The Denver Broncos are in the midst of a heated battle for their starting quarterback position, with the competition significantly tightening as training camp progresses. What started as a three-way race has now prominently featured Jarrett Stidham and rookie Bo Nix, while Zach Wilson appears to be on the outside looking in.
Over the past week, the Broncos have rotated their three quarterback candidates with the first-team offense during training camp practices. On Monday, rookie Bo Nix took the stage, showing glimpses of the talent that made him a first-round pick. Jarrett Stidham followed on Tuesday, taking reps with the top unit, a notable sign of the coaching staff’s heightened trust in him. Despite being next in the rotation, Zach Wilson did not take snaps with the first team during Tuesday's session, raising questions about his position in the depth chart.
Head coach Sean Payton has remained notably non-committal about naming a starter. When pressed for comments, Payton's succinct response encapsulated the current state of affairs: "We'll see." This well-worn mantra suggests the decision is far from final and that upcoming preseason games will be crucial for all three competitors.
Zach Wilson's Struggles
Zach Wilson, who was acquired from the New York Jets this offseason, brings with him a mixed record from his tenure in New York. Over three seasons, Wilson accumulated 12 wins and 21 losses. Last season, after Aaron Rodgers’ season-ending Achilles injury in Week 1, Wilson's performance did little to bolster confidence in his capabilities, ending the season with a 4-7 record. Despite these challenges, Wilson, at just 24 years old, remains the most athletic of the trio vying for the starting role. However, his lack of experience in Denver’s offensive scheme, especially compared to Stidham, and the rookie exuberance that Nix brings, casts doubt on his standing.
The Case for Jarrett Stidham
Jarrett Stidham, who has familiarity with Payton's offensive system, appears to be leveraging his knowledge to gain an edge in the competition. His tenure with the first-team offense in recent practices is indicative of the coaching staff’s growing confidence in him. Stidham's experience within the offensive framework could prove to be a key differentiator as the Broncos inch closer to finalizing their roster.
Bo Nix's Rising Star
Meanwhile, rookie Bo Nix continues to make a compelling case for himself. The first-round pick has been impressive enough in training camp to earn significant snaps with the first team. Nix’s natural talent and potential cannot be overlooked, as he aims to translate his collegiate success into the professional arena.
The Broncos’ quarterback saga is poised to unfold further in the upcoming preseason games, serving as proving grounds for Stidham, Nix, and Wilson. With a final decision looming, each snap and each play will carry immense weight for these athletes striving to be named Denver’s starting quarterback. While Payton’s current stance may be a cautious "We'll see," the stakes are undoubtedly high, and the team's final choice will shape the Broncos' offensive future.