The Denver Broncos are steadily advancing through training camp, and the battle for the starting quarterback position is becoming more defined. Initially a three-way contest, the competition now sees Jarrett Stidham and rookie Bo Nix edging out Zach Wilson.
Inside the Competition
During Tuesday's practice, Stidham took reps with the first-team offense, giving him a slight edge in what has been a fiercely competitive preseason. Notably, it was supposed to be Wilson's turn in the rotation. Nix, the first-round pick, had his moment with the starting unit on Monday, showing that all three quarterbacks are being thoroughly evaluated.
Head Coach Sean Payton has so far refrained from making any definitive statements about who will lead the team this season, leaving fans and analysts alike to speculate. "We'll see," Payton said when pressed about the QB situation, offering little in the way of clarity.
Assessing Zach Wilson
Zach Wilson was acquired from the New York Jets during this offseason, bringing a mixed record of 12 wins and 21 losses over his three seasons in New York. While he managed a 5-4 run as the Jets' starter in 2022, last year's 4-7 record following Aaron Rodgers' devastating Achilles injury in Week 1 has done little to inspire confidence in his leadership.
At 24 years old, Wilson remains the most athletically gifted of the three quarterbacks vying for the starting role. However, his athletic prowess alone may not be enough to secure the position. Unlike Nix, he isn't a first-round pick, and he lacks the familiarity with Denver's offensive scheme that Stidham enjoys. These factors, combined with his inconsistent performance history, place Wilson potentially on the outside looking in.
Jarrett Stidham's Edge
Stidham brings a valuable component to the table: familiarity with Payton's offensive system. His extensive experience within the scheme appears to have garnered a heightened level of trust from the coaching staff. This was evidenced by his reps with the first-team offense during Tuesday's practice, a significant nod from the coaches as they inch closer to finalizing their roster.
The Bo Nix Factor
Rookie Bo Nix has been making a compelling case for himself throughout training camp. As a first-round pick, expectations are high, and so far, he seems to be meeting them. His opportunity with the first-team offense on Monday allowed him to showcase his potential, and he continues to be a strong contender for the starting position.
The upcoming preseason games will be critical for all three quarterbacks. These matches will not only serve as a proving ground but also provide valuable insights into each player's readiness to lead the team when the regular season kicks off.
With the Broncos nearing a decision on their roster, the competition for the starting quarterback spot remains one of the most closely watched narratives in training camp. While Payton has opted to remain non-committal, the performances in the coming weeks will provide the clarity needed to make a final decision. As things stand, the advantage appears to be with Stidham and Nix, but in the realm of professional football, roles can change rapidly, and surprises are always around the corner.