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NFL Week 16 takeaways: Finally, playoffs for Justin Herbert

By Logan Lazarczyk

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 26: Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers reacts after defeating the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 26, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 26: Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers reacts after defeating the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 26, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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This past week in the NFL left us with a lot of storylines, including one team in complete turmoil, Justin Herbert clinching his first playoff berth and many more.

Let’s take a look back at the week that was in the NFL in Week 16.

The Denver Broncos have the worst situation in the NFL

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NFL Picks; Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) watches as the closing seconds tick away during the second half against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /

The Russell Wilson acquisition looks like one of the worst trades in NFL history. The icing on the bad cake was then giving Wilson a five-year, $245 million extension before playing a snap for the Broncos.

Denver’s 51-14 loss to the Rams was the final straw for what was already a majorly disappointing season. It was also the final straw for Nathaniel Hackett, as the first-time head coach was fired before a full season under his belt. The Broncos are in a lost season, sitting at 4-11 and with no hope for the future.

Not only do the Broncos have a quarterback that seems to be broken, but they do not have their own first-round pick in this upcoming draft. The pick will most likely be slated in the top five. The Broncos did receive a 2023 first-round pick for Bradley Chubb. Not to mention the fact that it is virtually impossible to get out of Wilson’s contract for the foreseeable future. In other words, Denver has really no choice, but to make it work with the 34-year-old quarterback, as Wilson’s dead cap hit for 2023 is $107 million.

Getting the next head coach right is what should be on top of the ‘To-do list’ for the Broncos’ front office this offseason.

Wilson has demonstrated how to not play quarterback in the NFL throughout this season, but Sunday’s loss to the Rams may have been his worst game as a Bronco. The 11-year veteran threw three awful interceptions, including two early in the first quarter that basically spotted Los Angeles 14 points.

Wilson has been undoubtedly a bottom-three quarterback this season, throwing 12 touchdowns, nine interceptions, and completing only 60.1 percent of his passes.

The product on the field is also extending to the sidelines, as the Broncos have had multiple altercations on the bench, stemming from frustration. None of Wilson’s teammates seem to like him, and I do not blame them because of Wilson’s candid attitude when losing games he plays a major part in coming up short.

Denver’s situation for at least the next three seasons could be miserable if the Broncos cannot find the right head coach.

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