Jerry Rosburg praises Kendall Hinton, says Montrell Washington needs to “develop the fundamentals”

Montrell Washington spent the vast majority of the season because the Broncos’ main returner. The fifth-round draft choose was given loads of leeway to develop into his function as a rookie.

However that leeway ended final week when particular groups coordinator Dwayne Stukes was fired after head coach Nathaniel Hackett was proven the door. Interim coach Jerry Rosburg made the choice to fireside Stukes after which proceeded to bench Washington, who was inactive in Sunday’s loss in Kansas Metropolis.

“I’ve a really excessive opinion of (Washington’s) talent set, (however) he’s a younger participant,” Rosburg mentioned. “He must take these talent units and develop the basics. I’ve been working with these returners on the aspect this previous week… He’s made some enhancements. The roster specified by a sure trend (in opposition to the Chiefs) the place… his contributions weren’t as vital as others.”

The “others” Rosburg referred to was primarily Kendall Hinton, who took over punt return duties in opposition to the Chiefs. Hinton had three returns for 37 yards and “he did precisely what we requested him to do,” Rosburg mentioned. Hinton (24 catches for 311 yards this season) additionally brings extra worth as a receiver than Washington.

Whereas Rosburg left the door open Monday for Washington to probably reclaim his job for the season finale this Sunday in opposition to the Chargers at Empower Subject, it appears to be Hinton’s spot to lose. Hinton was a returner in school as a senior at Wake Forest in 2019.

“You watch the final (return by Hinton within the fourth quarter), he understood what scenario within the recreation we have been in,” Rosburg mentioned. “He was fielding the ball proper on the 10-yard line, so he’s received to take extra danger there. Why? As a result of we’re behind (27-24) and we’d like extra subject place, and he pops out of there for a 17-yard return.”

If Washington is inactive once more Sunday, it would make for a roster query mark heading into the offseason, regardless of the actual fact the Broncos supposed in the beginning of this season to groom Washington to be a long-term impression participant on particular groups.

Rosburg endorses offensive coordinators: The interim boss applauded offensive coordinator Justin Outten and quarterbacks coach/passing recreation coordinator Klint Kubiak for his or her roles in serving to the Broncos put up 24 factors in opposition to Kansas Metropolis, simply surpassing the workforce’s league-worst 15.5 common coming in.

Rosburg mentioned Outten and Kubiak’s recreation plan suited Russell Wilson properly. The quarterback threw for 222 yards with an 81.2 score, with one landing to at least one interception, and likewise ran for 2 scores.

“What does Russell do properly and the way can we help him — we wish to do these issues that he does properly and we would like him to be totally purchased into these issues,” Rosburg mentioned. “I actually consider that occurred final week… No matter we did (in Kansas Metropolis), it must be higher (in opposition to Los Angeles).”

Recreation time introduced: The end line is formally set — the Broncos will conclude their season Sunday at 2:25 p.m. at Empower Subject. The sport time was introduced by the NFL on Monday morning. The Chargers (10-6) have already clinched a playoff berth.