The battle for the Denver Broncos' starting quarterback position is heating up as the team navigates through an intense training camp. What began as a three-way competition is slowly narrowing to two potential front-runners: Jarrett Stidham and rookie Bo Nix. The odd man out appears to be Zach Wilson, a recent acquisition from the New York Jets.
Current State of the Competition
During the most recent training session on Tuesday, Stidham took first-team reps, a significant development as it was Wilson's turn in the quarterback rotation. This could indicate a growing trust from the coaching staff towards Stidham, who is familiar with Sean Payton's offensive system. Payton himself has been largely reserved regarding any firm commitments for the starting role, encapsulated in his succinct comment, "We'll see."
Meanwhile, Bo Nix, a first-round pick, had his opportunity with the starting unit on Monday. Nix has been making a strong impression and is very much in the conversation for the starting job. The rookie quarterback is seen as a potential long-term solution, though he lacks the experience that Stidham brings to the table.
Zach Wilson's Struggles
Wilson's tenure with the Jets has been turbulent, boasting a record of 12 wins and 21 losses over three seasons. In 2022, he managed a 5-4 run as the starter before a season-ending Achilles injury to Aaron Rodgers shifted expectations. Last season's 4-7 record didn't bolster confidence either, and now at 24 years old, Wilson finds himself in a precarious situation.
Interestingly, Wilson stands out for his athleticism among the trio. However, being neither a first-round selection like Nix nor as experienced in Denver’s offensive scheme as Stidham, Wilson faces significant challenges. His chance to run with the first-team offense on Tuesday ended up highlighting a divisive choice for the coaching staff.
Decisions and Preseason Games
The Broncos' coaching staff is now heading into a critical phase. The upcoming preseason games are expected to serve as the proving ground for Stidham, Nix, and Wilson. While the competition remains open, each quarterback's performance in these games could heavily influence the final decision.
As the Broncos inch closer to finalizing their roster, each rep in practice and every down in preseason games will be scrutinized. Payton's decision will ultimately shape the direction the franchise takes heading into the regular season. For now, the Broncos' faithful await a clear indication of who will lead the team's offense.
The clock is ticking, and the race is tightening. The coming weeks promise to offer some clarity, but until then, all eyes are on Denver’s practice fields and preseason matchups.