If you can’t defeat them, Russ, consider joining them, please.
Disclaimer: The typical group of individuals at Grading The Week refrain from openly supporting or disliking teams. This includes the CU Buffs—fan mail notwithstanding. However, they do passionately support compelling narratives. With foam fingers waving, they eagerly anticipate engaging stories.
And what could be a more intriguing subplot in the AFC West this summer than the fallen hero of Broncos Country descending from 5,280 feet to land where all fallen heroes eventually find themselves?
Las Vegas, baby! VAAAAY-GUSSSSS!
Oh, the drama of Russell Wilson becoming a Raider.
The emotional depth! The release of emotions! The animosity! The internet memes!
Admittedly, it may seem illogical for the Silver & Black, especially considering Wilson’s inability to defeat Vegas even once with the Broncos over two years while the Raiders had quarterbacks like Derek Carr and Jimmy Garoppolo leading the charge.
However, when has the Pirate Cult of The Autumn Wind ever adhered to logic or reason in its five or six decades of existence? The Raiders’ essence was left trembling in Oakland, a place they should have never departed from in the first instance. (The Chargers similarly erred with San Diego. Shame on them.)
Yet, their carefree spirit, characterized by impulsive, rebellious, and often questionable choices, aligns seamlessly with Sin City, doesn’t it? The Raiders are akin to a bachelor party that spiraled out of control about six Uber rides and $7,000 ago.
Russ as a Raider — A
This only amplifies the allure of envisioning Wilson, the virtuous leader, making The Strip his home, particularly to those with a twisted sense of enjoyment.
However, it might be premature to raise our expectations. NFL insider Adam Schefter only hinted at the Raiders as a potential destination for Big Russ after confirmed discussions with the Steelers (the presumed frontrunners) and Giants. The prevailing belief is that the jersey number you’re prepared to burn will likely head east.
Nevertheless, wouldn’t it be intriguing if the Team That Can’t Think Straight and the QB Who Can’t See Over His Linemen impulsively tied the knot in Nevada?
The Broncos-Raiders matchup is already a must-watch west of Council Bluffs. But introducing “Russ vs. Sean Payton” to spice up the narrative? That transforms it into a national spectacle, attracting viewers from coast to coast.
Given the events of the past six months, it’s challenging to predict which individual would have a stronger desire to outdo the other.
All parties involved could potentially benefit from such an arrangement.
The Raiders could secure Russ at the league minimum and revel in the sadistic pleasure of witnessing Greg Penner and Walmart cover the expenses for their starting quarterback. On the flip side, they would need to finance a quarterback capable of defeating them twice a year.
Broncos Country would relish the opportunity to witness Big Russ being outmaneuvered by Baron Browning. With the number 3 orchestrating the plays, driven by ego and an almost comical level of self-assurance, there may be no better chance for the orange and blue faithful to witness the end of their exasperating losing streak against a laughable NFL franchise—eight consecutive losses, a streak that needs to be broken.
If victory seems unattainable, Russ, consider offering Denverites the next best option. Join them. Pretty please?