Broncos fans have waited seven seasons to see a special connection form between coach and quarterback. With a dozen starters since 2015, neither coach nor quarterback has been around long enough to have a relationship on which they could build an offense.
Reporting from The Athletic earlier this offseason indicated that the star quarterback butted heads with Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll. The relationship was said to have deteriorated, leaving the Seahawks little choice than to seek a trade. Carroll later denied those rumors.
During voluntary veteran minicamp, Wilson spoke on his budding relationship with head coach Nathaniel Hackett.
“Obviously our off-the-field relationship has been good, but our on-the-field relationship … [it’]s a blessing,” Wilson said on April 25.
With the offense set to learn its third new system in four years, Wilson hopes that the Denver offense can begin to live up to its full potential.
“[He’s] an amazing teacher,” Wilson said of Hackett. “I think everybody is learning at such a rapid pace and an exponential rate. He just brings great energy. He’s young, he’s vibrant and he brings that intelligence to the game. He has a great pedigree, and he wants to win, too. Our relationship is really tight.”
Coach Hackett had similar views about Wilson.
“It’s great,” said Hackett simply. “You want [veterans] to want to practice and want to get better in that, and ‘Russ’ leads that charge. This guy loves practice.”
Hackett, Aaron Rodger’s offensive coordinator for a prolific 2021 season, will look to remain on the same wavelength with Wilson as the offseason continues.
Both coach and quarterback want to win in Denver. In order for that to happen, both need to have a melding of the minds. Games are won and lost depending on how the relationship goes.
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