SEATTLE — There are still plenty of games to play in Russell Wilson’s career with the Denver Broncos.
But in his first start with a new team and his first return to the city where he played his first 10 NFL seasons, the Broncos quarterback traded five draft picks and three players — They signed an extension earlier this month for $245 million — the second option for the season opener.
Wilson’s numbers were apparently the reason for Monday night’s 17-16 loss to the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. He completed a thrilling night of 42 for 29 of 340 yards and touchdowns.
But with 20 seconds left in the game, Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett opted to let Brandon McManus try for a 64-yard field goal rather than let Wilson try for fourth in the Seahawks’ 46 and lead in the fifth game. – Code line.
“We were right [of McManus’ range],” Hackett said. “…Brandon did his best…obviously, I wish we could get closer, which puts us in that weird position because we In that shot range… we just made that decision and shot there. ”
Wilson offered his take.
“We probably had the best field goal in the game,” Wilson said. “…We got there and unfortunately it didn’t go in. …I believe in Coach Hackett, I believe in what we’re doing, I believe in everything.”
As Wilson added, “I don’t think it was a bad decision.”
McManus’ first attempt went wide to the left, but Seahawks coach Pete Carroll called a timeout before kickoff. Hackett said he wasn’t thinking about putting the offense back on the floor after the turnover because “I’m glad he got that out of the way. We had enough distance and thought we could do it.”
Carroll said he was “surprised” that the Broncos chose to play.
“We didn’t think about field goals,” he said. “We think it’s the fourth drop and they’re still going. So that gives us a chance to win that game. That was lucky. Luckily they didn’t play. He kicked the ball out of hell. “
McManus’ second attempt also went left, and Seahawks quarterback Gino Smith earned Wilson’s replacement in training camp against Drew Locke, who went down on one knee in three games. , the end of an exciting night. Rock was one of three players the Broncos sent to the Seahawks in the March blockbuster.
“It was a special game just because I saw some of my closest friends and played against them,” Wilson said.
“Without this place, I wouldn’t be who I am today…but I don’t play football [tonight] Just this game. I have a bigger mission.
The Wilson-Seahawks reunion has circled many calendars almost from the moment the full NFL schedule is released. Wilson, his new teammates in both the Broncos and Seahawks, played another card publicly.
But the answer to the question of whether Wilson will play 10 seasons in Seattle, including nine Pro Bowl selections, two Super Bowl trips and a Lombard trophy, from the moment he takes the field for a pregame event got an answer. Seahawks loyal fans booed loudly throughout.
The crowd, as if to show that many of those present had moved on, even chanted “Ge-no, Ge-no, Ge-no” whenever Smith made any noteworthy play, while Seahawks coach Pete Carroll often motioned to the crowd to be loud whenever the Broncos got the ball. The crowd chanted Smith’s name as the quarterback knelt down one last time to seal the victory.
“It didn’t bother me,” Wilson said. Always. I didn’t expect to get a round of applause every once in a while. I’m here every day giving everything I have, every day, and whoever says anything else, they’re totally wrong.
Wilson and the Broncos’ offense got off to a low start as Wilson didn’t target wide receiver on a pass attempt until he left in the first half on a 67-yard catch-and-run touchdown with Jerry Jedi at 5:34. But overall, even if they screwed things up, the Broncos couldn’t convert their 433-yard offense into enough scoring.
Denver running backs Melvin Gordon III and Javonte Williams both conceded on the Seahawks’ 1-yard line to start the game, denying two potential scoring drives, and the Broncos 20 yards in Seattle Inner failed to record a touchdown on two other trips.
Throwing in 12 penalties for the Broncos (106 yards), the Seahawks won despite only 253 yards total and a scoreless second half.
“I think he played really well, he took care of the football, he made really good decisions, he had some explosiveness, he was able to distribute the ball all over the field,” Hackett said of Wilson. “That’s what makes me really feel bad for him.”
Smith, on the other hand, was almost perfect in the first half. Smith completed his first 13 passes of the game, going 17-of-18 from the field with two touchdowns, leading the Seahawks to a 17-13 halftime lead. The Broncos defense was suspended in the second half.
“We kind of got rid of the tension [in the first half],” said Broncos linebacker Bradley Chubb.
“When we adjusted it … we were back on track.”
As Wilson explained, “We had a lot of great games, we threw the ball on the pitch…there was a lot of great stuff. The reality was we didn’t get the ball in those red zone games.” ‘
Wilson arrived at the stadium in a fashion-week-worthy ensemble just hours before kickoff, and nearly every moment was a reunion as he walked through the stadium and warmed up.
Shaking hands here and waving there, Wilson began trying to at least continue to stick to the playbook he and the rest of the Broncos were trying to abide by in the days and weeks leading up to Monday’s game.
Former Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman appeared on the stadium’s video board 30 minutes before kickoff to roaring applause. Former running back Marshawn Lynch was another of several former Seahawks roaming the sidelines during warmups.
It all ended with McManus’ blunder and a celebration that Seattle “12” Wilson hoped would welcome him back.
“Tonight was special,” Wilson said.
“It’s still a special environment where I like it.”