The Denver Broncos have just finished their three week preseason and came out with three wins, putting up 99 points total in the process. The Broncos sat Bo Nix in the preseason finale on Sunday against the visiting Cardinals as he is getting ready to start week one of the regular season. Jarrett Stidham started against the Cardinals, going 2/4 and 28 yards before giving way to Zach Wilson who flashed his athleticism and arm strength with 251 yards through the air and three total touchdowns.
Immediately following the game, Zach Wilson heaped praise on the Broncos’ new starter, saying he saw the process playing out the way it did before Sean Payton named Bo Nix their starting QB. Jarrett Stidham had a bit of a different tone following the game. This offseason saw a three way competition between Nix, Stidham, and Zach Wilson, with Nix recently locking down the starting role. After Sunday, Wilson made the decision for backup harder on Sean Payton as well. In his time with the media after the game, Stidham voiced his frustrations with another year in the second string position. He stated that he has what it takes to be a starter in the NFL and is confident with what he left on the field this preseason. The coaching staff has made it obvious that they disagree.
Jarrett Stidham is understandably disappointed in the outcome of the quarterback competition. However, given results of the three games, it’s arguable that Jarrett was the third best QB on the roster. He was the only passer on the roster that had two drives ending in interceptions, though the first was a bobble from Samaje Perine into the defenders hands. Wilson did get more snaps on Sunday, indicating that Stidham may have the upper hand as far as the backup role is concerned. His play in the finale makes that call even more tough come Tuesday’s 53 man roster cut down.
Stidham’s comments did sound a bit tone deaf given the timing and how the performance on the field played out. Stidham’s belief that he is a starting caliber QB is baffling given he has never been listed as an opening day starter in his six seasons in the NFL. He has had little success when he was given the opportunity and the ceiling to his play is evident to this point. Given all of this, Stidham is steady when called upon, but should not be counted on other than when absolutely necessary, and even then, Wilson gives better athleticism and arm strength to the room. Tough decisions loom this week, it still would not be surprising to have all three QBs on the 53 man roster after cut downs.
