Casually Kristen

DENVER, Colorado– Sports! Do you know what happens when one of the most exciting things to happen in Denver is Broncos-related? Instead of pretending like I know ANYTHING about this world, I’ve enlisted the help of my husband, Mark Rooney. With further ado…

Broncos acquire veteran pro-bowl quarterback Russell Wilson!

Russell comes to the Broncos as one of the best Quarterbacks over the past decade with nine Pro-Bowls and a Super Bowl victory under his belt. Single-handedly, he has made the faltering Seattle Seahawks a championship-relevant team in the last couple of years. Additionally, he has proven to be an Ironman with only three missed games due to injury since joining the NFL in 2012. 

Almost 10 years ago to date, the Broncos took charge of the league by recruiting Peyton Manning to join the team while beating out key a top contender – the San Francisco 49ers. Peyton was brought in to replace Tim Tebow, a first-round Draft pick who never truly panned out in the NFL. Peyton, an 11 Time Pro Bowler (at the time), decided to team up with a young defense and strong wide receiver core. Over the next four years, the Broncos went to the Super Bowl twice, winning Super Bowl 50 and earning a record of 50-14 in the regular season.  

Fast forward to Wednesday — the Broncos are sitting with a great Defense, strong offensive weapons, but again, have a high draft pick quarterback in Drew Lock who has never played to his potential. Nearing the end of Lock’s initial contract, the Broncos needed to make a move.

Many among the Broncos faithful were hoping to entice last year’s MVP, Aaron Rodgers, away from the Green Bay Packers. This hope was dashed when Rodgers signed a four-year $200 million contract extension with the Green Bay Packers despite significant Salary Cap Issues.

The disappointment of losing Rodgers was quickly forgotten when the trade of Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks former quarterback, hit the wire. Russell, a nine-time Pro Bowler, is the missing piece to a dynamic offensive attack and will be sure to liven up the 10^th lowest-scoring offense. The Broncos are giving away an ARMY (2 1^st Round Picks, two second Round Picks, 1 5^th Round Pick, Drew Lock, Shelby Harris, and Noah Fant) to acquire Russell and a fourth Round Pick… but losing those picks only matter if you are good at drafting — which has not been Denver’s M.O. in recent years.

Russell is sure to liven up the games and make the A.F.C. West even more competitive. I can’t wait to see how the division with Mahomes, Russell, and Herbert unfolds. Let’s hope the next four years with Russell mimic the Manning-era!

– Mark Rooney