The Broncos lost to the Detroit Lions 42-17 on Saturday night in an embarrassing fashion. Due to Saturday’s loss, the Bronco’s playoff chances are dwindling. But that wasn’t the biggest story after the game. After an infuriating drive, Sean Payton was caught screaming at his starting quarterback, Russell Wilson. Though this was the first outburst towards Wilson publicly, Payton has made it clear throughout this season that he does not get along with his quarterback.
Why Sean Payton Doesn’t Like Russell Wilson
The Reason Tensions Exploded on Saturday
In a must-win game against a superior Lions team, the Broncos were down 7-28 with less than a minute to go in the third quarter. After getting down to the Lions one-yard line, it seemed that the Broncos would start to close the gap. But, after three straight plays where it seemed that the Broncos had scored, they were held to a field goal. Due to bad spots and a phantom penalty, all of these scoring plays were called short. During these plays, panic ensued for Wilson and the offense, forcing them to use one of their precious timeouts before the fourth quarter had begun.
After the drive, the Broncos were down 10-28 and with two timeouts, the game already looked to be over. Sean Payton took his frustration out on Russell Wilson. Whether it was due to calling the wrong plays, moving too fast for Payton to call a challenge, or wasting too much time and forcing a timeout, in Payton’s mind Wilson was to blame. After the game, Payton was asked what he was saying to Wilson, and in a defensive and frustrated voice he said “Listen, what I talk with Russell about is none of your business”. So it seems that the press may never know what was on the coach’s mind as he lashed out at Wilson. Even if Payton won’t say it out loud, it’s pretty obvious that the disgruntled coach has had problems with Russell Wilson all year.
Sean Payton And Russell Wilson’s Differences
As a head coach and NFL analyst, Payton has always been known to be outspoken, honest, and brutal. Throughout his career with the New Orleans Saints, Payton said what was on his mind. Whether it was singling out players or calling out whole sides of the ball, he wasn’t scared to point out the flaws in his team. Payton wants to be upfront about his team, so he can fix the problems and get to winning games. His starting quarterback is a bit different.
From the beginning of his career, Wilson’s personality as an NFL star has always been a point of conversation. Known as a family man, a devout Christian, and a hard-working leader, it seems Wilson’s personality is too good to be true. That’s how many people see it. It almost seems like Wilson is putting on an act for some unknown reason. At every press conference, win or lose, Wilson is upbeat and ready for the next week. Wilson doesn’t point out flaws or call out teammates, it’s always the exact answer you want to hear. Because of this act, it seems that Russell Wilson and Sean Payton are on completely different pages.
How Sean Payton Has Shown His Frustration
It’s quite obvious that Russell Wilson isn’t Sean Payton’s favorite guy. As the new head coach of the Broncos, Payton didn’t choose to sign Wilson. A year before, his General Manager, George Paton made that decision. As Payton took the reigns of the Denver Broncos, he knew that fixing the team would be hard, and fixing Wilson may be the toughest task. Yet, Payton has been confident that he is the man that can do that.
As the season has progressed, the two have not been on the same page. For the first six weeks of the year, the pair could hardly get a play call in without having to waste countless timeouts. Payton has had to streamline plays and give out an excessively large armband so that his veteran quarterback can comprehend plays and get them out on time. During his press conferences, Payton has called the Broncos offense out for being slow, late with personnel, and unorganized in general. All of these point to Wilson’s ability to control a huddle. During his time with the Saints, Payton never had these problems. It seems that Payton’s days with the future Hall of Famer, Drew Brees, have spoiled him.
Payton has also commented on Wilson’s lack of vision. After a loss to the Houston Texans in week 13, Payton said that it isn’t Jeudy’s fault he isn’t being targeted. Though he wasn’t named by Payton, Wilson was called out for missing Jeudy two or three times that game. Payton doesn’t seem to have a problem singling out his quarterback. The outstanding play calling that Payton is known for has been crippled by Russell Wilson, a quarterback that he didn’t even sign, and he may want the struggling star out of town sooner than later.
What This Fractured Relationship Means For The Future
It hasn’t all been bad this year for the Broncos offense. But as the playoffs approach it seems Payton is getting more impatient with the mistakes. At the start of the year, these mistakes led to a 1-5 record. It seemed like it was the end of Wilson’s time in Denver. The eight weeks that have ensued have left the Broncos and Wilson in a Limbo-type dilemma. They are now 7-7 and have a chance at the playoffs, and Wilson has been a big part of that.
Main Photo Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Though the team has had success Payton still seems unhappy. Payton has had to shrink his playbook and play conservative offense so his defense can keep his team in games. In New Orleans, Payton almost always had one of the most explosive offenses in the league. It’s obvious that Wilson isn’t able to do that. If the Broncos don’t make the playoffs, Payton may have all he needs to allow management to let the aging superstar go.
