Timothy Rapp@@TRappaRTIncluded Columnist IVDecember 25, 2023
Dustin Bradford/Getty Images
The Denver Broncos entered Sunday night defending a playoff berth and requiring Russell Wilson to lead them to success.
Rather, it was Bailey Zappe who brought the heat.
The New England Patriots quarterback tossed for 256 lawns and 2 goals as the New England Patriots disturbed the Broncos, 26-23.
Wilson’s efficiency was undercooked through 3 quarters on Sunday, as Denver’s offense stagnated for much of the night. He handled to rally the Broncos from a 15-point deficit in the 4th quarter, tossing a set of goal tosses to connect the video game at 23-apiece.
With an opportunity to win it from there Wilson came up brief, and it was Zappe who led the Pats to a game-winning field objective as time ended.
The Broncos required a 5-star efficiency from Wilson, from starting to end, to keep their playoff hopes alive. Fans and experts on social networks were left desiring more:
Colin McTamany @Colin_McT
Russell Wilson cooking on Christmas Eve: << a href="https://t.co/CY1JMSdZhF">> pic.twitter.com/CY1JMSdZhF
Oluwajomiloju @JomiAdeniran
Russell Wilson getting beat by Bailey Zappe << a href="https://t.co/lxQtPhYtMl">> pic.twitter.com/lxQtPhYtMl
Sayre Bedinger @SayreBedinger
Somebody in Broncos media ought to ask Sean Payton after the video game how Bailey Zappe played much better than Russell Wilson in a video game with playoff ramifications. It’s nonsense
Joe Rowles @JoRo_NFL
It’s time to bench Russell Wilson. << br><> < br>> If he gets injured in useless video games the Broncos are on the hook for a $37 M injury warranty.
Robby @Robby_NFL
There are 31 other QBs who can run the offense that is being required Russell Wilson. Most likely more.
Mat Smith @RealMatSmith
I would be completely great if I never ever viewed Russell Wilson play another down for the Denver Broncos.<< br><> < br>> I have actually seen sufficient ✌
Chris Tomasson @christomasson
Russell Wilson sacked once again. Even the absences tonight are booing.
Nick Kosmider @NickKosmider
This is beginning to look a lot like Russell Wilson circa 2022 when it pertains to the rush. Things are simply a mess in the pocket today.
Ryan McFadden @ryanmcfadden_
This is 2022 Russell Wilson we are viewing today.
In overall, Wilson tossed for 237 backyards and 2 goals. It wasn’t enough to beat the 4-11 Patriots, and that just isn’t excellent enough for a group in a playoff hunt.
With the loss, the Broncos dropped to 7-8 and are presently in 11th location in the AFC, with winnable video games versus the Los Angeles Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders staying.
This was a winnable video game, too, and the Broncos muffed it. It might be the minute that cost them their season, and while there is lots of blame to walk around, Wilson’s no-show for 3 quarters was probably the greatest element.
