ENGLEWOOD (Colo.) — The Denver BroncosYou will need a new coach, an offensive coordinator, a quarterbacks coach, and perhaps a new quarterback to install a new offense.
The Broncos will begin their offseason program Monday. While they won’t be able to get down to the actual business of 11-on-11 field work for at least a month, the creation and distribution of the playbook are top priorities. Coach Nathaniel Hackett said it clearly, that no matter what the Broncos say, quarterback will be there. Russell WilsonThis will be an important part of the decision.
Hackett stated that it was important for him to feel comfortable in all he does. “From the cadence to how you call a play, it’s so important that it feels natural when you go out in public with all 80,000 screaming at you. We do so much the same thing. [as Wilson did with the Seattle Seahawks]. It’s not about the language, it’s about being able to communicate.
Wilson played 10 seasons for the Seahawks, before he was traded to the Broncos in march. He had an inexplicable knowledge of how the team played on the fields and inside the team’s complex.
He knew his teammates and the team’s personnel, as well as everything from the cleats under his feet to the food at the cafeteria. All of this is new, and has been part Wilson’s conversation with Peyton Manning concerning Manning’s arrival to Denver in 2012.
Wilson stated that Peyton “is one of best minds in all of sports and one the best throwers.” Wilson spoke earlier this offseason. “From that experience of being Indy, where he lived for almost 16-plus year, or whatever it was, and to come here. … I have known for a long time that I believe that being consistent is the key to great players. You also have to be really, really good at adapting. This is the right time to adapt.
Manning was still recovering from his fourth neck surgery and signed with the Broncos when he signed in March 2012. He was quick to wrap himself up in the Broncos’ facility during the first weeks, going through hours of video and a rigorous regimen with the strength-and conditioning staff to heal from his surgery. However, he still had limitations on the field until the offseason program began.
Wilson has not been subject to such limitations, and has participated in extended throwing sessions with several of his teammates in California. Wilson is able to work with Hackett on general concepts, improve timing with receivers, and build rapport with teammates, even though they don’t all know the terms for certain plays.
Hackett, for his part, has stated that he will apply some of the things he saw Matt LaFleur doing as the first-year coach. Green Bay PackersIn order to install an offense for a Pro Bowl-winning quarterback, Aaron Rodgers. Hackett was LaFleur’s offensive coordination coordinator for three seasons before being hired by the Broncos.
Hackett stated, “I would say that a lot if the stuff Matt and me did when we first got there was a lot like that.” “It’s sort of that whole process where I evaluate what I want to do in coaching compared to what the quarterback desires. The same thing happened with Aaron. We had many great discussions between us about what was the best thing for us and what would be better for him. It was great to be able to go through the process with Matt and a veteran quarterback, and watch it all unfold.
NFL teams can’t do any 11-on-11 or 7-on-7 offense vs. defence work until Phase 3 of the offseason schedule, per the league’s collective agreement. This will start May 24 for Broncos.
“Phase 2” will begin after two weeks’ conditioning-only work. The Broncos might have offensive players compete against each other in drills so that they can at least mimic defenders on plays. However, these practices are required to be performed at “walk through pace.”
Wilson feels it all. He sits with a team on Square One for only the second time since he was the Seahawks third-round pick (75th overall), in 2012.
Wilson stated, “The wild obsession with working and getting it right every day, and not letting down ever” I believe the most important part of this game, and the ability for players to learn it, is the ability and ability to communicate, to explain and to create a picture. The same goes for a quarterback. Each play should be a picture. Every play should be painted. I want to paint a picture of every play that I see when I walk into the huddle. Theplay is the only play and the only one at the moment.”