The Denver Broncos' quarterback competition is heating up as the team moves through their training camp. What began as a three-way race is now seemingly down to two serious contenders: Jarrett Stidham and rookie Bo Nix. Meanwhile, Zach Wilson might find himself on the periphery as the Broncos inch closer to finalizing their roster.
Parsing Through the Contenders
Stidham, who took reps with the first-team offense during Tuesday's practice, appears to be solidifying his standing with the coaching staff. Acquired from the New York Jets this offseason, Wilson was expected to bring a level of athleticism unmatched by his counterparts. However, despite his potential and an NFL record of 12 wins and 21 losses over three seasons, his performance has left much room for improvement. In 2022, Wilson managed a 5-4 run as the Jets' starter, which did little to erase doubts, especially following last year's 4-7 record after Aaron Rodgers’ season-ending Achilles injury in Week 1.
At just 24 years old, Wilson's age contrasts with his experience; while he brings athleticism to the table, he lacks the first-round pedigree of Nix or the ingrained familiarity with Sean Payton's offensive scheme that Stidham enjoys. Payton’s approach remains cautious as he evaluates his options, pointing out the importance of observing each player's performance in both practice and preseason games. "We'll see," he remarked, keeping his cards close to the chest.
Jarrett Stidham's Edge
Stidham's familiarity with Payton's system is an invaluable asset. The trust he has garnered with the coaching staff was evident during Tuesday's practice when he operated with the first-team offense, signaling an elevated level of confidence in his capabilities. This sense of trust does not come lightly, indicating that Stidham might be inching closer to securing the starting quarterback position.
Bo Nix’s Rising Case
Rookie Bo Nix, a first-round pick, has not been a passive participant in this race either. On Monday, Nix took the reins with the starting unit, making a compelling case for himself. While his journey is just beginning, Nix's potential has not gone unnoticed. The upcoming preseason games will be crucial for him to showcase his talents and make a definitive statement.
Preserving Cautious Optimism
Despite the shifting dynamics, Coach Payton has remained largely non-committal about who will clinch the starting role. This no-rush approach speaks volumes about the emphasis on making a calculated decision. As the team edges closer to a decision, the Broncos' coaching staff will be closely monitoring performance metrics from the preseason games.
For Wilson, the pressure is on to leverage his athleticism and shake off any doubts lingering from his tenure in New York. Both Stidham and Nix bring their own sets of strengths to the gridiron, making the decision anything but straightforward. Each practice and preseason play will serve as a critical proving ground.
The quarterback competition has been a focal point for the Broncos this training camp. With preseason games around the corner, these games will provide invaluable insights and likely serve as the ultimate decision-maker for Payton and his coaching staff. As the roster nears its finalization, all eyes remain on who will emerge as the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos.