Sep 18, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) following the win over the Houston Texans at Empower Field at Mile High. Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Richard Sherman: Broncos must loosen reins on QB Russell Wilson

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 9/22/22

Richard Sherman, Russell Wilson's teammate in Seattle, believes the quarterback is off to a rocky start because the Broncos are trying to change his style of play.

“He has to get back to being himself. He doesn’t have to play like anybody else," Sherman said Thursday on NFL Network.

Although the Broncos are 1-1, Wilson’s 58.9 completion percentage is well below his career mark of 64.9.

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Wilson, a good scrambler, is a master at turning broken plays into big gains. However, maligned Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett wants to limit Wilson's running, preferring he stay in the pocket to avoid injuries.

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“We want him to play 10 years here, 12 years, 15 years,” said Hackett recently.

Sherman believes that's capping the offense’s potential, adding the Broncos should let Wilson move around.

“It’s an acquired taste,” Sherman said. “The offensive line has to get used to the way he moves in the pocket. Right now he’s trying to sit in the pocket and be the guy. They’re forcing him to be something he’s not been over the last couple years.”

If anyone knows how to use Wilson, it’s Sherman. The pair won a Super Bowl together in Seattle.

The Broncos, 24th in scoring offense, need a spark from Wilson or someone else. On Sunday night, they host the 49ers, who have the league's No. 1 defense.

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