One of the many benefits Russell Wilson brings to the Denver Broncos is his ability to mimic mobile quarterbacks the defense will face off against six times in the division next season — and every season — in the form of the Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders.
Patrick Mahomes doesn’t run as often as he is able to. But he always seems to break a back-breaking one in the clutch. Same goes for Justin Herbert and Derek Carr as well.
Seven-year veteran safety Justin Simmons is perpetually breaking down the difference Wilson makes for the team in a digestible way for the common fan. The latter helping him and the defense prepare for mobile quarterbacks is no different.
“It’s great for us, honestly. We’re going to see that with Mahomes twice a year,” Simmons said last week. “We’re going to see that with Herbert. Carr has the ability to extend plays. I’m just thinking in our division. I can go down the list of teams that we’re going to play. It seems like the game each and every year is just elevating more and more to quarterbacks that are more mobile and can extend plays with their legs, and that’s great.
“Especially in the red zone because it’s not about the length, but the width and you can get open. All you need is [a little] separation and with a guy like ‘Russ’ who can extend plays like that. We’ve seen time and time again throughout his tenure. Defensively for us, it’s great reps because you’re always like, ‘Oh, that was a sack,’ but in real life, he can probably make some people miss right there and keep the play going. It’s good work for us, too.”
Not only does Wilson help the secondary, he helps every phase of the defense. As newly-signed defensive lineman D.J. Jones said: “He’s definitely preparing us for [AFC West QBs] with having a mobile quarterback. It’s not like he’s just standing in the pocket. He’s doing what he does. He’s out there scrambling around and making plays, so that will definitely prepare us.”
The Wilson-led Broncos take on the quarterback’s former team, the Seattle Seahawks, in Week 1 this fall. Broncos Country gets to see the instant impact Wilson has on the defense when they face off against either mobile QB Drew Lock or Geno Smith. Giddy up.
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