Keefer and the Beats: How Flacco saved the Browns, why the Ravens aren't running from past failures & inside the Russell Wilson benching in Denver
Jan 2, 2024
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Sports journalists Zak Keefer, Zac Jackson, Jeff Zrebiec, and Nick Kosmider discuss Cleveland's surge with Joe Flacco, Baltimore's recent dominance, and the messy situation with Russell Wilson in Denver. Topics include Joe Flacco's impact on the Browns, Cleveland's impressive defense, potential playoff matchups for the Browns, and the strained relationship between Russell Wilson and the Seahawks coaching staff.
The Broncos' decision to bench Russell Wilson for the last two games stemmed from their dissatisfaction with the offense's performance and a desire for flexibility in evaluating their quarterback situation.
The tensions between Russell Wilson and the Broncos escalated after the team requested him to push back an injury guarantee, leading to a lack of trust and uncertainty about Wilson's future with the team.
The success of the Baltimore Ravens can be attributed to their coordinators, Mike McDonald and Todd Monkin, who have showcased versatility and adaptability, devising game plans that target opponents' weaknesses.
Deep dives
The Broncos' Tense Negotiations with Russell Wilson
The Broncos approached Russell Wilson in late October, requesting that he move back the early trigger injury guarantee for the 2025 season. Wilson declined, seeing it as a threat and a wedge in their relationship. After the Broncos' playoff hopes dwindled, they benched Wilson for the last two games. This decision has raised questions about Wilson's future with the team and the Broncos' plans at the quarterback position.
Russell Wilson's Performance and the Broncos' Offensive Struggles
During his tenure as the Broncos' starting quarterback, Russell Wilson's performance was inconsistent. While he led the team to some victories, the offense struggled in crucial areas like the red zone and third downs. Wilson's turnovers increased in the latter part of the season, leading to losses and frustration from coach Sean Payton. The Broncos' decision to bench Wilson ultimately stemmed from their dissatisfaction with the offense's performance and a desire for flexibility in evaluating their quarterback situation.
Tensions and Fallout within the Broncos Organization
The tensions between Russell Wilson and the Broncos escalated after the team requested him to push back an injury guarantee. This request was viewed as a threat by Wilson's camp, leading to disagreement and a lack of trust. The decision to bench Wilson for the final two games further strained the relationship between him and coach Sean Payton. The fallout from this situation has created uncertainty about Wilson's future with the team and has raised questions about the Broncos' approach to handling their franchise quarterback.
The Versatility of the Ravens' Coordinators
The success of the Baltimore Ravens can be attributed to their coordinators, Mike McDonald and Todd Monkin. These two coordinators have showcased their versatility and adaptability by devising game plans that target the weaknesses of their opponents. Monkin has been particularly impressive, consistently scheming plays that exploit the vulnerabilities of the opposing defenses. McDonald, on the other hand, has transformed the Ravens' once-blitz-heavy defense into a more team-oriented unit that excels in disguising coverages. Both coordinators have played a crucial role in the Ravens' success.
The Challenges and Decision-Making with Russell Wilson
The Denver Broncos are facing challenges with quarterback Russell Wilson, and his future with the team seems uncertain. Head coach Sean Payton seems dissatisfied with Wilson's performance in his offense, particularly in the red zone and his ability to read the field. This discontent has created a significant rift between Wilson and the coaching staff, making it unlikely that Wilson will remain with the Broncos in the coming season. The team will have to make tough decisions financially to move on from Wilson and find a suitable replacement at quarterback. Despite his struggles, Wilson still possesses the skills to be a starter in the league, and there will likely be teams interested in his services in the future.
In the Week 17 edition of Keefer and the Beats, The Athletic's Zak Keefer discusses Cleveland's surge with Zac Jackson, Baltimore's recent dominance with Jeff Zrebiec untangles Denver's mess with Russell Wilson, his contract and his murky future with the organization with beat writer Nick Kosmider.