The battle for the Denver Broncos' starting quarterback position is gaining intensity as the team progresses through training camp. Initially, the competition featured three contenders, but Jarrett Stidham and rookie Bo Nix appear to be pulling ahead, leaving Zach Wilson potentially on the sidelines.
Stidham’s Increased Reps
During Tuesday's training camp, Jarrett Stidham took significant reps with the first-team offense. It’s noteworthy that it was Wilson's turn in the rotation, suggesting that the coaching staff is experimenting while observing each player's performance under different conditions. Stidham's familiarity with head coach Sean Payton's offensive system seems to be working in his favor, as his tenure with the first-team offense points to a marked level of trust from Payton and his coaching team.
Sean Payton, characteristically non-committal, succinctly summarized the situation by stating, “We’ll see,” when asked about the quarterback decision. Stidham's experience within the offensive scheme is a pivotal advantage that he holds over his competitors, particularly the more athletic but less experienced Zach Wilson.
Wilson's Struggles to Shine
Wilson was acquired from the New York Jets this offseason, a move that many hoped would invigorate Denver’s options at quarterback. However, Wilson’s track record with the Jets—12 wins and 21 losses over three seasons—does little to inspire confidence. Last year, Wilson managed a 5-4 run as the Jets' starter, and his 4-7 record following Aaron Rodgers' season-ending Achilles injury in Week 1 compounded doubts about his ability to lead a team effectively.
At 24 years old, Wilson is undoubtedly the most athletic quarterback in the competition, but athleticism alone isn’t enough. He lacks the first-round pedigree of Bo Nix and Stidham’s grasp of the Broncos' offensive playbook, which complicates his bid for the starting role.
Bo Nix: The Rookie's Strong Showing
Rookie Bo Nix, a first-round pick, has also made a compelling case for himself. Nix had his opportunity to take the reins with the first-team offense on Monday. While the coaching staff is giving all three quarterbacks ample opportunity to prove themselves, Nix's performances have been noteworthy. His draft status indicates high expectations, and he appears ready to meet the challenges head-on.
Looking to the Preseason
The upcoming preseason games will likely serve as the ultimate proving ground for all three quarterbacks. With the regular season looming, the Broncos are inching closer to finalizing their roster, and these games will provide critical insights into each player’s readiness and fit within the team strategy. The internal competition has brought out the urgency in each contender as they vie for the coveted starting position.
In the days leading up to the preseason games, continued monitoring of how Stidham, Wilson, and Nix handle their assignments will be crucial. Each quarterback must leverage their strengths—whether it's Stidham's system knowledge, Wilson's athleticism, or Nix's high draft status—to secure a spot as the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos.