Russell Wilson’s underwhelming performance highlights that Sean Payton is not football genius
Sean Payton enjoyed success in New Orleans with Drew Brees, similar to Bill Belichick with Tom Brady and Mike Shanahan with John Elway. The Broncos, lacking a standout quarterback, face challenges in achieving success.
Kiz: Players ultimately determine game outcomes, while coaches aim not to disrupt success. During Brett Favre’s prime, I once queried Mike Holmgren, then the Green Bay coach and a former quarterback, about the relative importance of a QB versus a head coach in NFL team success.
Holmgren chuckled, responding, “I’ve got to plead the Fifth.” Russell Wilson’s struggles with the Broncos underscore that a championship quarterback can enhance Sean Payton’s reputation, but despite his perceived genius, Payton cannot transform an average NFL quarterback into a champion.
Kiz, I’ve been a longtime reader and generally align with your perspectives. However, I’ve noticed a recent decline in your objectivity, particularly in your frustration with media criticism directed at Broncos coach Sean Payton.
It seems you may not have closely observed the distinctions in play between Russell Wilson and Jarrett Stidham. In the game against the Chargers, did you happen to notice Stidham’s shallow drop, pocket movement, allowing the offensive line to execute their roles, and a quick release to receivers running actual routes? This seems to align with what I, and likely Payton, have been anticipating. Please consider a more analytical approach to your reporting, avoiding oversimplification and reactionary views.
Kiz: The team here at Kickin’ It Headquarters proudly embraces our reputation as reactionary, simple-minded individuals. However, we prioritize the scoreboard and victories. While we recognize that Jarrett Stidham played without the valuable receiver Courtland Sutton in his Broncos debut against the Chargers, he still passed for 224 yards, scored 16 points, and had a QBR of 31.3.
Three weeks earlier, Russell Wilson faced the Chargers on the road, throwing for 224 yards, scoring 24 points, and posting a QBR of 36.4. If you want to give Stidham the edge in style points, that’s your prerogative. Nevertheless, professional football ultimately comes down to results. Wilson boasts 124 wins in his NFL career, including a Super Bowl victory against the Broncos.
Stidham, as a starting quarterback, has won just one NFL game. We are willing to bet our life savings against yours that, despite Stidham’s quick release, he will never match Wilson in the most crucial measure for any quarterback.
