Everybody wants to write us off

In the hours after it was announced quarterback Russell Wilson had been benched on Wednesday, the Centura Health Training Center felt like a ghost town. The media viewing of practice was lifeless — the silence louder than Travis Scott’s “Escape Plan” blasting through the speakers — with the locker room taking on a somber tone.

Thursday, however, arrived with a new energy. Outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper vibed to the music during position drills, as if it was any other practice. While Wilson sat alone in his locker, scrolling through his phone and not talking to reporters, the rest of the players were back to joking and laughing with one another in the locker room.

Defensive end Zach Allen praised the team for taking the week seriously and keeping the focus on Sunday’s matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers — the final home game of the season. He wasn’t about to throw in the towel on Denver’s slim postseason hopes, either, with backup Jarrett Stidham set to take Wilson’s spot in the starting lineup.

“I know everybody wants to write us off, but there’s still a chance of (making the playoffs),” Allen said. “At the end of the day, this is a very prideful group, and guys are handling it the right way.”

Cooper, who was still disappointed about the loss to New England last Sunday, had his eyes set on finishing the year on a high note, whether that ends in a postseason berth or not.

“That’s going to set the momentum for next season,” he said. “I think it’s important for us and Broncos Country to finish strong.”

Broncos offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi didn’t deny that the decision to bench Wilson in favor of Stidham has been tough. But he admired how the nine-time Pro Bowler has carried himself throughout the situation.

“Russ is a pro. He’s obviously disappointed, but I’m proud with the way he has handled it,” Lombardi said. “It’s been good.”

Lombardi said head coach Sean Payton approached him on Tuesday about the decision to move forward with Stidham as the starting quarterback, with the hope of igniting an offensive spark.

Payton’s long-time lieutenant said he is “optimistic” Stidham can run the offense efficiently, praising the quarterback’s ability to get the ball out quickly.

Even with a new starter, Lombardi doesn’t expect the team to make too many changes offensively. However, Lombardi understands each quarterback has their own personality and thinks minor adjustments will be made to the game plan to complement Stidham’s skillset.

“There are some plays (Stidham) likes (and) some that play to (Wilson’s) strength,” he said. “There might be some slight differences, but nothing drastic.”

Before the quarterback switch, the Broncos’ offense struggled to find a rhythm in recent weeks. Denver averaged 233.4 total yards in the last four games. During that stretch, Wilson threw for six touchdowns and four interceptions while averaging 217.8 passing yards per game.

“Anytime decisions like this are made… the first thing I think about is what could I have done,” safety Justin Simmons said after the news broke Wednesday. “Russ has been a great teammate and a great person. This is not the end for him by any means. …It’s a tough thing that you hate to see.”

Said tight end Adam Trautman: “It’s the nature of the business, and you just roll with it. There are things that are uncontrollable in this league.”

Lombardi said he hasn’t had to worry too much about the decision changing the dynamics within the quarterback room. Stidham said he and Wilson had a “great interaction” during Wednesday’s practice while mentioning how fortunate he has been to play with players like the former Seattle Seahawks star.