Broncos' simplified play calls for Russell Wilson off to a shaky start
The Denver Broncos are trying to help simplify things for their starting quarterback Russell Wilson. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported ahead of the Week 3 tilt with the Miami Dolphins that Denver Broncos HC Sean Payton is making some changes to help make things easier on Russell Wilson and his offense. Denver ranks dead last in […]
The Denver Broncos are trying to help simplify things for their starting quarterback Russell Wilson.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported ahead of the Week 3 tilt with the Miami Dolphins that Denver Broncos HC Sean Payton is making some changes to help make things easier on Russell Wilson and his offense. Denver ranks dead last in the NFL in the quickness with which they break the huddle, so Payton is trying to speed up the process by simplifying some of his play calls and using them in coordination with Wilson's wristband.
According to NFL Network reporter James Palmer, Payton actually made the changes with the verbiage on Tuesday before the practice week actually began. He added that some of the play calls that are sent to Wilson via headset are as short as a single word to speed up the process.
So far, it's off to a pretty shaky start.
At the half, Wilson is 16-of-24 for 193 passing yards and one touchdown. The running game has looked alright as well with 35 rushing yards at the half, but they're down so big that they've mostly resorted to the passing game. They just haven't been very consistent so far in either facet throughout the first two quarters. The play calls themselves have been rather vanilla.
Denver burned a timeout ahead of a big third down play in the red zone, which isn't a big deal, but you'd like to see them get a better play call the first time around. Especially when the ensuing play wasn't a throw to the end zone, but rather a three-yard gain in a goal-to-go situation.
The big problem in this game so far hasn't exactly been the offense for the Broncos, though. It has been the defense's inability to stop the Dolphins' explosive offense. Miami didn't convert a single third down in the first quarter because Denver was unable to get them to third down. They've only had two total third-down situations in the first half.
All of that said, the Broncos should continue to use this method of simplification of offensive play-calling and perhaps expand on it with each passing week.
Broncos’ inactive players revealed for Week 3 vs. Dolphins
The Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins have designated their inactive players for Week 3.
Featured image via Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
