Even though Russell Wilson’s play has improved dramatically this season, it still doesn’t appear that Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton fully trusts the quarterback.
The plan helped Wilson to some extent. Through 12 games, he is 10th in the league in completion percentage (67.5), seventh in touchdowns (21) and sixth in passer rating (99). However, in the last eight games, he has only crossed the 200 meter mark once.
To be fair to Payton, limiting the QB helps prevent turnovers. In a loss to the Houston Texans in Week 13, Denver (6-6) deviated from the formula that had helped it win five straight games and gave up more shots on the field.
The plan failed as Wilson threw three interceptions and finished with a below-average passer rating of 53.2. The Broncos – 26th in the league in passing yards per game (183.3) – need more big plays through the air to make the playoffs. The New York Times simulator gives them a 21 percent chance of reaching the playoffs.
At some point, Payton needs to change his game and give Wilson more options in the passing game. That strategy could work in Sunday’s road game against the Los Angeles Chargers (5-7), who rank second-to-last in the league in passing yards allowed per game (265, 8).
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