The 2023 NFL season has entered its sixth week. While there is still plenty of time left in the season, teams have to decide whether they want to bolster up for a playoff run, or increase their collection of draft capital to build toward the future. For some teams, they will have to figure out if they have the right quarterback.
In Week 6, there were a variety of quarterback performances that took place. There were good ones, like Tua Tagovailoa's three-touchdown performance in the Miami Dolphins' 42-21 win over the Carolina Panthers. But then there were some bad showings.
Let's look at the quarterbacks who played like they should have been benched in Week 6.
Russell Wilson continues to show he's not the Russell Wilson of old vs. Chiefs
The Russell Wilson era has not gone to plan for the Denver Broncos. They gave up significant draft capital to acquire him, then signed him to a five-year, $242.6 million contract extension before playing a snap for them. His first year was an unmitigated disaster, and the hope was that bringing in head coach Sean Payton would help.
While not entirely awful for the first five weeks of the season, Wilson didn't have a great showing in Week 6 against the rival Kansas City Chiefs.
Wilson and Denver's offense couldn't do anything against Kansas City on Thursday night. In total, Denver put up a total of 197 yards of offense on 49 plays. Wilson, meanwhile, could only muster 95 passing yards on 13 completions (22 attempts). Four of those pass attempts were knocked down at the line of scrimmage, while two were picked off.
The Broncos lost 19-8 to the Chiefs to extend their head-to-head losing streak to 16 games. The last time Denver beat Kansas City, Peyton Manning was their quarterback.
With the Broncos looking like favorites to land a top-three pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Wilson's days as their starting quarterback look numbered.
Gardner Minshew didn't instill much confidence in Colts fans vs. Jaguars
The Indianapolis Colts received some bad news on Sunday morning ahead of their Week 6 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson is seriously considering undergoing season-ending surgery for a Grade 3 AC sprain, as it has been deemed the best course of action to ensure his throwing shoulder is fully recovered. That means the Colts will rely heavily on backup Gardner Minshew.
This offseason, the Colts brought in Minshew, given his knowledge of head coach Shane Steichen's offense during their time with the Philadelphia Eagles. As it turns out, Minshew is better playing off the bench than starting.
Facing the Jacksonville Jaguars, Minshew was the latest Colts quarterback to throw multiple interceptions against the AFC South rival. Three, specifically. Not only that, but he lost a fumble on the second drive of the game, leading to the Jaguars increasing their lead to 14-3 a matter of plays later. All in all, Minshew's three turnovers resulted in the Jaguars scoring 17 points.
Minsehw completed 33-of-55 pass attempts for 329 yards and threw a touchdown.
With Richardson's status for the rest of the season in jeopardy, the Colts will need Minshew to step up if they want to contend for a playoff spot.
Desmond Ridder proves he's not the Falcons QB of the future
It is another week in which it becomes rather obvious that the Atlanta Falcons need to address the quarterback position this upcoming offseason. Falcons head coach Arthur Smith has stuck by Desmond Ridder this year, even after losses on the year.
Maybe it's time for Smith and the Falcons to move forward with Taylor Heinicke.
On Sunday, the Falcons hosted the Washington Commanders in what turned out to be a winnable game for the NFC South team. In the fourth quarter, Ridder had not one but two interceptions late with opportunities to tie the game up.
With over five minutes to go on a third and goal, Ridder threw a jumping pass into the end zone into the waiting hands of...Washington cornerback Benjamin St-Juste. Then, with under a minute left in regulation on Washington's 34-yard line, Ridder's pass intended for running back Bijan Robinson was picked off by linebacker Jamin Davis. That pick was more Davis jumping the route.
On the day, Ridder completed 28-of-37 pass attempts for 307 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions.
It was a winnable game for the Falcons, but Ridder was unable to tie the game up despite having multiple opportunities to do so.
