, but it will be as a backup as Mariota appears firmly entrenched as the starter.
Mark Kiszla: If next Broncos coach can’t fix Russell Wilson, he’s doomed to fail like Nathaniel Hackett
Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times/TNS
Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Micheal Hoecht reacts after bringing Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson down for a loss in the third quarter at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022. (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times/TNS)
Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times/TNS
Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Micheal Hoecht reacts after bringing Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson down for a loss in the third quarter at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022. (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times/TNS)
