What did Russell Wilson say about his reception in Seattle on Monday Night Football?
After 10 seasons with the Seahawks, Russell Wilson was traded to the Broncos and in his first game with Denver was in a stadium he used to call home.
Russell Wilson began his NFL career with the Seahawks and for 10 seasons was the key player in Seattle’s dynamic offense. Last offseason, the Wisconsin product was traded to the Denver Broncos and in his first game in the blue and orange of Denver he matched up against his former team.
Seahawks spoil Wilson’s return
When asked about the boos that were constantly directed at him on Monday Night, Wilson assured that he expected a negative reception in the ‘Emerald City’; and added that he always worked for the Seahawks to be in the top of the NFL.
“It didn’t bother me. It was a hostile environment, it always has been”, he mentioned. “I didn’t expect to get a round of applause. I gave them everything I had every day, every day, and whoever thinks differently is wrong.”
Wilson, who fell at the hands of his former organization by a score of 17-16, indicated that the game was not just another game for him after a decade in Seattle.
“It was a special game, because I got to watch and play against some of my closest friends,” he clarified. “I wouldn’t be where I am now without this place. But I don’t play just for this game. I have a more important mission.”
No harsh feelings for Hackett
The play that defined outcome of the game occurred on Denver’s last offensive play of the game. On fourth and five, with 20 seconds on the scoreboard, Nathanael Hackett chose to go for a 64-yard field goal and not attempt a conversion. In this regard, the rookie head coach acknowledged that attempting the FG did not it was the best decision.
“In hindsight, we definitely should have pursued [the conversion],” the coach noted. “It’s a situation where you look back and say, ‘Of course, we should have looked for it, we missed the field goal.’ But in that situation we had a plan. We knew the 46-yard line was the mark.”
Wilson finished the night with 29 completions for 340 yards and a touchdown, supported Hackett’s decision and added that Brandon McManus is a kicker who offers the possibility of attempting a long field goal ─had the FG been scored, it would have been the second longest in NFL history.
“Well, we got the best field goal kicker in the game,” Wilson said. “I believe in Coach Hackett and I believe in what we’re doing. Anytime you can try and make a play on 4th and 5, that’s great too, but I also don’t think it was the wrong decision.”